Art school encourages portfolio development

ATTENTION TO DETAIL- Shayna Silver prepares a drawing at Sheldon's Art Academy. The school, based in Oak Park, offers a variety of classes and personal assistance for young artists. Sheldon's Art Academy is offering a new "portfolio development" program designed to assist students in preparing their work for high school, college or other programs. It combines classical art training with personalized attention.

Sheldon's Art Academy is at 62 Lindero Canyon Road, Oak Park.

In the program, students have access to a variety to resources, from instruction books to training manuals to information materials from various art schools.

Students learn the foundations of drawing and painting as well as preparing and selecting pieces to build a quality portfolio that will demonstrate foundation and finish.

From composition to perspective, still life to head drawing, pencil to watercolors, the academy provides students with key skills that will last a lifetime.

Since each school's portfolio requirements may vary, students usually schedule individual appointments with Sheldon Borenstein, academy founder and teacher. During these sessions, the student and Borenstein establish a timetable, review the week's work and discuss the student's progress. Borenstein works closely with students to provide each with the needed support and guidance for success.

With more than 20 years of experience, Borenstein is a veteran of the professional art industry. He has worked on films such as "Space Jam" and "FernGully: The Last Rainforest" and for companies such as Warner Bros.

In addition to running his own art school in Oak Park, Borenstein teaches figure drawing at San Jose State University.

For more about classes or to make an appointment, call (818) 706-9444 or e-mail sheldonsartacademy @sbcglobal.net or visit www.sheldonsartacademy.com.