Visionary Arts - San Jose, California

Irene Shu

For me, art was a love and a struggle. As much as I enjoyed drawing since my youth and was complimented on my creativity, it felt like my skills and ability plateaued forever at age 8. What a frustration! And taking art lessons elsewhere proved to be a disappointment. Seriously, in these studios that I used to go to, I felt like I was plopped in the classroom with an idle teacher without being taught any techniques about drawing realistically, no application of color, values, or paint strokes...and most of all, there was a lack of guidance...genuine, personal, warm, effective guidance.

I first met Teacher Helen when I was looking for an art studio for my son. I was immediately impressed by not just what Teacher Helen knew about art, but by what she understood about teaching art and the best way for children to learn art.

I truly appreciated how she arranged multiple instructors to be in the studio (pre-Covid), which allowed for the instructs to teach the students one on one. An instructor would draw the subject together with my son, which really is the best way for children to learn how to draw. I was so impressed by the progress my son make in her studio.

But I felt like the biggest impact was on me personally. All my life, I wanted to get better at drawing. I wanted to get better at using color pencils. I wanted t get better at understanding color, how to choose color, identify the color, and conceive the color. I have often felt that I was too old or it was too late for me to learn art. Now an adult, I finally found the teacher who can help me attain that.

Her level of empathy was astronomical. She could not only pinpoint where I was frustrated but also what to do about it. She would tell me to "learn to enjoy the process" and not simply to focus on the output. I was drawn to her passion and energy and her warmth and encouragement. She not only loves teaching her craft but also building up her students as well. "Keep practicing! We are always learning and getting better!" she would say "Nothing can stop us from creating art!"

Under quarantine, Teacher Helen has been streaming her classes and has added more classes to include watercolor, multi media art, and digital art, a class that I am taking as well. The biggest progress I'd seen was when I attended her Color Pencil Art Challenge class. Teacher Helen wisely advised that participating in art challenges really pushes you to improve your skill. Under her guidance, I was able to win the August 2020 Color Pencil Magazine (Beginner's Level) Challenge!

Teacher Helen has been such a force in our life and I am grateful to have found her.

Yan Tan

I was trying to find a art class for my 9 years old daughter, we tried few places and finally stay with this school. Teacher Helen and other teachers are so nice, they are good on both skills and teaching, they teach students individually and everyone got good attention. School provides high quality supplies, like drawing paper, canvas, oil paint color, water color, acrylic, color pencils, etc. When my daughter taking class, I don’t want to wait outside and do nothing, the school takes adult students too. I am my daughter’s classmate now, and I am so happy to draw and paint there, that was my best time ever. After 8 month study and practice, both my daughter and I got some progress and we will keep learning here.

Wendy H

This is the best art studio so far I have seen in this area. Clean and bright, teachers are very passionate and professional. My daughter likes drawing very much. She went to another studio earlier for a couple of years but found out later that some studio are too commercial and the guidance is not enough for her desire of improvement. She quitted for half an year at six until we found this studio, this is exact what we want. I have visited many studios but feel this is best suitable for my daughter. Teachers are nice and guide her very well. Studio is not big but it gives you flexible way to learn as you desire. For young kids like my daughter, she can learn the famous painters' inspiring spirituality also the skill set of real drawing. She so likes here. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Jing Huang

Absolutely love this place. kids get great undivided individual attentions. Teachers are extremely loving and caring, catering to each kid's need. Not to say they each have the exceptional art and educational background to bring the best out of each child! Detailed feedback provided to parents in a proactive and timely manner. Wonderful summer camp (educational field trip in small group setting EVERYDAY) and day camps (during staff learning days)

Min Tan

Visionary Arts is a great place to learn drawing. My son is 7 years old, he enjoys learning there so much.

Ting W

The teacher is nice and patient. My daughter learned really fast.

Minna Xu

Great place! I like the environment. And teachers are professional and very kind.

Shirley Huang

Great teacher, great learning experience! Thank you!