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I had fun learning to draw at this class. I discovered that I may have a hidden talent. The teacher was encouraging, and the fun part was sharing our creativity with everyone in the class. I would definitely take this class again to improve my drawing skills.
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Love this class—I have been attending this class about a year and will happily continue taking it. The instructor is very professional and informative. Participants in the class are very friendly - during the critic time we always inspire and learn so much from each other. And I especially enjoy the figurative drawing session
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Great class
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Love this class
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The Chelsea drawing & painting workshop is such a special respite in NYC! I was looking for a creative outlet as a form of stress relief from my corporate job, and the vibe was exactly what I needed. The classes are relaxed – you progress at-you-own-pace and skillset – and Raul is there to give guidance whenever you need. As someone with no prior experience with drawing, I love how nonchalant, non-judgmental, and quirky the atmosphere is. Raul is great at introducing students to each-other and cultivating conversation and cheer throughout the session and during breaktime. I ended up going consistently for 3 months, and I’m looking forward to picking it up again, when my schedule allows. Highly recommend giving the studio a shot.
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Raul is very knowledgeable, supportive, & inspired teacher.
He makes you feel comfortable and understands your needs, no matter what is your level in art. His suggestions is always helpful.
Raul is friendly, fun to be around, hight educated in many fields. During the break he involves students in discussions about art, music, science, and many more. After classes you improve your painting/ drawing skills, meet nice people and feel happy being in relax environment.
I highly recommend this workshop.
Look forward to come back.
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Ce cours fut mon premier atelier, ou j’ai commencé mes premières peintures. Au début j’étais un peu stressé, et je doutais de mes capacitiés. Mais Raul est un des meilleurs instructeurs, il m’a mises à l’aise et a réussi à trouver le talent que j’avais en moi (et dont je n’avais même pas idée).
Je suis parti pendant 2 ans à Toronto ou j’ai essayé plusieurs écoles d’Arts, mais ça n’avait rien à voir avec les enseignements de Raul qui reste le numéro 1.
Cela fait 6 mois que je suis retourné à New York, et c’est avec plaisir que j’ai retrouvé l’atelier de Raul ou je peux créer, être confortable comme chez moi avec une ambiance artistique, conviviale et amicale.
Je recommende fortement cette endroits pour les gens qui veulent apprendre à peindre, ou pour ceux qui veulent developper leur talents, ou tout simplement pour les gens qui veulent passer de bon moments artistiques.
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Raphael is a knowledgeable and amazing art instructor. I learned skill, technique and methods of creativity in his class. Everyone in his class works on their own piece at their own pace. I would recommend this class to any artist or someone interested in art.
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I have been taking art classes with Rafael since last year. Just after four months of the workshops My art was selected for Salmagundi exhibition. Rafael taught me how to draw with pastels and i have been mastering it until now. Rafael gives you very useful insights at every class and helps you to excel as a beginning artist. With his help I have already painted about 8 art pieces.
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Raphael is simply the best. He's inspiring, fun, patient, kind, and so much more. My friend invited me to this class a few months ago, and I have been going every week (and bringing along other friends!). The class is warm and inviting, and Raphael makes you feel comfortable no matter what background in art you have. I highly recommend attending this class--I feel more creative and inspired than before. Thank you, Raphael for re-nurturing my love for art!
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Raphael is an amazing teacher. His teaching methods make it a fun, delightful, social experience that brings out your creativity. Looking forward to the next class!!
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Great class. Knowledgeable teacher.
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This class has been a true gift. Rafaei is not only a talented and skilled artist but a generous and supportive teacher. He gives clear attention to the needs of his students but encourages us to find our way of expressing ourselves. He is both knowledgable and relaxed and an outstanding guide. I now go to class as often as I can and my confidence and skill are growing.
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Great class in a cozy/ artistic studio in Chelsea. Not your usual commercial course. Very passionate teacher, pleasant music and interesting insights about famous artists their achievements and quotes. Highly recommend.
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I learnt a lot and I am totally coming back.
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I’ve participated three times in Raphael-Raul’s art class now and enjoy it every time. He takes time for each student and explains every step which eventually leads you to your final painting. We always have very nice conversations which creates an even more comfortable atmosphere. I can’t wait to go there again.
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I attended this workshop with my daughter. It was a great experience! Raphael is very pleasant and a great instructor. We will definitely come back again for another project.
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I just attend my first class with Raphael last Friday. Having no past art experience, he has a way of making you feel comfortable, open and able to get through this class. He perfectly timed a break when I found myself getting frustrated and offered tips and demonstrations the whole 3 hours to each one of his students. By his demeanor and passion you can tell that teaching others is not only something he loves to do but something he was meant to do. 3 hours with him will open up a side of yourself you didn't know was there. Highly recommend this class if you're thinking of exploring a new side of yourself.
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Raphael was phenomenal. I came in with no drawing skills and he gave a good balance of technique, critique and encouragement. I liked that he also taught composition fundamentals. I look forward to coming back.
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Really great way to spend a saturday evening. Instructor was very attentive and knowledgeable. Would recommend!
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This was a great course! The instructor is insightful and helpful while also encouraging creative freedom. We'll definitely be coming back!
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Great evening. Instruction was great, people were friendly and the time flew by.
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My dad and I very much enjoyed our art class with Raphael. Extremely knowledgeable, and found his class therapeutic. The best!
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I loved this drawing class! The space is very intimate and it’s cool to be in a professional artists studio. Raul was a pleasure and very personable. His aid and guidance was a huge help and I can’t wait to go back!
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The course was very good. The space is friendly and calm. The teacher was very patient and willing to guide you in whatever you needed. Highly recommendable.
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A lot of fun!
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Relaxing, calm class with a very knowledgeable teacher. Everybody there was friendly and supportive. Surprised by my progress in just 3 hours. Will be back!
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It was really fulfilling to explore my creative side again. Rafael did a wonderful job at guiding me, explaining techniques and being encouraging. I had already enrolled of his 2 classes, and am glad that I will have the opportunity to continue my artwork with him two weekends in a row. Everyone there was friendly and personable. A lovely lady from Australia even brought in some homemade baklava. I would highly recommend anyone to take this class. Great atmosphere and a fun time. Thanks Rafael.
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The teacher was knowledgeable, patient, and had a good demeanor to relate to others and teach.
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Really enjoyed this class! I brought my girlfriend along as something different to do in the city and we both really enjoyed the class with lots of friendly and talented artists.
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Great very instructive class. Instructor very knowledgeable
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Great class and learned a lot in just one class. Teacher was very knowledgeable and provided helpful feedback. Will take additional classes.
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When I booked the class, I did not know what to except. I was very pleasantly surprised. Very relaxed atmosphere, peaceful, quiet and enjoyable. You imagine and create something from scratch and give it life with the help of a friendly and knowledgeable teacher. What more could you want?
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Very relaxing and therapeutic, with very encouraging instruction! It’s the kind of thing you want to have as your weekly ritual.
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Fantastic class. Raul is a remarkable teacher. He shows you basic skills that will make you produce something far better than you thought you could, even in the first class. He’s knowledgeable and inspiring.
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I hadn't drawn seriously at all in my life previously to taking Raphael's class but he does an incredibly neat job laying out the foundations and highlighting a student's innate strong point (we all have a style that we innately prefer to draw in). He's good at guiding each student in terms of developing their styles and preferences, as well as suggesting new techniques to expand on the student's craft. I feel he's not just a great teacher but a mentor as well. Very pleased to have taken classes by Raphael.
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I gifted this class for my boyfriend who has more experience than me and we both were able to learn new skills and theory about art and painting.
Raphaél is a great instructor and it’s fun to see the different levels of students in the class and what they have accomplished.
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I'm a true beginner and I thought this was a wonderful, welcoming experience.
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I gifted this class to my boyfriend for his birthday and we had a wonderful time. The class was very focused and Raphael-Raul was a very helpful teacher and gave constructive advice as we moved through the class. As a novice drawer, I was not intimidated at all and plan on attending the workshop monthly!
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This class is a good mix of casual and instructional. The teacher is highly knowledgable and genuinely interested in the students. It’s a great atmosphere with cool people.
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Awesome class with a great instructor! It was a very comfortable environment with a mixed group of people. I will definitely be back to continue my art education and keep meeting interesting people.
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I had a great experience. The artist was knowledgeable and made the workshop interesting. He also encouraged creativity. It helped me to re-engage with art. Thank you for that.
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Raffaele is a fantastic teacher.
We were both beginner artists and felt very well guided in the course.
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I haven't done any art work since I was a kid. This class what outstanding! The instructor was able to meet me at my level and I felt confident and accepted in such a nurturing environment. Great way to meditate after a long day after work.
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I love this art class. It is fun and very relaxing to draw. Location is next to the subway station. Our art teacher is very professional and easy to communicate. He speaks English and Spanish.
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The teacher wasexcellent
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Awesome class!
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Found the class, Art Workshop more in-depth and informative than expected. Rafael, the teacher infused the class with calm, comfort, education and the freedom to draw at our individual level.
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This class was great! Beginners along with more experienced artists will enjoy themselves. The teacher is knowledgeable and teaches at a good pace, giving both group and one on one advice throughout the class as we draw. He provides materials and even a little mid-class snack, which is very nice! Going back!
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Absolutely loved the class! A mix of a little bit of theory with a lot of practice, in a friendly and relaxed environment. Raphaél is a skilled teacher and artist, and was available to provide feed back when I needed it.
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Estoy súper satisfecha con lo que logrado aprender con el maestro Rafael-Raul, quien es un experto en las artes plásticas. Su forma de explicar a los estudiantes es bien practica y profesional. Me gusta como se enfoca en la necesidad de sus estudiantes sin importar el nivel de cada quien. Me ha inspirado mucho a seguir mejorando mi trabajo cada vez más. Comencé a tomar esta clase los Miércoles y luego cambié para los Jueves por conveniencia de mi propio horario, pero me encantaría poder asistir a todas sus clases para dedicarle más tiempo a las parte que deseo reforzar. Su estudio de trabajo es un lugar inspirador y acogedor por todo el arte que lo rodea y por el trato personalizado que cada quien recibe.
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I am completely new to drawing and art, and this was the perfect class for me! Raphael-Raul was really encouraging throughout, and helped me figure out my own personal form of expression. Going back next week! Highly recommend for anyone looking to de-stress or looking to be creative.
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I had a really nice afternoon drawing and Rafael was super nice. He was a good instructor and really helped me. I am going back for sure!
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Excellent class for beginners or those like me who need a serious refresher after a 20 year lapse. Our instructor Raphael-Raul was very attentive when needed but he also let you work on your own pace. Very good at explaining the basics & a fun class, made me realize how much I missed drawing. Will definitely be going back & I'd definitely recommend this class for beginners.
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Raphael-Raul was a very helpful teacher. Others were drawing and some new to drawing but he still took time to ensure everyone received his attention.
The studio was intimate with tons of art everywhere just what you would think a real working studio should look like.
Super close to subway and easy to get in, as long as you keep turning left. Look forward to returning for more.
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Loved this class. Learned about context and technique AND was able to accomplish more in the three hours than I expected. Will be back.
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Muy interesante el aprendizaje, el profesor bilingue muy recomendable.
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Really liked the class. The teacher was very helpful and made us feel very comfortable. I would def go back!
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Excellent class and instructor. The group vibe was great and the individual pointers were terrific. I had better sketching results than ever before. A true teacher.
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Absolutely fantastic time....I went with a friend who had more experience with drawing and we both found the session quite worthwhile and will return regularly.
At first we were told to select/arrange a still life set up and then handed charcoal and told to proceed. Work so well since Raphael was able to see what each of us was capable of and what type of eye we had. We each had run off the top page with our drawing so he showed us about “mapping” points to show quickly the positions of each object in the still life to prevent running off the page. During the three hours, we went on to rearrange the still life and then to use values. Great time.
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The artist Raphael-Raul was terrific. Not all artists can be fine teachers but he certainly is. First thing after greetings was for each of us to set up a still life and using charcoal paint it. He did this to see where we each were.Wonderful approach. His observations and suggestions were so informative and helpful. His explanations connected to the whole realm of art history.
The three hours passed quickly and he was always right there if someone had a question and he would be wandering around giving encouragement.
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From the moment you arrive at Raphael’s studio, you are put at ease. Raphael’s class is fun and instructive. I look forward to my next class.
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Great class! This guy really loves what he does! He was able to meet me where I am and bring the best out of me. He is very patient and has a great sense of humor! I will be back next week!
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English below!
Disfruté muchísimo esta clase y se la recomiendo a cualquier persona con cualquier nivel de experiencia, que quisiera conectarse de nuevo con su espíritu artístico. Raphael es un instructor maravilloso que comunica muy bien con todxs sus estudiantes - ¡y en cuatro idiomas! Sus consejos a mí me ayudaron mucho, no solamente sus sugerencias artísticas, sino también sus reflexiones personales y filosóficas. Dentro de pocas horas, aprendí varias técnicas muy útiles del dibujo y además conoci a un grupo de personas muy amables a quienes también les interesaba explorar sus lados creativos. Les recomiendo mucho estas clases, ¡disfruten!
I highly enjoyed this class and would recommend it to anyone of any level of experience who wants to reconnect with their artistic spirit. Raphael is a fantastic instructor who communicates wonderfully with all the students, and in four different languages! I found his advice to be very helpful, not just his artistic suggestions, but also his philosophical and personal reflections. In a few hours, I learned a lot of great drawing techniques and met a lovely crowd of folks who were also interested in exploring their creative sides. I highly recommend these classes, enjoy!
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Really great class! A good escape from the stressful art I've been doing, and the other people there are really friendly!
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A warm, inviting space for anyone looking to improve their drawing/painting skills. A wonderful way to spend a Wednesday afternoon! I'll be back next week to learn more.
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Raphaél's Friday night class was great! Very personalized experience based on your level. As a beginner I felt I was given the right fundamentals and helpful instruction to improve and stay inspired.
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I learned far more in the 3 hours I attended this class than I thought I was going to. The instructor is patient, knowledgeable, and gave as much individualized attention to the students as he could (and I needed A LOT of help!)
I am really pleased that I attended this class, and excited to continue to try and unlock my fullest potential. This class made me feel like anything is possible.
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Raphaél offers such a unique experience in his home. As a completely novice artist, Raphaél's instruction was both helpful and not overbearing. It was a great opportunity to meet new, interesting people as well!
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Such a great class to learn all different types of techniques and practice what you’ve learned. This is such a gem! Will definitely return!
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My husband and I always look forward to our Friday night lessons with Raphael. He is an excellent teacher and with his guidance we have produced artwork we never thought we could do. We highly recommend him especially for a fun, relaxing experience.
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I really enjoyed this class! Raphael is very encouraging and creates a lovely atmosphere where everyone is working at their own pace in a relaxed environment. It was a great experience and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a place to start and practice their art. I learnt a lot and will definitely be going back!
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So nice to be in such a lively, informal, artistic environment! As a small group where everyone works very independently - and the students have such varied experience levels - there is a very personal level of couching. Raphael is clearly very passionate about instilling artistic foundations and appreciation in his students, and I love that you can show up on the weeks that work for you instead of committing to a larger timeframe.
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Excellent class.
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Highly recommend this class. Raphael is very knowledgeable and patient. I am very much looking forward to the next class.
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Truly wonderful experience!
Ultra insightful! Beautiful ambience!
Excellent teacher!
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Ce cours es génial ! Prof très à l'écoute apprentissage des techniques de dessins et premiers essais réussi hâte de prendre le prochain cours je conseille vivement!
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I enjoyed the art class very much, relaxing very friendly setting for learning. In the two sections i have taken i have learned two great tips..the instructor is very detail and very attentive to each students area of improvement..plus Mr. Rafael is bilingual which is a big plus..I highly recommend this workshop..i m happy i found this great place to improve my art skills...:)...Nancy
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This is exactly how I wish to learn all subjects in life. At first, it was just draw to see our skills. And from there, Critique and guidance. And then a second go at it with help. And dramatic difference. Amazing class! Will be coming Back multiple times with my friend! Highly Recommended
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I loved it. My experience was awesome
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This is THE BEST art class I have ever attended. Not just because Raphael is an excellent teacher, but because he creates an environment in his workshop that fosters a sense of calm that is difficult to find in New York City.
My experience in my first workshop has led me to come back again and again to continue developing my creative skills. I have even invested in my own supplies and begun working on a series of my own pieces. I am working towards submitting my work to be exhibited under the careful instruction of Raphael.
I was also moved to write a blog about the experience, which you can read here: https://victoriaeatsworld.com/2018/03/13/the-chelsea-drawing-painting-workshop/
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I have thoroughly enjoyed attending Raphael’s classes on a professional and personal level. Raphael is an extremely talented artist in his own right and I have thoroughly appreciated being mentored by him in the development of my own pieces. The atmosphere of the studio is warm and open but still very professional. Raphael has imparted much of his wisdom both in terms of technical artistic skills and historical art movements and events. The studio is an inspiring place to work - full of art and sculptures and flooded with light. For an authentic artistic experience drawing and painting with a true NYC artist I thoroughly recommend attending
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I really enjoyed the environment and the professor catering to different levels of students.
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Raphael was so helpful, very eager to share his art wisdom. As someone with no foundation in drawing this was great, and such a fun and relaxing way to spend three hours.
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Great instructor. Warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable.
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Great instructor, great class, great experience overall. Would recommend this class to anyone interested to really learn about techniques of visual art.
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The session was perfect for a beginner artist, and gave me great insights into how to start building my craft and technique. Highly recommend!
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The instructor opens his apartment to students and walks you through the starting process: from choosing objects to draw, to specially setting objects on paper, then setting tone color. If time permits student can transfer set up picture to larger drawing canvas. Its a good starting point to begin to draw or refresh on skills.
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Excellent teacher! He teaches with his soul and also he offers a wide variety of different techniques. I really enjoy it!!!
Excelente profesor!! Enseña con el alma, así como también ofrece una gran variedad de técnicas. También fomenta la creatividad y el desarrollo artístico de los alumnos. Fue un placer!
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Rafa is a very compassionate teacher who caters to every student’s individual techniques. He is truly a delight
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The class was perfect. I learned basic principles that allowed me to get started right away. He provided helpful, constructive feedback and I feel encouraged and eager to return and take more classes.
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I enjoyed this class entirely. The instructor was very methodical, patient , motivational & knowledgeable. I recommend this class to anyone interested in art. Great class.
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Very encouraging and supportive teacher. Feedback and instruction was helpful. I hope to go back though I wish there was a weekend option!
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While the instructor was clearly knowledgeable, and a good artist, the class was a little too ambitious, moving from the basics of drawing to pastels in three hours. The drawing instruction basically boiled down to make guidance marks, then draw... I wanted more help with the basics of drawing.
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Had a lot of fun. Produced art work that I liked. Delivered what it said it would deliver.
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Great class
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Very art immersion and an inspiring experience. We could learn how to be more creative and express our creative spirits during the classes. Definitely recommend it and hope to back again.
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He paints with his heart and teaches you to do the same. Loved every minute of it
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Raphael was incredibly knowledgable and enthusiastic. Even though I was a complete beginner he was patient and helped me to create a piece of art while also teaching me the basics of composition. It was nice that the class size was small and the hands-on instruction was appreciated.
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Such a terrific, talented, generous and nice teacher, takes time to help and I learned new techniques I did not know before that are so very helpful. Wonderful and meaningful class!!!!
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Great class!
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Raphael is very helpful and he gives useful advice and ways to help improve your skills/abilities.
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The teacher helped me a lot and was very friendly. I advise people who wants to draw to go there !
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Lovely relaxed atmosphere, great personal attention!
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I really like this class. I came to NY to study English. Even I’m not a native English speaker, I enjoyed a lot in this class. The teacher is nice and helpful.
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Quelques heures de dessin très apprécié. La magie du lieu et l'implication et la sympathie du professeur rendent ce cours vraiment bien. Je recommande fortement ce cours qui en vaut véritablement la peine :-)
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Really enjoyed my first workshop. Raphael is an excellent and seasoned instructor who manages to effectively cater his session to all levels, and has a wealth of knowledge to share. Looking forward to my next session!
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Had a lovely time and great session in a cosy studio. Inspiring to get back into drawing.
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Enjoyable afternoon with excellent instruction for a rank beginner.
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This class has been my favorite art class, the instructor is very helpful which is great for beginners but also a great environment for artists continuing their work. I will definitely be returning
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Loved my class. I definitely think I learned a lot and it was my first class. Looking forward to do it again!
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The teacher was very patient and excellent! I was able to learn techniques from him that helped improve my drawing skills.
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The class was really enjoyable! As a newbie, I learned about the foundations of drawing (i.e. composition, greyscale, etc.). The instructor was really knowledgeable and personable. I would definitely recommend and plan on going back.
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Instructor very helpful and gave lots of individual attention and helpful tips. A great place to study art!
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This was a great class! He really teaches to all skill and experience levels and encourages each artist to follow their own creative instincts, while also offering some fundamentals to provide structure to the experience. I'm looking forward to going back!
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I learned new technics in drawing. The teacher was excellent.
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This was my first pastel darwing/painting class and was the creative escape I needed. It's not just about art; a great small community has been created in the instructor's own apartment. The experience was authentic and I'm looking forward to attending on a regular basis.
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Great class. Exactly what I was looking for. Highly recommend and will definitely be going back regularly.
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This was the first time I took an art class. The instructor was very helpful in getting us to understand the concept of perspective, proportion, color scales, artistic license, etc. We were able to produce our own sketches with objects provided at the studio. This class enable us to have a better appreciation for works of art.
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Class was fantastic! The instructor was really supportive for a beginner and you could see a range of abilities in the class that was supported by the instructor. I was able to complete a first draft of a still life drawing and I learned a lot in one session about the basics of drawing.
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Raul was extremely knowledgeable - he taught about the technique, gave context / history to drawing and was encouraging. He made sure I was getting it right and re-directed me if otherwise. I felt I learned a lot. He was obviously very passionate about art and it was inspiring to be in a room full of other artists who were as well (though a little intimidating). All in all the class and instructor were a delight : )
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It was a wonderful class; helped to reaffirm techniques that I had learned prior and reinforce them while showcasing new methodologies. Being around other aspiring artists makes for a pleasant environment that allows for inspiration and the sharing of knowledge. The teacher is quite observant and quick to point it where you're struggling or doing well and offers tips on how you can improve your work.
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Very sweet guy, knows his stuff and cares.
His classes are very enjoyable, you wont be sorry!
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The artist himself is very professional and guides each student individually. You can really challenge yourself in this art class.
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I had a very good time at this workshop. Relaxing atmosphere with well equipped and the teacher is very nice and friendly. Everyone can enjoy drawing and painting in your space.
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Wonderful experience. An eye-opening experience to art! Thanks.
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This was a great small class with lots of personal attention, which was really helpful for myself as a beginner. Without having much experience at all, I came away with a charcoal drawing that may very well be the first piece for my portfolio! Will definitely be attending again in the future.
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Raul was very helpful, and had some good comments. I felt I learnt some new stuff.
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Raul gave me a lot of freedom in deciding what to draw. He also had good inputs which helped improve my drawing. Overall it was a good experience.