The Crucible
“The instructor, (who's name escapes me), was completely at your disposal whenever you have questions or problems.”
Best Art Classes in Oakland, CA
15 schools listed · 7 in Oakland · 9 open weekends · 14 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 21, 2026
Kids N' Dance
“My daughters over the years have taken a few classes and more recently one has consistently taken an aerial silks class.”
The Renaissance International School
“My children had a great experience at TRIS.”
Junior Center Of Art & Science
“The place is small but without a doubt it has many activities, very attentive, very responsible, I loved it”
Golden Gate Atelier
“The level of instruction is superb and each student is given an incredible amount of individual attention by highly skilled professionals who are dedicated and determined to seeing their students succeed.”
Book onlineBook
Corner House Studio
“Can't wait to visit the studio again soon”
The 15 schools listed for Oakland, CA teach drawing and painting. Which media they cover, what the fee includes and whether they run model sessions all come from what each school publishes itself.
Area overview: Oakland, CA
7 of the 15 schools we list are based in Oakland; the other 8 serve Oakland from towns including Castro Valley (10 mi), San Francisco (13 mi) and Alameda (3 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.3 to 5.0 across 576 reviews; 4 have 50 or more reviews and 14 are rated 4.5 or higher. 9 are open on Saturdays and 7 on Sundays. 1 has a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 11 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 1998. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 12 publish a contact page; 10 list a public email and 3 take bookings online. We count these figures across the schools on this page; distances are straight-line, and hours and prices change, so confirm the details with the school before you enroll.
How are the painting schools on this page rated?
On this page, 14 schools out of 15 carry a public rating at or above four and a half stars. Read what the reviews praise. A studio can score well for a warm room and good coffee and still teach very little drawing.
The Atelier School of Classical Realism
“If you want to learn how to see color and paint, this is the place!”
Urban Indigo
“The staff are always welcoming and helpful.”
Outdoor Paint and Picnic & Event Space
“It was all perfect: the music she played for us, her guidance and instruction, and her multiple spots for sitting, chatting, and picnicking.”
Smaart Gallery & Studio
“The 1-Day Intro to Wheelthrowing class was amazing and harder than I thought!”
Mindart Studio
“I highly recommend this amazing art studio to a parent who wants their kids to truly enjoy their art class there.”
Book onlineBook
Studio 1.6
“The end of term show was a highlight, showing how she nurtures the talent in her class from complete novices to experts.”
Kerbi Urbanowski Stained Glass
“I have known Kerbi for a number of years and have witnessed the talent and love she puts into her Art.”
Sweet Arts Art Studio
“My daughter loves the Saturday drop off art class with Ms Kim!”
Book onlineBook
Artist Center
“A great place to take a class or enroll your kids to take a class.”
Why these companies made our list
Is this page useful? Yes
No
Is there anything wrong with this page?
