This Sweet Nevada Art Class Is Taught By Local Artists Who Welcome Every Skill Level

A pastel drawing class that promises no experience required? That line alone takes a lot of pressure off right away.

This Nevada art shop has stayed in one family since 1969. Local artists teach the classes, and most sessions run about three hours.

A supply store rarely feels this welcoming. Enrolled students even get a nice discount on most art supplies.

After class, the creative energy keeps going with meet-ups like Weirdo Art Night. Doesn’t that sound like a group worth joining?

Beginners and seasoned painters share the same tables here. Is there a friendlier place in Nevada to pick up a pencil again?

Let’s look at what makes these classes so easy to love, from soft pastels to warm wax.

A Class List That Says Everyone Is Welcome

Nevada Fine Arts in Reno makes a simple promise. Its classes are designed for artists of every skill level, from total beginners to people who already own a lot of brushes.

The pastel drawing class says it plainly: no experience required. That one line removes a lot of nerves before anyone even signs up.

The class list covers plenty of ground. Subjects include drawing, oil painting, printmaking, self-promotion, watercolor, and portraiture.

Specific offerings include Pastel Drawing, Environment Painting With Gouache, Zentangle, and Introduction to Freehand Sketching. There are also beginner classes for drawing animals and drawing people.

That mix gives newcomers an easy first step. It also gives returning artists a reason to try something new.

Nobody expects a masterpiece on day one. The goal is to learn something, make something, and leave a little prouder than you arrived.

Most classes run about three hours, so there is time to settle in. Some classes are ongoing, which helps if you want to keep building your skills week after week.

Think of it as a friendly starting line. You show up, the instructors take it from there, and the pencil does the rest.

Local Artists Run The Show

Local instructors teach the classes at Nevada Fine Arts. That means your teacher is part of the Reno art scene, not a stranger passing through.

It’s a good setup for learning. Working artists know which tools help beginners and which tricks save time.

The shop itself has deep local roots. It’s family-owned and operated, and it has served the art community since 1969.

That long history shows in how the place supports artists nearby. The store regularly donates supplies and framing services to local organizations and educational institutions.

So a class here feels connected to something bigger. Your supply money and your class seat both stay close to home.

Staff members are also known for being kind and knowledgeable. Google Business information highlights that again and again.

If a question pops up mid-project, help is close by. Ask about a paper, a pencil, or a color, and you’ll likely get a real answer.

Learning from neighbors has a special charm. You might even run into your instructor’s art on the shop’s shelves.

Pastel, Gouache, And Wax Are On The Menu

Some class titles make you curious right away. Introduction to Encaustic (Wax) Monotype is one of them.

Nevada Fine Arts lists it alongside Environment Painting With Gouache and Pastel Drawing. That’s a lot of materials to explore without buying a whole studio.

Gouache is a paint known for its flat, rich color. The environment painting class gives students a way to try it while focusing on landscapes and settings.

Pastel drawing keeps things hands-on and colorful. Again, no experience is required.

Wax monotype sounds fancy, but the word introduction tells you where to start. It’s a first taste, not a final exam.

Trying new mediums is half the fun of a class. You can find out what clicks before you commit to a big supply list.

The shop also stocks materials for painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture. So if a class sparks something, the next step is only a few aisles away.

Curious hands usually find a favorite fast. Here, there are plenty of options to test.

Zentangle, Sketching, And Other Gentle Starts

Not every class needs a big canvas. Nevada Fine Arts also offers Zentangle and Introduction to Freehand Sketching.

Those titles suit anyone who wants a relaxed start. A pen, some paper, and a little patience can go a long way.

Beginner-friendly drawing classes add to the lineup. Drawing Animals for Beginners and Drawing People for Beginners tackle subjects that many new artists find tricky.

Hands, faces, and fur can feel intimidating. A class gives you a guide and a room full of people learning alongside you.

There’s also room for crafty experiments. The class list has included a Wire Workshop and Embroidery and Embellishments on Canvas Fabric.

Those options show that art here isn’t limited to paint. Thread and wire count too.

Offerings can change, so it’s smart to check the current schedule before planning a visit. The lineup rotates, and new classes appear over time.

Small, simple projects build confidence quickly. After a few hours, you’ll have something to show for it.

Take A Class, Save On Supplies

Here’s a perk that helps your wallet. Students enrolled in a class are eligible for a 10% discount on most supplies bought at Nevada Fine Arts.

That makes the shopping trip after class a lot friendlier. You can grab what you need while your lesson is still fresh.

The store also runs a Student/Teacher Discount Program. A valid student or teacher ID gets 10% off non-discounted items.

The shelves are packed with options. Materials cover painting, drawing, drafting, printmaking, photography, airbrush, and sculpture.

You’ll also find canvases, photography paper, books, and unique gifts. Google Business information points to the pencil selection, paints, and sketchbooks as popular topics.

Staff knowledge is the other big plus. Shoppers often mention how helpful the team is when choosing products.

If you’re new, that guidance matters. Art supplies can feel overwhelming when every aisle looks tempting.

Ask what a class recommends before buying. A few smart choices beat a cart full of guesses.

Meet-Ups For When Class Ends

Learning doesn’t have to stop when the lesson does. Nevada Fine Arts hosts artist meet-ups that keep the creative energy going.

The Reno Portrait Society is one of them. Another is a Sketchbook and Art Journal Meet Up.

Then there’s Weirdo Art Night. The name alone makes it sound like a good time.

These gatherings build a sense of community among local artists. They’re a natural next step after a beginner class.

Making art can feel lonely at home. A room full of fellow sketchers fixes that fast.

You can swap tips, compare projects, and find new inspiration. Nobody needs to be an expert to join the conversation.

Meet-up details can change, so check the shop’s current calendar. Dates and formats aren’t set in stone.

Friendships often start over a shared sketchbook. This is a good place for that to happen.

Gallery 1301 Puts Local Work On Display

Inspiration is easier when you can see finished work. Nevada Fine Arts has an art gallery called GALLERY 1301 that showcases solo exhibitions.

It also takes part in events like the 4×4 Art Show. Both give local artists a place to share what they’ve made.

For a student, that’s a nice sight. You can finish a class, then wander over to see what a full exhibit looks like.

The store also carries gifts and goods by local artists. Shoppers have noted the local pieces on display around the shop.

Seeing neighbors’ art reminds you that every artist starts somewhere. Some of those artists may have taken classes just like yours.

Exhibits change over time. That gives repeat visitors a fresh reason to stop in.

Take a slow lap and look closely. Brushwork, color choices, and framing all have lessons to share.

You might leave with a new idea for your next project. That’s the best souvenir.

Framing And Printing Help Finish The Job

You made a piece you love. Now what?

Nevada Fine Arts has a custom framing department known for skilled staff and quality workmanship. It’s a handy next stop after a class project.

The shop also offers large format fine art printing and digital reproductions. Its Epson SureColor P9000 printer can print up to 44 inches wide and up to 100 feet long.

The digital reproduction service creates high-resolution, color-accurate files of two-dimensional artwork. Those files work well for prints, portfolios, and online presentation.

A photographer and a local artist have both praised the printing service. They mention clear communication and professional results.

Framing costs can vary, and some shoppers have found it pricey. It’s smart to ask for details before you decide.

Still, a good frame can change how a piece looks. It turns a classroom project into something ready for the wall.

That’s a satisfying finish for any new artist.

Plan Your Visit To South Virginia Street

Ready to go? Nevada Fine Arts sits at 1301 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502.

The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. On Sundays, hours are 11 AM to 5 PM.

It’s known as the largest independent art and framing store in Reno. That makes it a fun stop even before you sign up for a class.

Google Business information gives the shop a 4.7-star rating. One shopper even drives 45 minutes to shop here.

Hours and class schedules can change. A quick check of the store’s current information helps you plan.

Bring a curious mind and an open attitude. Skill level is not a requirement at Nevada Fine Arts.

Walk the aisles, browse the gallery, and ask about upcoming classes. Staff are known for helping first-timers feel at ease.

Your first class might be the start of a new habit. Not bad for a single afternoon.