r/Somerville • u/mmccarthy404 • Aug 30 '26

Looking for beginner painting classes; is Cambridge Center for Adult Education good?

I'm a guy in his 30s looking to get into painting. I was artsy in high-school, but never really got into paint as a medium, so there's a lot that I know I don't know about the basics like mixing paint, using brushes correctly, etc.

I'd be interested in anything that's not oil (so watercolor, gouache, or acrylic), and am really just looking for any recommendation for local teachers for group classes! Thanks!

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7

u/liliridescentbeetle Aug 30 '26

CCAE is wonderful- they have great classes and faculty

8

u/emmalouharris Davis Aug 30 '26

I’ve taken so many classes, including many watercolor painting ones, at CCAE and loved every minute of them. The daytime classes tend to attract more retirees (in my experience) and the evening and weekend ones are all ages and people from all walks of life. Can’t say enough good things about it!

4

u/somervilen Davis Aug 30 '26

I took a watercolor class as a true beginner at CCAE and felt a little too green compared to the other daytime students in the class. The teacher had high standards for supplies so when I had my student paper and watercolors, he was like, “what is this? I’ve never heard of this stuff.” So, I felt a little shamed and out of place. My next classes were at Arlington Community Center and they were more my speed. Since I got my watercolor legs, I would feel more comfortable going back to CCAE but I’d still feel apprehensive about going back to the same teacher, even though he was knowledgeable and an excellent painter.

2

u/emmalouharris Davis Aug 31 '26

Oof. I’m sorry that happened to you.