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Adult
Fri, May 2, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
10:00am - 1:00pm EDT
Glen K.
Class Experience
Art has the power to give visual voice to our deepest thoughts and feelings. Training is needed to master that voice. In this class students of ALL experience levels (from absolute beginners to gallery-exhibiting artists) learn how to master their craft.
Working from photographic sources provides beginners a clearly defined goal to hone their drawing and color mixing skills. More advanced artists will find themselves able to deepen their image-making power as we discuss why and how we choose to translate the photographic source into a work of art.
Compass Atelier founder, Glen Kessler, runs this 6-session weekly course throughout the year. Many students find the community and continued growth become a reason to stay on board for years. Whether you are new to art, looking to take your work to the next level, or just want to find a community of like-minded people to enjoy making something alongside, you will love this class.
Other Things To Know


Up to 2 weeks prior - full refund
8-14 days prior - full refund, minus $20 fee
1-7 days prior - half refund, minue $20 fee
Day of or after - no refund
What To Bring
SUPPLIES
Paints – Gamblin Artist Grade (37 or 150mL)
- Alizarin Crimson*
- Quinacridone Red*
- Permanent Orange*
- Hansa Yellow Light*
- Phthalo Green*
- Phthalo Blue*
- Ultramarine Blue*
- Ivory Black*
- Titanium Zinc White*
- Dioxazine Purple*
- Quinacridone Magenta*
Brushes
- Rosemary & Co – Compass Atelier Starter Kit † or Plaza Georgetown series brushes in an assortment of filbert, flat, and round sizes 2-8
- Rosemary & Co – Compass Atelier Blending Kit † or an assortment of ‘sable’ brushes
- Oval Mop Brush (Princeton Select ¼”, 1”)*
- Filbert Grainer (Princeton Select ¼”, ¾”)*
Other Necessities
- New Wave Posh Palettes (12” x 16” gray glass)*
- Masterson StaWet Palette Boxes (blue top)*
- Quart or gallon of GamSol*
- Silicoil jar (glass jar with metal coil inside)*
- Palette knife (Liquitex Small Knife #1)*
- Sketchbook (any size or style)*
- Palette scraper
- Assorted sizes of canvases or canvasboards
- Container for supplies
- “The Painter’s Compass Color Wheel” (available at The Compass Atelier Store & Plaza)
- Wet erase marker (available at Staples or The Compass Atelier Store)
- Paper towels (blue shop towels highly recommended) (not available at Plaza)
- Bar of Ivory soap (not available at Plaza)
ALL supplies marked with a * can be purchased in a bundle through Plaza Artist Materials at discounted prices. For pick up at Rockville store only:
https://www.plazaart.com/the-compass-atelier-painting-kit
ALL supplies marked with a † can be purchased in a bundle through Rosemary & Co Brushes:
https://www.rosemaryandco.com/index.php?route=product/search&filter_name=compass
Reviews for Painting From Photos
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 activity ratings
Anne B.
Apr 12, 2025
Loved:
Everything!
Painting From Photos
Location: Compass Art Center, Compass Atelier 2 | Instructor: Glen Kessler
Marjan K.
Apr 11, 2025
Loved:
Everything
Painting From Photos
Location: Compass Art Center, Compass Atelier 2 | Instructor: Glen Kessler
Reviews for Compass Art Center
4.9 out of 5
Based on 37 provider ratings
Jane Q.
Mar 23, 2025
Loved:
Great instructor and amenities in studio. Personalized instruction. And Parking!!!! I loved the atmosphere of the center.
Improvements:
Can't think if anything.
Figure Drawing
Location: Compass Art Center, Compass Atelier 1 | Instructor: Samantha Stover
Rodolfo M.
Mar 23, 2025
Loved:
knowledge of the instructor and his method of teaching
Watercolor Painting (studio)
Location: Compass Art Center, Compass Atelier 2 | Instructor: Rajendra KC
Melissa P.
Feb 25, 2025
Loved:
My granddaughter is still in the class. She loves trying new things, making art friends, and working with the instructor.
Improvements:
Nothing
Winter 2025 - Adventures in Drawing & Sculpture (11 classes)
Location: Compass Art Center, Young Masters Art Studio | Instructor: Svetlana Belenkaya
Compass Art Center Location
Compass Art Center, Compass Atelier 2
10335 Kensington Pkwy, First Floor, Kensington, MD 20895
Meet your Instructor
About Compass Art Center
Compass Art Center is the home to THREE incredible studio art schools: The Compass Atelier (adults), Stone Branch Art Program (teens), and Young Masters Art Studio (children and tweens).
The Compass Atelier has served the Washington, DC area for over a decade with the highest caliber art instruction for adults looking to start their artistic journeys or take their hobby to a professional level. Year-round weekly classes, visiting artist workshops with some the country's top artists, and their revolutionary 3-year Master Artist Program are available for anyone to enroll.
Stone Branch has helped teens maximize their artistic ability through incredible lessons and near-one-on-one guidance. Middle schoolers have attained acceptance to magnet high school art programs and high schoolers have gotten into every top art school and university in the country through Stone Branch guidance.
Young Masters offers exceptional drawing and painting classes for children ages 5-12. Our lesson plans are developed according to the student's age and skill level. We limit the size of our classes to 8 or fewer, allowing our instructors to provide personal attention for every student. Most of our instructors are professional artists who bring their knowledge and expertise to every class. We foster creativity and imagination in all artworks to ensure students build confidence in addition to skill.