By Rebecca Levy
Drawn2Art is more than just an art studio – it’s a vibrant hub where children and adults alike sit side by side with easels and paintbrushes, nurturing newfound passions or building on their artistic skills. A teacher moves among them, gently offering tips as they work – one outlining a flower, another working on a portrait.
Located in the Rancho del Mar Shopping Center in Aptos (next to Wonderland Toys), Drawn2Art was opened by Rachael Cartwright a year ago. Offering over a dozen mules (art benches), students are taught a wide range of art styles, including Japanese Anime, cartooning, landscape, still-life, figure drawing, and portraiture. Mediums such as colored pencils, charcoal, pastels, watercolors, acrylic, and oil paints are taught as students progress in their individualized programs.
Teacher Leah Beech with her class
Rachael emphasizes teaching fundamental skills, likening the learning process to mastering a language or a musical instrument.
“We want our students to see things differently—breaking them down and putting them back together like a puzzle. Our philosophy is creativity follows mastery,” she says.
This philosophy underscores the studio’s teaching approach, focusing on skill development, confidence building, and creating memorable experiences.
“Not every student will pursue art as a career,” Rachael says, “but they’re going to remember how they feel and the skills they have learned. We want them to feel proud and confident.”
Drawn2Art is built on a concept started nearly 40 years ago by Rachael’s parents, Ed and Sher Warren. Ed, an artist and teacher, began an after-school art program to give kids the skillsschools were not able to offer. That program grew into Drawn2Art, which now has 17 locations in four states, including one in Los Gatos, also owned by Rachael. Each studio offers classes for students from ages four through adults, focusing on individualized learning within a group setting.
“I’ve been very lucky to be able to continue my parents’ legacy, combining my two passions: art and working with children,” Rachael says, noting she was inspired by her father’s love of art from an early age.
Path to Artistic Growth
The curriculum at Drawn2Art is structured to guide both children and adults through a progression of artistic development. While each student works on their own unique project, they all follow a carefully designed path that helps them build fundamental skills, whether they are beginners or more advanced. As they move through the curriculum, students are introduced to more challenging techniques and concepts, earning certificates at each level of achievement.
Student Andrew Salinas
“When you walk into one of my classes, you’ll see that everybody’s doing something different—each student working and learning at their own pace and skill level,” says Rachael.
The instructors at Drawn2Art are not only trained in fine arts but also have experience working with children.
“Each teacher brings their own unique art background, which enriches our classes,” says Rachael.
She emphasizes the importance of safety, noting that all employees are fingerprinted and background-checked.
Leah Beech, a UCSC graduate and a Drawn2Art instructor for over three years, loves watching her students grow artistically and gain confidence through their work.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see our students progress over time,” says Leah, who is an artist herself. “You really see them learn and grow into their skills. It feels good knowing I helped them get there.”
Generations Together
The studio promotes multi-generational participation, encouraging parents to join their children in classes. On a recent afternoon, Crystan Mora and her 8-year-old daughter, Maleah, were seated next to each other, easels in hand.
Rachael Cartwright, owner of Drawn2Art in Aptos.
“I always wanted to do art and never made time for it,” said Crystan. “We’re both very creative, and it’s a great way to spend time together.”
The mother-daughter duo has taken classes at Drawn2Art for about a year.
“My first painting was a pastel unicorn, and I thought, ‘this is below me,’” Crystan recalls. “But it was an important part of the process,” she says, sharing a detailed watercolor portrait of her late father. “I’m not even a year in, but I’ve grown so much. I love it.”
Community Enrichment
In addition to studio classes, Drawn2Art engages with the local community, providing enrichment programs in both public and private schools, as well as special events like recent fall festivals at Valencia and Mar Vista Elementary Schools.
The studio also celebrates student achievements through initiatives like “Artist of the Week” and “Artist of the Month,” showcasing students’ artwork alongside their personal stories.
Rachael believes these initiatives instill a sense of pride and accomplishment in her students, reinforcing their love for art.
As the studio continues to grow, Rachael remains passionate about fostering artistic skills and confidence in her students and bringing an appreciation of art to the community.
“We want to inspire the next generation of artists,” she says.
Classes and Services
Drawn2Art offers classes from Tuesday through Friday, as well as Sundays (Saturday classes will open in the new year). Students age 4-6 take one-hour classes. One-and-a-half-hour classes are offered for students 7 years to adults.
New students can take advantage of a free introductory class with no obligation.
The studio also hosts birthday parties and homeschool art programs. Groups such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and small groups may schedule field trips to the studio for an art class. Gift certificates are available, making art classes a great gift, especially during the holidays.
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For more information, visit www.drawn2artstudios.com, call (831) 661-5652, or email [email protected]. The studio is located at 19C Rancho Del Mar, Aptos.
COVER PHOTO: Rachael works with one of her students.