The Compass Atelier

Glen Kessler’s love of painting and teaching shine through every class and workshop he presents at The Compass Atelier. His enthusiasm is contagious! Glen has the uncanny ability to connect with, guide, and inspire every student, regardless of their skill level or experience. A superb painter as well as teacher, Glen’s instruction, demonstrations, and critiques are invaluable. But perhaps his greatest gift to his students is his ability to help them discover and navigate their own personal art journeys. On top of all this, Glen is a genuinely nice person who cares about each individual student. Glen and The Compass Atelier are the total package for anyone seeking to begin or further their art education.

Excellent art school. Glen is knowledgeable and generous in his instruction. The school has a friendly atmosphere and artists of great caliber. I cannot recommend it enough

Glen Kessler is an excellent teacher for a number of reasons. He quickly assesses each student for their level of knowledge, their strengths and weaknesses and adjusts his instruction to everyone individually. Anyone can attend a class or workshop with him and gain something from it - no art society snobbery here! But perhaps the best part of attending any of his classes is experiencing the delight he has in teaching what he loves. This alone will take you far and get you past any fears you might have about your own journey as an artist! Highly recommended!

The Compass Atelier is a game changer. One of the best decisions I have ever made was to make the three year commitment. The class sizes are small so you get a very personalized experience every time you come to class. Glenn Kessler is an amazing teacher who is sensitive to each students needs. If you are a beginner or an experienced artist looking to take your art to a higher level, I highly recommend enrolling!

I am a graduate of this three year program and I will state that in my opinion, it is the best program out there for aspiring fine adult artists of all levels of experience. It encompasses the basics of drawing through ,the techniques of the Old Masters and to the advanced new techniques of today. It includes building an ecorche model, color theory, plein air study, understanding perspective, and the opportunity to become a Copyist at the National Gallery of Art and so much more.

The Teacher/Artist, Glen Kessler, a well known Maryland artist, who
has an incredible talent for instruction developed this program over his many years of teaching at the Collegiate level.

The best testimony over all is that the artists who have graduated from this Program have sold paintings in local shows and Galleries around the the Metropolitan D. C. area and have an amazing feeling of being able to create such beautiful art.

Alden Schofield

I went through the Compass Atelier three year program for oil painting with Glen Kessler and could not have been more pleased and impressed. The program is masterfully designed and organized to take you step-by-step through all the fundamental elements you need to learn to be an accomplished artist. There is just no comparison to usual art classes, of which I had taken a few.

There is a building-block approach that begins with drawing in various media and then into painting a full range of subjects from landscape to still life to figures. You grow into your familiarity with tonal values, color wheel and color mixing, perspective, and all the other fundamentals, as well as in your selection and handling of art materials.

Glen is a fantastic teacher. He combines knowledge and enthusiasm and an infectious, affirmative "can do" attitude that really inspires your learning process. I am sure this program jump-started my painting abilities by years.

This program, taught by a professional, generous and honest teacher, takes you from basic drawing and painting skills to independent work in three years. If you are unfocused in your art goals, dabbling instead of growing and achieving, this program is for you. Glen gives you the basics and then encourages you to take risks and flourish.