Discover the artist within you.
Would you love to add a personal touch to your home with artwork created by you — even if you have never considered yourself an artist? Whether you are picking up a brush for the first time or returning to a longtime passion, you will receive the guidance and encouragement to bring your vision to life.
“One of the best things about paintings is their silence — which prompts reflection and random reverie.”Mark Stevens
Illa Joshi
I have always been interested in art — admiring the work of the Masters in galleries across London and Paris, and studying under the Indian artist Sanat Thaker to learn techniques I could one day pass along myself.
While living in Milwaukee, I taught and volunteered at the Milwaukee Art Museum. After moving to Denver I began teaching private lessons, and I’ve continued sharing what I’ve learned with the community here in Charlotte ever since.
Painting is the best form of relaxation I know — pure, inspirational, and a genuine pleasure. I’d love to pass these techniques on to you, whatever your age or experience.
Oil painting lessons are open to students ages 12 and up; acrylic painting lessons welcome all ages.
— Illa Joshi, Founder
Read Illa’s Full Personal StatementThree ways to find your style.
At A. S. Art Studio, everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy of creating original art. Each student is encouraged to choose a subject that is personally meaningful and inspiring — bring a photograph or reference image of your own, so every project reflects your interests and creative vision.
Oil Painting on Canvas
Celebrated by artists throughout history, oil paint offers rich color, a beautiful velvety finish, and exceptional depth.
- Drawing and transferring an image using the optical indexing, or grid, method
- Resizing an image while maintaining accurate proportions
- Color mixing and color selection
- Brushwork and paint application
- Blending, layering, and creating texture
Acrylic Painting
Acrylic painting is offered to students of all ages, with the same personal guidance and the freedom to choose a subject that inspires you.
Sketching
Sketching with charcoal or pastels is offered to students of all ages.
- Charcoal and pastel sessions
- Choose a personally meaningful subject or bring your own reference image
- Beginners start with simpler compositions
Beginners are guided toward simpler compositions before gradually advancing to more detailed and challenging projects as their technique and confidence develop. Class sizes are limited to provide personalized guidance and individual attention. Advance registration is recommended — please call 704-778-0814 to inquire about availability and reserve your place.
Rich, forgiving, and full of depth
Having explored watercolor, acrylic, charcoal, ceramics, and pastels, Illa is especially drawn to oil painting. Because oil paint dries slowly, there is time to blend colors, refine details, and make adjustments throughout the creative process. It can also be applied with a palette knife to build texture and add dimension.
An original painting, start to finish
The grid method helps you accurately enlarge and transfer your chosen image onto canvas, giving your painting a strong foundation. By the end of your project you will be the proud owner of an original oil painting — display it in your home, give it as a meaningful gift, offer it for sale, or simply enjoy the accomplishment of creating something uniquely your own.
Four-session packages, at a pace that suits you.
Classes are offered in four-session packages and are not billed by the month. Choose four two-hour sessions (eight hours in total) or four one-hour sessions (four hours in total). Class size is limited to three students per session, for personalized instruction. Please check the schedule for days offered and the holiday dates.
Materials Included — Two-Hour Sessions
Session fees cover instruction and class time. $200 per additional set of four sessions until the current painting is completed.
Materials Included — One-Hour Sessions
$120 per additional set of four sessions until the current painting is completed.
Materials Not Included
One-hour sessions: $120 for four. You provide your own art materials and bring them to each class.
One-Time Materials Fee
Charged once when you begin each new painting, separate from session fees, and again only when you start another painting.
A. S. Art Studio provides all materials needed during scheduled class time. These are for in-studio use only and may not be taken home. When you begin a new painting, the session-fee schedule starts again and a new $80 materials fee applies. Framing of completed artwork is not included.
Payment is due at the beginning of each four-session package. A late fee of 5% of the outstanding balance is charged for each week payment is delayed.
A few pieces from the studio
Reproductions of the Old Masters, painted stroke by stroke by students at A. S. Art Studio.
Ready to start painting?
Call or email to check availability and reserve your session — classes fill quickly.