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

7/22/2025

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

7/22/2025

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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 »
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    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.

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LIBERTY STUDIO
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Liberty MO 64068
816-407-9266
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7617 NW Prairie View Rd
Kansas City MO 64157
816-216-7126
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