Online Atelier Testimonials
I find Sadie's videos very helpful in developing techniques that I can practice every day. The materials lists are also great! I enjoy her insights on accepting where you are on a given day and moving beyond "stuck" points. Her voice is so pleasant and she is a good companion as I work alongside her during the demo.
--Joanne, Drawing and Painting Courses Purchaser
This is exactly the type of classical art education I wanted 50 years ago (but honestly didn't know then if it existed) when I was an art major in (US) college and suffered through a 1970's style discover-it-yourself curriculum. I am 70 years old now (hey, age is only a number) and I am ecstatic to have the challenge of finally, truly learning to draw and paint. Intellectually, the exercises are immensely appealing and challenging. There is a Zen feeling to committing to the daily exercises.
--Julie, Online Atelier Member
This has been the class I've been looking for since rekindling my love and desire to draw and paint again some years ago. A method of progressive learning to see and to understand what I'm looking at and a means to break the subject into manageable steps and pieces a little at a time. I started the end of January and already feel and see a change in my abilities and my confidence. I have also appreciated finding others that have the same desire to strive and achieve a level of realism, which has given me permission and validation to do the same. A feeling that I've carried throughout my life but have felt somewhat out of step with the creatives around in my community. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
-- Michelle, Intro to Classical Drawing and Bargue Plate Course Purchaser
The quality of the videos and the instruction are superb. As a largely self taught but passionate artist you have advanced my oil painting to a level I could not have achieved without you.
-- Tony, Online Course Purchaser
The quality of instruction is very high, the course is demanding and is suitable for people who want only the very best, the feedback is prompt and encouraging as well as supportive.
-- Monique, Online Atelier Student
The depth of the course was greater than I expected but is very welcome and both the amount and quality of the feedback is hugely impressive.
-- Kate, Online Atelier Student
In so many ways this program is opening doors for me. Sadie's videos are like little gems, each one taking us to a new step in a calm and nurturing way... I also learn from reading Sadie's blog which is so lovely.
-- Nikki, Online Atelier Student
Personally, I am extremely thankful to have found this atelier... The feedback has been invaluable and really eye-opening. I’m not even out of the introductory course yet and I feel like I’ve already gained so much.
-- Tabitha, Online Atelier Student
The videos are filled with gems and information like no other course I watched. I am highly impressed with the content so far. Lots of guidance from start to finishing a painting. Thank you for a most respectful price as well, as it makes learning at this quality affordable for the artists that so dearly want to learn.
--Lucia, Online Atelier Student
The [instructors] are fantastic, they give intelligent and well observed feedback, exactly what is needed for growth as an artist.... I cannot recommend highly enough taking drawing and painting from this atelier. It is a fabulous experience and the price is really really reasonable. I have actually done something, in taking drawing, that I am proud of and will last my lifetime!
--Pam, Online Atelier Student
I am so happy that you have a flexible program where I can start and stop as needed….I love how you explain every detail and I get a bird's eye view of every mark you make. I have taken workshops with many great artists…. but I find that your program eliminates me having to fight for space to see and hear what the instructor is doing as in the workshops. I sing the praises of your program at every opportunity…
--Kimberly, Online Atelier Student
I feel like I am learning from a truly accomplished artist, Sadie, who has been transparent in her art journey and creates work I both admire and hope to emulate…. I am satisfied with the instructors feedback, they are encouraging which is really helpful and I can tell they are knowledgeable with the information they share and how it is communicated.
--Joy, Online Atelier Student
I cannot recommend your studio highly enough. The quality of the videos and the expert instruction make this a better learning experience for me than in-person classes I've taken. You can go back and re-review, pause if needed, and do the work at your own pace. The handouts and supplemental materials are clear and detailed. I honestly can't even think of any constructive criticism I could give.
--Julie, Online Atelier Student
I think you are doing a fantastic job! Your courses are informative and thorough. You deliver the material in a professional and pedagogical manner. Really wonderful videos and beautiful and inspiring artwork! You are one of the best in the industry. Well done!
--Diana, Online Course Purchaser
These extraordinary videos have answered questions I didn't even know that I had. The conversational style of delivery, along with the close-ups of the actual painting being done, and sound principles of painting practice, has taught me more in the last few hours of watching than I can believe.
--Diane, Online Course Purchaser
I love how the material is presented (a combination of both video and written material). And it is well organized. I appreciate how everything is building towards a deeper understanding of the fundamentals. The feedback has been invaluable. [The instructor's] comments have been very helpful and encouraging. I often regretted not attending a fine arts program at university. This course fills in what I thought that I was missing..... My only regret is that I didn't come across this program sooner.
--Brenda, Online Atelier Student
The drawing course, Introduction to Classical Drawing and Bargue Plates, is an essential and a very useful stage [for] understanding both early stages of artistic drawing knowledge and later on in a more advanced stage of artistic drawing of simple or complex themes.... a methodical, accessible, clear and unforgettable style.
--Online Atelier Student
Sadie's belief that everyone can learn to draw given the proper education inspired me to take up the training. The instructional videos are well produced and provide more information than most in-person instructions that I've come across. The feedback that I receive (twice weekly) from [the instructors] has been clear, insightful, and instructive; I feel as if I have my own private tutor. The caliber of the program grounds me as a student who used to wonder if I was ever going to find a path that would help me establish a solid foundation and true understanding of the discipline.
--Jennifer, Online Atelier Student
The way Sadie explains things, rotating a roll of tape to demonstrate the ellipse at the center of the sphere as light hits it, and the journey of the ant up to the light when shading, all work for me. I explain myself in similar descriptive, often funny narratives that help me to remember, so I enjoy that part of her instruction. She also seems like a really kind person which is HUGE for me.
--Online Atelier Student
The distinction between your videos and others was immediately apparent. You are able to teach and not just demo. I searched
extensively online for instruction that was like what I read in the Juliette Aristides and Jon deMartin books. I wanted to learn how to draw that style.... I love that you talk out loud as you work to share the experience of what you are seeing, decisions you are making, what to expect and even how the pencil sounds.
--Online Atelier Student
I enrolled at SVA because in my country there's no classical atelier. Very soon I realized that this is the most thought-through online art course I ever enrolled in. I can fit the program into my busy life as a nine-to-five worker and commission artist. Regular feedback opportunity provides some structure to keep me moving forward….. [The instructors’] feedback is very professional, respectful, and encouraging and I enjoy a lot watching Sadie's videos as they are high quality and very inspiring.
--Paula, Online Atelier Student
Sadie Valeri's lessons create a strong and invaluable foundation for anyone who wants to perform in the art of drawing and
painting, through a logical and clear approach of her teaching methods of painting and drawing techniques. Sadie Valeri is not only a great master of contemporary painting art, but also a great master of teaching drawing & painting courses.
--Online Atelier Student
I am very glad that I had the opportunity to watch your course. I'll probably watch it several times.... The course is a real support in understanding the need to establish a logical sequence of drawing steps that lead to a final drawing as close as possible to the chosen model. The Block-in stage is very well presented and I understood once again the importance and attention it must pay by any artist. Mrs. Sadie Valeri proves once again that she is not only a great master of the art of drawing and painting, but
she is also a great teacher.
--Online Atelier Student
I'm so impressed by your clear descriptions and I have found I really connect with your teaching. The "penny" is dropping constantly for me. Thank you so much.
--Online Atelier Student
I am beyond happy and satisfied with the atelier. My work has moved toward my dreams in leaps and bounds. Thank you so very much. I happily share my excitement with anyone who’ll listen.
--Online Atelier Student
In-Person Classes:
I have been attending classes and workshops at Sadie Valeri Atelier for almost 5 years and can honestly say that I feel I found a gold mine. The skill and expertise of Sadie and her fellow instructors is as good as you are going to get in the San Francisco Bay area. They are all fine artists in their own right but also have the ability to impart their knowledge in a methodical way that allows for their students to truly learn to draw and paint in the tradition of the old masters. Lastly, you feel supported in a challenging and often frustrating process the ultimately leads you to a feeling of satisfaction that you can express on paper or canvas what you see and feel.
--Kathleen M.
I have taken workshops all over the world to buff up my skills, but I have never experienced the Aha! moments with another teacher the way I have done in Sadie's classes. Sadie is not only exquisitely talented, but able to teach to every level in a way that creates confidence and excitement.
--Audie B.
Sadie's instruction is impeccable. There are no Secrets. Only solid techniques of the masters, clearly communicated by this warm and giving teacher.
--Eileen N.
I had dabbled in classes over the years with moderate results and was looking for something with solid technique that was more comprehensive... [Sadie's] curriculum is focused and rigorous and it will train you to really see and understand.
--Monique D.
Sadie and all of her teachers actually TEACH how to draw and paint. This is not your "have fun and express yourself" art school.... Work hard and you will be rewarded. My skill set has grown by leaps and bounds in 9 months of study. Best art experience in my life.
--Susan B.
I have studied with a number of different artists, and Sadie is by far the most effective I have personally been exposed to.... My artistic abilities expanded significantly from her classes and I recommend them to anyone looking for top-notch education in classical realism.
--Todd A.
I came to Sadie Valeri Atelier hoping to learn classical techniques that I could apply to my own work. I had dabbled in classes over the years with moderate results and was looking for something with solid technique that was more comprehensive and that bridged the gap between drawing and painting that I never completely understood. What I found was so much greater than I could have ever imagined!....
The curriculum is focused and rigorous and it will train you to really see and understand conceptually how to accurately paint and draw. The truth is, even if you're aiming to paint like an abstract expressionist, this training is immensely helpful and important.
-- Monique D.
I've been studying with Sadie for the last 4 months and I've learned more during my first month than during the whole previous year at different other art classes.
--Ana F.
An artist friend recommended Sadie's studio to me as a place to study traditional realism art in 2013. Since then I've been taking classes here for over two years; studying with a group of like minded and simply great people. I am happy with the improvements I have made.
The studio offers resources to students, such as an art book library, demo videos and opportunities to take workshops from other well known artists. And we get to show our works at student shows.
--Jane T.
I have studied with a number of different artists, and Sadie is by far the most effective I have personally been exposed to. Besides being an amazing artist, she is well-versed in the subtleties of teaching and the cultivation of understanding. My artistic abilities expanded significantly from her classes and I recommend them to anyone looking for top-notch education in classical realism.
--Todd A.
Sadie and all of her teachers actually TEACH how to draw and paint. This is not your have fun and express yourself art school.... Work hard and you will be rewarded. My weak skill set has grown by leaps and bounds in 9 months of study. Best art experience in my life.
--Susan B.
I have taken workshops all over the world to buff up my skills, but I have never experience the Aha! moments with another teacher the way I have done in Sadie's classes. Sadie is not only exquisitely talented, but able to teach to every level in a way that creates confidence and excitement.
--Audie B.
Sadie has created a professional atmosphere for drawing from models, plaster casts and still-life. Her atelier has great light, comfortable furniture, great books and music. She has thought of every detail to insure a positive experience and improved skills at the end of her courses and workshops.
--Debra S.
Sadie's instruction is impeccable. There are no Secrets. Only solid techniques of the masters, clearly communicated by this warm and giving teacher.
--Eileen N.