The Painting Studio

I love this place… the luscious bright paints, serene yet lively energy, and most of all, Barbara, the painting priestess. Through the simple act of putting paint on paper, I’ve grown so much creatively and otherwise. Turns out there are lot of things about life you can learn from simply painting…
There are a lot of reasons to come here: If you yearn to connect with your creative self and paint without rules and judgment, this is for you. If you want to push through creative blocks and boundaries, this is for you. If you want to experience yourself and your life energy and its potential in a whole new way, this is for you.
And by the way, the Painting Studio is a true «no judgment zone.» One of the few studio’s ground rules is no commenting on others’ work (good or bad!), no critiques, no evaluations, no suggestions or advice. Yes, Barbara the painting priestess is there to discuss with you and facilitate your process, if you like, but even that isn’t required. This is truly a safe place to let your creative self loose!
The only thing I don’t like is that it’s too far away from my East Bay home. (But BART-​able).

I have now painted with Barbara for 20 years! Of course I wouldn’t still be painting if it weren’t of immense value to me, and, strangely enough, it has almost nothing to do with painting itself but with living more creatively. And I would say to beginners particularly, no matter what kind of creative undertaking appeals to you at this point in your life, this is good place to start because it will awaken your creative energies. For people who are already working in other domains, writing, drawing, oil painting, this is a good place to get past stuck areas. Get to know yourself in a new way, without words.

If I could make a list of things that have changed my life in a deep and meaningful way, this painting process would be at or near the top. For many years it has brought me out of my head into my body, out of paralysis into flow, out of fear into love. The power of such a simple act as spontaneously putting color on paper is mysterious and awe-​inspiring.
And it’s fun! Everything’s provided so it’s easy to walk in the door with no experience at all and get started. Barbara Kaufman is a master at meeting each student where they are, and the community is warm and welcoming.
Give yourself the gift of creativity!

What a wondrous place! I have painted at this studio for almost 16 years. There are no how to’s, no pictures to copy, no assignments to follow. It is where you go to listen to yourself, and explore all of the beauty that is within. Barbara Kaufman, the co-​founder and director of the studio is a wonderful «teacher»…she deeply listens, and helps guide you into your unique, inner exploration.
It is a hard process to explain… you have to try it! A wonderful get away from the everyday.
All materials are included… even paint smocks, just bring yourself!

If you are looking to explore your creativity in an open and non-​judgemental atmosphere — this is the place. They offer both adult and kids classes.
It doesn’t matter if you are an expert painter, or haven’t a clue about how to be creative. This is about tuning in to your creative voice and discovering what it has to say. No matter what age you are, this powerful process raises self-​esteem and may have a life changing effect (with some time/​commitment).
Barbara Kaufman, who runs the studio and teaches most classes has been teaching for over 25 years. Her gentle and patient guidance is great for over coming creative blocks or learning how to «free one’s creative voice.»
The studio offers monthly community classes on a sliding scale – it’s a great way to check out the process. There are also weekly classes and workshops for both kids and adults.
Enjoy! I have for over seven years!

This studio is a magical little oasis, where I, for one, can think of nothing but the painting at hand. The process of creating a painting is completely absorbing and very intriguing. This is not figure-​painting or trying to copy the masters; this is painting what is on your mind and in your heart. The ‘classes’ are about how to get to that stuff, and Barbara is very talented in facilitating the process. There is something really special about making something that isn’t and cannot be ‘right’ or ‘wrong’; the studio provides a safe, non-​judgemental environment that is pleasant, freeing, and stimulating in which to do this.