Who We Are

Underpainting Collective is a cooperatively-run art center in the Bay Area dedicated to creative community and high-quality instruction in drawing and painting.

Our History

Underpainting Collective carries forward the legacy of David Hardy’s Oakland Atelier of Classical Realism, founded in 1969. When David retired, members came together to shepherd the school into a new era as a cooperative, ensuring its continuation and aligning it with our shared values.

Teaching Philosophy

We teach 15th through 20th century techniques, supporting many ways of drawing and painting based on what individual artists hope to achieve. We’ve evolved this model to support multiple styles and approaches simultaneously. We believe community is essential to a sustainable art practice, and that learning alongside peers is as important as skilled instruction.