I've always been drawn to nature and revisited landscape painting with oil paints about 7 years ago…read moreafter having not painted since grade school. I've been quite fortunate to have painted with several very talented painters who happened to be instructors, as well. The Art Academy has given me the impetus to paint not only more often, but with confidence, especially, at the painting's sometimes difficult initial stages. I dove into the class after having had it recommended by an artist friend of mine. After several years in Stuart's studio class I've learned an entirely new approach to both studio painting and my original goals for plein air techniques. I'd recommend this course for painters at every skill level. Jim M.

Highly recommend Art Academy of San Diego! Stuart is a skilled artist and personable guide to…read morecreating your art. -CynC

My favorite Art Gallery in the Eastlake Chula Vista area! It's comprised of an amazing team,…read moreupcoming artists, and exceptional works of art. I've experienced both adult and kids art shows and as an outsider, you can tell the amazing work being done at this art studio. I recommend visiting any time during the week and see the art for yourself. The costumer service is amazing and the lead art teacher makes one feel you art at home. It's a welcoming experience! I am already signed up to take classes there starting in 2020!!! Extremely excited to start my art journey.

From the owner: Our Art Houz team is comprised of passionate art educators and working artists. Seeing talent…read moreemerge from a blank slate is what drives and inspires our own personal creativity. Our goal is to open doors in art careers for burgeoning artists. We are fulfilled by preparing our students for a fruitful art career or simply fostering an exploration into their personal art journey. We believe creativity, imagination and experimentation are the key aspects in creating a masterful art piece.

I've been taking art classes with Kris for about a year now, and I can honestly say it has been one…read moreof the best decisions I've made for my growth as an artist. Kris is an incredible instructor, knowledgeable, patient, and inspiring. I've had the chance to take a variety of classes with him, including plein air, portrait, still life, and open studio, and in each one he provides clear guidance while also encouraging creativity and personal expression. He has a way of making every class engaging and approachable, no matter your skill level, and he always shares techniques and insights that make a huge difference. Thanks to Kris, I've not only improved my technical skills, but I've also gained more confidence and joy in creating art. His passion for teaching and genuine care for his students really shine through. I highly recommend his classes to anyone who wants to learn, grow, and be inspired as an artist. Also very affordable classes for all the knowledge passed and personalized attention.

I happened to come across Kris painting outdoors with some students, and after chatting with him…read morefor a few minutes, I felt that he would be a wonderful teacher. Two years later and I know I made the right decision! Kris is an outstanding teacher and an accomplished artist. He is clear and specific in his instruction, and provides personal guidance with a positive attitude, kindness, patience and humor. He immediately puts you at ease and helps you develop a successful painting. I've learned so much from Kris and strongly recommend his courses.

It was a really hard decision for me to pursue the College portfolio program. I thought it would be…read moretoo difficult to combine it with my acting career and I was positive that the people who succeeded at Prima were probably just some "rare/special cases" ...but the curiosity to find out was just too tempting, so I decided to go for it and do the Portfolio, and I dove right in. At first it was a kick in the butt, I wanted to learn things "my way" and as a result of my stubbornness I didn't get the best results, but after finally conceding to the guidance I decided to let go of some preconceived notions and follow their advice. The breakthrough was immediate. Prima Materia accelerated method took hold and within a month I was lucky enough to auction a piece of my work from the sketching and drawing class. I have since built a knockout portfolio, finished the program, and now have a website. Also the true gifts have been the relationships I have made along the way in those classes as well as the internal transformation that took place from having completed the Portfolio program. I now have confidence in my ability to share my voice through art, something I didn't have before I took my leap of faith. Super happy! It's the best thing I've ever done with my time. There is so much joy. It's been a gift.

I would give it a zero if I could. This is not a class for beginners as described by the owners,…read moreit is extraordinarily expensive, the owner is completely disrespectful to her students. The program suggests "highly individualized mentorship, customized portfolio development (via zoom??) and completely non-existent guidance. I do not recommend this at all unless you live in San Diego and can attend classes in person. Outside of that- it's a total sham.

I often describe Tijuana cuisine as going through a culinary renaissance. So many restaurants keep…read moregetting better and fancier with each passing year, it's quite remarkable. Even Anthony Bourdain thought so... and come on, if Anthony Bourdain makes a statement about food, it must be truth. The funny thing is, as much as the culinary arts have grown in town there really aren't that many culinary schools in town that aren't crazy expensive private art schools. It's a bummer that people have to go across the border to get this sort of training and education. That's why I'm a fan of this Culinary Art School. The quality of chefs that come out of here is amazing, some of them work at the finest restaurants in town. Aside from the usual culinary school programs and degrees they also offer small workshops where anyone can sign up (last one I heard of was a beer appreciation course) if this is something that might interest you go ahead and sign up on their website so you can get the newsletter!