ORANGE EASEL
  • Weekly Art Classes
    • Multimedia Classes
    • Drawing Classes
    • Creative Explorations Classes
    • Preschool Art
    • Toddler Art + Play
  • Holiday Gifts
  • Parties
  • Special Events
  • Creation Nation Art Club
  • Our Blog
  • Weekly Art Classes
    • Multimedia Classes
    • Drawing Classes
    • Creative Explorations Classes
    • Preschool Art
    • Toddler Art + Play
  • Holiday Gifts
  • Parties
  • Special Events
  • Creation Nation Art Club
  • Our Blog
Search
Picture

Why We Repeat Drawing 102 (And Why That’s a Good Thing)

7/22/2025

0 Comments

 
​One of the questions we hear most often from families is:
​       “What happens after my child completes Drawing 102?”
​
Orange Easel drawing class of students 3rd-6th grade sketching gesture drawings from live model with charcoal
It’s a great question—especially when your artist is enthusiastic, dedicated, and eager to “level up.” But the truth is, our Drawing 102 curriculum is designed to be repeated—and repeated again if needed.
​
Let us explain why that’s not only okay... it’s ideal.

​Drawing 102 Is Built for Growth Over Time

Drawing 102 is designed for artists in grades 3rd-6th, and it’s one of our most lesson-rich classes. Students work entirely in a sketchbook provided by the studio, completing weekly exercises in topics like:
  • Value and shading
  • Linear and Atmospheric Perspective
  • Foreshortening
  • Viewpoint
  • Figure and gesture drawing
  • Line weight and proportion
  • Color theory
This class isn’t about producing finished pieces (with the exception of March’s art show prep). It’s about building skills through repetition, practice, and feedback.
Orange Easel drawing class students working through weekly lessons

Why Repeat It?

Although the structure of Drawing 102 remains consistent each year, your child doesn’t stay the same.
The way an 11-year-old hears a lesson about facial proportions is very different from how they understood it at age 9. The same goes for drawing a hand in foreshortened perspective, or applying two-point perspective to a cityscape. Each year, they approach the material with new maturity, deeper focus, and stronger foundational skills.
You don’t learn to play piano in a single year. Or shoot perfect free throws. Or dance with perfect timing.
Drawing is the same. Artists improve through consistent, intentional practice.
By repeating Drawing 102, students get the time and space they need to grow—not just in skill, but in their confidence, voice, and understanding of the art form.

​So When Do You Move to Drawing 103?

Drawing 103 is for 7th–12th grade artists who are ready to tackle monthly projects, build a personal style, and explore advanced creative challenges. It’s less structured, more independent, and better suited for teens who’ve spent time building their foundational skills.
We want every artist to thrive in their class. Repeating Drawing 102 ensures that when the time comes to move up, they’re not just ready—they’re empowered.
0 Comments

Understanding Our Drawing Classes: Levels, Styles, and What’s Right for Your Artist

7/22/2025

0 Comments

 
At Orange Easel, we offer three levels of drawing classes—and two distinct styles of drawing exploration. Whether your artist dreams of designing original characters or mastering realism, we’ve got a place for them to grow.
Not sure which class is the right fit? We’ve got you covered.
​

Our Drawing Class Levels

We divide our drawing classes into three age-appropriate, skill-building levels:
Drawing 101 class for K-2nd grade - 60 min, all media, realistic and illustrative styles, full of novelty, creativity, and movement
Drawing 102 Classes - for 3rd-6th graders, 90 min, spiraling curriculum designed to be repeated year over year, realistic OR illustrative, space for repetition and mastery
Drawing 103 classes - for 7th-12th grade artists, 90 min, independent study vibe, short lessons and long work sessions, realistic OR illustrative, monthly drawing projects.
What do you do after you've done a full year of 102?  But not old enough for 103? 
​Click here to learn more 
»

Realistic vs Illustrative Drawing Styles

​In Drawing 102 and 103, students often begin to lean into a preferred style—either realistic or illustrative (sometimes both!).
We break it down here in this 3-minute video:
🎥 Watch on YouTube »
🎥 Watch on Instagram Reels »
​

​We love watching artists explore both styles—and many of our projects encourage crossover and experimentation.
​And here’s a quick visual summary:

​Want the Full Walkthrough? Watch the Live Replay!

If you're the kind of parent who likes to see the whole picture, we’ve got a deep-dive just for you.
In this 30-minute YouTube Live, we walk through:
✅ The difference between Drawing 101, 102, and 103
✅ What sketchbooks we use in class
✅ A peek inside real student work from Drawing 102
✅ Curriculum examples and weekly lesson structures
It’s a great way to get a feel for how we teach—and why our drawing program is so loved by students and parents alike.

​Need Help Deciding?

Our team is happy to help with placement or answer questions before fall registration opens on August 1st.
📩 Contact us here or just reply to any email—we’d love to learn more about your artist!

​
​Related Links:
  • Explore All Fall Art Classes »
  • Learn About Our Studio Club Perks »
  • Join the Email List for Registration Reminders »
0 Comments

Which Art Class is Right for My Child?

7/7/2025

1 Comment

 
At Orange Easel, we believe every child is an artist—but not every artist thrives in the same environment or has the same goals. That’s why we offer a wide variety of art classes tailored to different interests, skill levels, and learning styles.

The biggest difference between the two:
Multimedia classes make a project with a different media every month.  Drawing classes tackle a different lesson every WEEK and do all their work in a sketchbook or portfolio folder.

Whether your child is a hands-on maker, an aspiring illustrator, or a curious beginner, we have a class that fits! Here’s a breakdown of our core offerings to help you find the perfect fit:
​
​

​Multimedia Classes: For the Creators, Explorers, and Makers

Picture
Does your child love experimenting with new materials? Do they enjoy ALL the art projects...cutting and gluing, painting, weaving, sculpting, etc.

Multimedia classes explore a wide range of materials and techniques including painting, sculpture, printmaking, collage, clay, fiber arts, and more. These classes are all about creativity, process, and playful exploration.

Great for kids who...
  • Love variety and trying new things
  • Don't mind a little bit of mess (or really like it)
  • Are energized by open-ended projects
  • Like to invent their own ideas and compositions

We emphasize process-over-product, giving kids the confidence to take risks and make art that’s uniquely their own.​
Learn more about Multimedia Classes

​Drawing Classes: For the Thinkers, Sketchers, and Visual Storytellers

Drawing classes at Orange Easel are perfect for kids who want to develop their technical skills and build confidence with line, shape, shading, and composition.  In our drawing classes, we work in sketchbook and tackle different lesson each week.  Finished art in not the objective...just the workout!
​
We offer three levels of drawing classes—each one tailored to your child’s age and experience:
Picture
➤ Drawing 101 (Ages 6–9)
Introductory skills like line drawing, basic shapes, shading, and simple forms while exploring different drawing tools and mark-making skills.

➤ Drawing 102 (Ages 9–12)
Intermediate work with proportion, perspective, and composition. Realism and stylization introduced.

➤ Drawing 103 (Ages 13+)
Advanced drawing projects that explore original characters, storytelling, observation, and developing a personal style.

Great for kids who...
  • Love sketching or doodling
  • Want to improve their technical drawing skills
  • Are interested in cartooning, animation, or realism
  • Enjoy focused, detailed work
Learn more about Drawing Classes

​Can’t Decide? You Don’t Have To!

Picture
​Some of our most passionate artists take both a multimedia and a drawing class each semester.In fact, we offer a 25% discount when you do!

​The combination builds strong technical skills and keeps the creative spirit alive through exploration.
​

Make the Comparison

​At Orange Easel, we offer two core art class types—Multimedia and Drawing—each with its own unique focus and creative experience.

Not sure which one is the best fit for your young artist? This side-by-side comparison can help you decide!
Picture
Picture

​Still Not Sure?

That’s okay! We’re happy to help guide you. Our team is available to answer questions or even offer placement advice before registration opens.

Want help picking the right class?
We're happy to do individual assessments...send us an email [email protected] to set it up!
​

​Related Links:

  • Types of Multimedia Classes
  • Types of Drawing Classes
  • 2025-26 Fall Class Schedule
  • Studio Club: Save More, Get More
    ​
1 Comment
    Picture

    Allison May Jensen, owner

    Orange Easel began in 2012—just me, teaching art to kids in my basement studio.

    Since then, we've grown into two studio locations and team of artists teachers who share a passion for kids and creativity.

    We're not a franchise. We're not a big corporation. We're a small, local business built on heart and art.

    I'm so glad you're here! This blog is full of ideas, activities, and resources to inspire process-based art at home, in classrooms, and beyond.

    Archives

    November 2025
    October 2025
    September 2025
    July 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025

    Categories

    All
    Art At Home
    Art Show
    Fall & Autumn
    Kansas City
    Liberty
    Orange Easel Classes
    Studio News
    Teens
    Tips
    Tutorial
    Video
    Watercolor

    RSS Feed

QUICK LINKS
​
ART CLASSES
Online Classes
In-studio Classes
Sawyer Registration
Gift Cards
FOR CURRENT STUDENTS
Make-ups, Class Schedule and MORE
Google Calendar​
​Contact Us
CELEBRATE WITH US
Birthday Parties
​
Party Terms and Conditions
Special Events
Field Trips
​
LOCATIONS
Liberty Classes
Platte Woods Classes
ABOUT US
​About Us
Employment Opportunties
Donation Requests
​
Terms of Service
FOR YOUR HOME
Creation Nation Art Club
Orange Easel YouTube
Picture
LIBERTY STUDIO
​249 W Mill St Ste 107 
Liberty MO 64068
816-407-9266
PLATTE WOODS STUDIO
7617 NW Prairie View Rd
Kansas City MO 64157
816-216-7126
Copyright © 2024 Orange Easel. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy
  • Weekly Art Classes
    • Multimedia Classes
    • Drawing Classes
    • Creative Explorations Classes
    • Preschool Art
    • Toddler Art + Play
  • Holiday Gifts
  • Parties
  • Special Events
  • Creation Nation Art Club
  • Our Blog