Learn traditional art taught by masters

Our online classes are not live, they are pre-recorded demos that you do at your own pace.

Our online program provides a simple and solid structure. It is a subscription based program, meaning you pay every month. The courses build upon each other in complexity and allow you to slowly move into more advanced concepts. In addition to fundamental drawing and painting instruction, our program also includes an extensive array portfolio building classes aimed to help you utilize the skills that you've spent time honing in the main program.

As part of any subscription, you get access to our team of graders. They have been trained within the program and will provide written critiques on your work that you submit through the online program. Upon submitting your assignment, our team will review it and get a critique back to you within several days.

They are single purchase $49 classes that you get access to for 7 weeks. They serve as a great introduction to the program for students. Students who sign up for the Mastery Access program get every JumpStart class we offer every term for 10 weeks.

We have seen many students get just as good with the online school as the in person school. It is all about how much time and effort you are putting into your training. You get out of it what you put into it. Some things are easier online, and some are easier in person. Even if you are at the in person school, if you don’t take advantage of the opportunity and put in the work then you will not improve. In the wise words of Jeff’s teacher, Glen Orbik “Learning this stuff is like hiring a gym trainer, he can show you how to use the machines but to get the really big muscles you have to lift the weights yourself.”

No, course videos cannot be downloaded. However, we do offer one downloadable course - The Watts on Bridgman course complete with 300 pages of e-book material.

Yes, all course workbook PDFs can be downloaded. Reference images from the reference library can also be downloaded.

No, you don't have to. The program will work best if you can use the same materials, especially if you want to work towards doing this stuff professionally. Though, many people have had success with this program by using sketchbooks, regular graphite pencils, acrylic paint or water mixable oils. When it comes down to it, the things taught in our program can be described as foundational art concepts. Each different medium will have specific techniques, and ultimately to get the most out of this course we would recommend using the same materials.

All courses in the core drawing and painting portion of the online program have feedback available. Specialty classes such as those listed in the masterclass section of the online program do not have grading feedback available.

In person classes are run at our school in Encinitas, California. Classes run in 5 week terms, with 6 different terms running throughout the year. Most in person classes revolve around the practice of life drawing and painting to help to teach students the fundamentals of art. We also offer classes that are more specialized that cover aspects of color, composition, anatomy and more. Along with the core life drawing/life painting classes and the specialty classes, we also have many fundamental classes for total beginners. Any person of any skill level is welcome at Watts Atelier.

In person classes are $375 for a 5 week class.

We are not able to accept the GI bill for in person classes, but we do offer a discount to veterans for both online and in person programs.

Watts Atelier does not provide student housing. When attending the Atelier in person, you will be responsible for securing housing in the area.