ICA San Diego / Central
1439 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101
NEW! ICA San Diego now offers workshops and art classes in Balboa Park! Please click on the (+) sign to choose a session and then click "register here".
Art Classes for All Levels
Discover your inner artist
NOW OFFERING:
Discover your creativity with our 6-week art classes in painting, drawing, and photography, designed for all skill levels and taught by experienced artists. Whether you’re exploring art for the first time or refining your practice, our classes provide hands-on guidance, supportive instruction, and the inspiration to grow your skills. Join us at our vibrant Balboa Park or Encinitas locations, and connect with a welcoming community of learners while developing your artistic voice!
Scroll down to select your class.
Click on the (+) sign to choose a session and then click register here.
Discounts
Purchase 2 or more classes and save an additional 5% each – Use MULTICLASS code
ICA Member save 10% – Log in and use ICAMEMBERSAVE code
If you are not an ICA Member you can sign up here. After your membership purchase, you will receive your 10% unique discount code with you membership confirmation email. (Different from the one published here).
Discounts can be combined. Apply discount codes at the bottom of your shopping bag page before checkout.
Spring 6-Week Courses
Street Photography Essentials (Balboa Park, Sat April 18-May 30, 10am-1pm)
Class Description
- Explore everyday moments in Balboa Park by composing striking images, using natural light, and anticipating decisive moments in real time
- Practice street photography through guided photo walks, group discussions, and personalized feedback that build confidence and creative intention
- Develop a strong visual eye and a compelling portfolio of street photographs using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone
Discover the art of capturing life as it unfolds in the beautiful natural setting of Balboa Park! This hands-on course will teach you how to compose striking images, work with natural light, and anticipate the perfect moment to tell compelling visual stories. Through guided photo walks, in-depth discussions, and personalized feedback, you’ll gain the confidence to photograph the streets with creativity and purpose. Whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone, this class will help you develop a keen eye for the unexpected and build a portfolio of powerful street images.
No prior experience required!
Six-Week Schedule
Saturdays, 10am-1pm
Saturdays, April 18 – May 30 (skips May 16)
Location
ICA Central (Balboa Park) – 1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Instructor
Justin McHugh (click for website)
Register Here!
Foundations of Drawing (Balboa Park, Sun April 19-May 31, 10am-1pm)
Class Description
- Learn the essentials of line, shape, shading, and composition.
- Explore different drawing techniques to build confidence and spark creativity.
- Practice and develop your skills as you create original works in a supportive environment
Jump into the world of drawing and discover how simple lines can turn into expressive works of art. In this drawing class, you’ll explore essential techniques like shading, proportion, and composition while building confidence through hands-on practice. By the end, you’ll have developed the skills to create drawings that capture both detail and imagination!
No prior experience required!
Six-Week Schedule
Sundays, 10am-1pm
Saturdays, April 19 – May 31 (skips May 24)
Location
ICA Central (Balboa Park) – 1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Instructor
Christian Olid-Ramirez (click for website)
Register Here!
ICA San Diego / North
1550 S El Camino Real Encinitas, CA 92024
NEW! ICA San Diego now offers workshops and art classes in Balboa Park! Please click on the (+) sign to choose a session and then click "register here".
Spring 6-Week Courses
Photography and Mindfulness (Encinitas, Sat April 18-May 30, 10am-1pm)
Class Description
- Explore photography as a mindful practice that encourages slowing down, deep observation, and intentional seeing.
- Learn to use your camera as a tool for presence, reflection, and personal expression through guided exercises.
- Develop meaningful images using creative prompts that connect awareness, emotion, and visual storytelling.
- Learn principles of ethics and care around image-making, self-representation, and photographing others.
Discover the art of seeing with intention. This class blends photography with mindfulness practices, helping you slow down, observe the world more deeply, and capture meaningful images. Through guided exercises and creative prompts, you’ll learn to use your camera as a tool for presence, reflection, and personal expression. This class will also reflect on ethics and care in image-making, considering how we look, who we photograph, and the responsibilities involved in representing ourselves and others.
Bring your own imagemaking device. Open to all levels, no prior experience needed!
Six-Week Schedule
Saturdays, 10am-1pm
April 18 – May 30 (skips May 16)
Location
ICA North (Encinitas) – 1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Instructor
Francesca Hummler (click for website)
Register Here!
Foundations of Drawing (Encinitas, Wed April 22-May 27, 5:30-8:30pm)
Class Description
- Learn the essentials of line, shape, shading, and composition.
- Explore different drawing techniques to build confidence and spark creativity.
- Practice and develop your skills as you create original works in a supportive environment
Jump into the world of drawing and discover how simple lines can turn into expressive works of art. In this drawing class, you’ll explore essential techniques like shading, proportion, and composition while building confidence through hands-on practice. By the end, you’ll have developed the skills to create drawings that capture both detail and imagination!
No prior experience needed.
Six-Week Schedule
Wednesdays, 5:30-8:30pm
April 22 – May 27
Instructor
Christian Olid-Ramirez (click for website)
Location
ICA North (Encinitas) – 1578 S El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024
Image credit: Drawing by Christian’s student Kateryna Luzyania
Landscape Painting (Encinitas, Sat April 18-May 30, 10am-1pm)
Class Description
- Learn to capture light, atmosphere, and landscape in real time
- Develop techniques in composition, color, and brushwork
- Explore the joy of painting outdoors
In this landscape painting class, we bring the studio into nature at the ICA’s picturesque garden. Open to all levels, this class is perfect for artists looking to deepen their connection to the environment and sharpen their observational skills.
No prior experience needed!
Six-Week Schedule
Saturdays, 10am-1pm
April 18 – May 30 (skips May 16)
Instructor
Jake Fabian (click for website)
Location
ICA North (Encinitas) – 1578 S El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024
