Art Hub Academy - Saratoga, California

Melinda P.

(Update as of Jan 2025) I originally gave this review five stars but never wrote a proper review—one that I feel I owe to Jose Luis Andrade

Back in 2016, I wanted to get into oil painting and understand color theory. I searched extensively for an instructor, and based on his beginner student examples alone, I knew I had to attend his class.

Though I only took his classes for about six months, the fundamentals he taught stayed with me. Over time, I found myself returning to painting on my own. While I haven’t worked with oils since his class, I’ve transitioned into acrylics and gouache, and I still reflect on the lessons I learned from him with gratitude.

Recently, I fixed up a cozy reading and relaxation corner in my room. As part of the space, I hung up a couple of paintings I did in his class—especially the unfinished one, which was the last piece I worked on. Now, it hangs right in front of me when I nap or simply stare ahead. I love it for its composition, and the unfinished areas remind me of my struggles in class with midtones.

Thank you, Jose.

Ewa D.

Both my son and daughter picked Art Hub over other art studios and they truly enjoyed the experience. Jose is an excellent art educator. In addition to learning important skills, kids are encouraged to be creative. Jose is very experienced in guiding students towards what they want to achieve. His deep experience in portfolio building and the college application process adds tremendous value to his teaching. We truly appreciate what Jose and other teachers at Art Hub helped our kids to accomplish.

Swan C. L.

My 10-year-old daughter has been taking art class at Art Hub for more than two years. The owner, Jose, is a very talented artist and a great teacher. He is always patient with kids. He has an amazing positive and encouraging teaching style. He helps kids developing essential drawing skills and mastering different medias of art. My daughter improved a lot.

He is also a very caring person. He always greets everyone with a big smile. He takes time to talk to the parents and explains to the parents what the kids learned in class.

All the other teachers at Art Hub share the same positive and encouraging teaching style as Jose.

I highly recommend taking an art class at Art Hub if your kids are interested in art.

Vivian L.

I've been to about 5 of the figure drawing lessons. You walk-in and Jose, the owner and host, will welcome you and guide you. He is very friendly and will let you know how the structure of the class is if it's your first time. Every class there is a nude model, and within the roughly 3 hour time span, it will be broken up into chunks of 1 minute, 2 minute, 5 minute, 30 minute poses etc... and you draw with whatever materials you bring. There are easels and chairs (stools and wooden horse benches) you can sit on. The environment is very peaceful and easy to concentrate; sometimes Jose plays music quietly in the background. A few times, he let me borrow paper or charcoal after suggesting me to explore with these types of tools and letting me know where I can purchase them. Throughout the class, he walks around and makes suggestions/comments on the art drawn by the students. Some of the students are very young, some of them are old, some are really experienced and some are total beginners. I brought my friend who, like me, is also into drawing but does not have a formal background in art. It's a fun way to spend the rest of the evening after school/work for 3 hours just drawing a nude model alongside other art enthusiasts/artists. It's $20 per walk-in session, and I definitely think it's worth it for anyone who wants to explore their artistic talent or refine their figure drawing technique.

Sandra L.

This place is wonderful! My daughter loves the teachers and has really flourished here. The teachers are always available for conversations or discussion and always want to make sure that the child gets as much as they can out of the class. (I have not found this to be the case at other art school establishments we have tried. ) I have found that the teachers go above and beyond to try to get the student to advance with their artistic skills and their flexibility and patience is a testament that they truly want the best experience for your child. Other families to whom I have recommended this place have also commented back that they have enjoyed the classes here as well.

Raji K.

I started art lessons with Jose and Sal at art Hub academy. These guys are understanding and sensitive teachers and work with you from the level you are. They are very encouraging, friendly and provide a homely and comfortable atmosphere to learn. You become part of a nice community of budding artists. Its nice to know what not to do before we start learning to do it the right way! Try out if you are interested and you won't be disappointed.

mei S.

I have been coming to this studio for 4 months. I am using oil medium and moving towards portrait painting. I really enjoy what I am learning here. I learnt a lot about color mixing and steps of producing different values. I like Jose’s teaching style. He gives you comments when he thinks you need it. Otherwise he leaves you alone. I think the size of the class, the dynamic and interaction among the students are great. Above all, the flexibility of the studio schedule really makes it easy for people with a busy life.

Silvia P.

We have had nothing but great experience at Art Hub Academy! Our 16 year old daughter has been working with different instructors and speaks highly of all of them. Jose is very responsive and accommodating of our schedules which is a big plus for us. I'd highly recommend this place!