Prima Materia Art Institute
Explore

Everything we offer, in one place

Browse our à la carte options by category — live courses, workshops, on-demand recordings, and private one-on-one lessons — or save with a membership. Know what you want? Jump straight in. Not sure yet? We'll help you find your path.

Live courses

Join live, instructor-led classes à la carte — no membership required.

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Workshops

Standalone lessons in one sitting — register with your membership or buy a seat à la carte.

Recordings

Learn on your own schedule with individual course recordings.

All recordings
Drawing Animals on Tonal Paper
Drawing Animals on Tonal Paper
Drawing on tonal paper goes as far back as the 16th century, that’s why in the first half of the course, you will be led through the traditional method drawing animals using tonal paper. In the second half of the course, you will explore the creative way of utilizing tonal paper, which involves more artistic decision making.
1 recordingsmixed$49
Drawing Drapery
Drawing Drapery
Discover the secrets behind the mastery of drawing drapery. Learn how to sculpt the folds of different type fabrics and depict how they simultaneously hide, hug, and reveal the form underneath. We will study the techniques of the Great Masters Bernini, Leonardo da Vinci, Dürer, and Michelangelo and then create realistic drawings of drapery on the human body. While developing the technical skills, we will observe how by means of drapery we can express action, movement, and emotions. Suitable for all levels.
mixed$49
Essential Drawing Course for Beginner
Essential Drawing Course for Beginner
In 12 classes, you’ll learn the techniques of drawing from the beginning. The drawings above are by students who joined this course as absolute beginners. You will build the skills by rendering objects and environments with a teaching method found nowhere else. All drawings will be created in monochrome (black and white) to focus on the basics: light and shadow, line, and dimension.
3 recordingsbeginnerTBD
How to Paint Portrait Commissions
How to Paint Portrait Commissions
Learn to confidently take on portrait commissions by painting a portrait from start to finish in your unique style while understanding professional approaches to commissioned work, including pricing, client communication, and achieving likeness.
mixedTBD
Urban Sketching Techniques: From Sunrise to Sunset
Urban Sketching Techniques: From Sunrise to Sunset
Perhaps, you’ve seen beautiful urban sketches and wanted to learn to sketch like that. This course will help you build these skills. Each week, you'll learn a technique for how to express a different time of day. You’ll get necessary tips for how to do it with watercolors, pens, and pencils - the materials that are easy to carry with you anywhere. Beginners welcome!
mixedTBD
Watercolors: Tips, Tricks, & Techniques
Watercolors: Tips, Tricks, & Techniques
Learn classic and creative watercolor techniques, from color mixing to glazing, in this six-class course designed for beginners. Discover how to control and personalize watercolors, with six live interactive sessions and unlimited access to class recordings for a year.
3 recordingsmixed$49

One plan, every class

Memberships

Taking more than one course? A membership covers live classes and recordings under one plan, for less than buying them separately.

Compare memberships
  • Studio Basic

    From$79/mo

    Learn independantly
    • Unlimited access to every recording
    • New recordings added every week, automatically
    • Curated learning paths
    • +1 more
  • Studio Plus

    From$179/mo

    Learn with guidance
    • 4 Personal Project Passes for live feedback
    • Attend any Thursday or Friday of your choice each month
    • Personalized instructor feedback
  • All Access

    From$350/mo

    Learn without limits
    • Unlimited live, weekly classes (Monday - Saturday)
    • Unlimited Personal Project Coaching sessions
    • Every new course included
    • +2 more
  • College Portfolio Program

    From$7,959/yr

    • Access to all class recordings
    • Access to all live sessions
    • Unlimited Group Coaching classes
    • +2 more
A College Portfolio Program student standing beside a large mixed-media painting.

College Portfolio Program

Three ways to build a college-ready portfolio. The program has helped students get accepted into top U.S. and European art colleges for 30 years — with a 100% success rate.

1 year

Premier
The full live program — skill-building, an original portfolio, and a complete application package. Best when you have a year, or want the complete college-emulation path.

1 month

Accelerated
An intensive, highly focused month to significantly strengthen your art portfolio. For artists who already have skills and artwork and can commit substantial time. Daily one-on-one sessions — often more than one a day — build a cohesive body of original work for your goals and applications.

At your pace

Recordings + monthly 1:1
Course recordings on your schedule, plus a monthly live one-on-one for critique and direction. Instructors give personalized recommendations on which course recordings to take, based on where you're applying and what you're applying for. Best if you need flexibility but still want guided, personalized feedback.

Private lessons & one-on-one

Personalized instruction tailored to your goals and pace. These are purchased separately and begin with a quick chat so we can match you with the right instructor.

An artist who completed the Art Career Mentorship Program, sitting in his studio surrounded by floor-to-ceiling paintings.
Art Career Mentorship
Personal 1-year coaching program with Olya Losina. Work one-on-one with the founder to build a gallery-ready body of work and start a productive art career.

1 year · Consultative pricing

Olya Losina pointing out details on a student's large city-street painting during a critique in the studio.
Private Consultation
A dedicated one-on-one session with Olya Losina for artists focused on advancing their career: feedback on your work, technique, pricing, and gallery strategy.

In person or on Zoom · $500/hr

Nikusha Beatty and her private student, Chloe, standing next to Chloe's completed personalized project.
Private Art Class
One-on-one classes with Nikusha Beatty. Work under the guidance of your own instructor, who will suggest a program that fits you — whether it’s just one class or a whole year of learning.

Flexible schedule · $140/hr

Not sure which option is right for you?

Tell us your goals and current level, and we'll recommend the right mix of classes, recordings, or one-on-one support.