The Compass Atelier

The Compass Atelier Official homepage for The Compass Atelier, a revolutionary art school in Rockville, MD devoted to teaching art 'the right way.'

🎨Paint Bethesda! The new Paint Bethesda competition is here! Capture the beauty, architecture, and character of downtown...
08/03/2026

🎨Paint Bethesda! The new Paint Bethesda competition is here! Capture the beauty, architecture, and character of downtown Bethesda for a chance to be selected for a juried exhibition and compete for up to $4,500 in cash prizes.

🖌 Open to artists from DC, Maryland & Virginia
📅 Submission deadline: October 9, 2026

We can't wait to see your art!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I can’t thank our volunteers enough who came out today to help ready Compass Art ...
05/02/2026

Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I can’t thank our volunteers enough who came out today to help ready Compass Art Center for repairs. This community is special! As rundown as I’m feeling after this last week, your generosity has lifted my spirits to new heights ❤️

Ren, Dorris, Jeff and Andy, Janice, Judith and Joe, Ginger and Bobby, Paul and Daniel, Fred, Grace, David, Marjan, Steve, Kim and Scott, Andrew, Derek, Leslie, Cynthia, Cecelia, and of course my boys Harrison and Alden, you are such beautiful humans to have given a portion of your Saturday to help the art center!!! It would’ve taken me a month to do what you all did in three hours

Spring 2026 from Apr 29, 2026 - Jun 3Wednesdays; 5:30pm - 8:30pm (6 classes)"This introductory course invites adults of ...
04/22/2026

Spring 2026 from Apr 29, 2026 - Jun 3
Wednesdays; 5:30pm - 8:30pm
(6 classes)

"This introductory course invites adults of all experience levels to explore the fundamentals of drawing in a relaxed, supportive studio environment. Through a series of engaging exercises, you’ll discover how to see like an artist and translate what you observe onto paper using a variety of techniques, tools, and surfaces.

Students will experiment with line, shape, value, proportion, and composition. Each week introduces a new skill or approach designed to build confidence and a solid foundation for future creative growth. Whether you’re beginning your artistic journey or seeking to strengthen your skills for painting, more drawing or other art forms, this class offers a welcoming space to develop your skills and unique visual voice."

Learn more & Register here;
https://www.hisawyer.com/the-compass-atelier/schedules/activity-set/1789615?source=semesters

You wont wanna miss taking either of these classes with incredible artist/teacher Dora Patin this spring! *NEW* Drawing ...
04/14/2026

You wont wanna miss taking either of these classes with incredible artist/teacher Dora Patin this spring!

*NEW*
Drawing with Accuracy
Wednesdays from 10:00am - 1:00pm

" This course is taught by award winning artist Dora Patin. Her philosophy is that talent is not innate but developed. She teaches practical skills and drawing exercises that make it possible for anyone to learn to draw and continue improving over time. Small improvements lead to big results.

Students will learn how to use the sight-size method, a way of drawing where the copied image and the drawing are viewed at the exact same scale, making it easier to compare and improve accuracy. In this class, we will focus on careful observation of values, shapes, angles, proportions, as well as simplifying forms to better understand the structure of what we see."

https://www.hisawyer.com/the-compass-atelier/schedules/activity-set/1849962?source=semesters

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

Oil painting class returns Thursdays from 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Apr 16, 2026 - May 7, 2026

https://www.hisawyer.com/the-compass-atelier/schedules/activity-set/1820741?source=semesters

Staring 4/11/26Teacher Samantha Stover is back to teach you what you need to know to better draw figures. This class is ...
04/10/2026

Staring 4/11/26

Teacher Samantha Stover is back to teach you what you need to know to better draw figures.

This class is a beginner- and intermediate-friendly introduction to traditional drawing techniques of the figure. We'll focus on building strong foundational skills rooted in classical techniqes—learning how to see accurately, measure proportions, understand value and light, and develop form through shading. You'll learn to translate what you see into two-dimensional form with confidence and clarity. Full figure and portrait will be covered each session.

Students will be working from photographic references and sometimes the live model. The emphasis will be on applying good drawing techniques to help you create realistic, well-structured images.

This is a supportive, low-pressure environment designed to help you grow your technical skills at your own pace.

Register Today!
https://www.hisawyer.com/the-compass-atelier/schedules/activity-set/1812368?source=semesters

Or stop by tomorrow and try the first class as a Drop-In.

Address

10335 Kensington Parkway
Kensington, MD
20895

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+19736340526

Website

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