The Scribbles Institute is where adults and kids learn basic drawing skills for work, school, and pure enjoyment.
“I’m here to help you focus on drawing regularly with confidence and purpose.”
—Rob Court, Founder & Drawing Coach
Our students enjoy one-on-one guidance with drawing coach Rob Court. You can do on-location and Zoom/email/text sessions. Become a member at the Scribbles Institute today.
Sketchbook Workshops Check out our sketchbook workshops for 2025. Get ready to have fun learning to draw!
Start by mastering the basics! Learning to draw with confidence means learning to see and draw accurately from life. Our Drawing Lab students learn fundamental studio skills and techniques.
Because of the pandemic our studio location in Santa Cruz is permanently closed. We look forward to resuming our popular Drawing Lab as “pop-up” studio sessions in the future. Here’s more Drawing Lab info…
Join our drawing community! Enjoy improving your observational drawing skills and using your sketchbook for developing ideas, organizing your thoughts, and increasing productivity. Connect with other like-minded sketchers and drawing coach Rob Court by receving the Scribbles Institute eNewsletter…
Rob Court is a positive and upbeat mentor for inspiring artists.
"My daughter has always been interested in drawing. However, she was limited to a few self-taught techniques and a #2 pencil. After having taken several art workshops at the Scribbles Institute, her abilities now include using charcoal pencils, shading, and drawing proportionally from objects at different angles. In addition to learning new avenues to express creativity, the Scribbles Institute has an pleasant atmosphere where my teenage daughter can enjoy the company of other young artists who have similar interests. " —Susan M., Watsonville, CA
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2018-09-04T18:50:27-07:00
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I have never seen my students more engrossed in what they’re doing.
"Rob is an excellent, patient and innovative art teacher! He has been a guest teacher in our school for the past two years. He has the ability to take “non-drawers” and bring them through a series of exercises that allow them to find their artistic confidence in no time; at the same time he has no trouble keeping very artistic students challenged. His peaceful demeanor helps create a safe and quiet work space that is so much needed in today’s society. " —Holly N., teacher, Santa Cruz, County Office of Education
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2018-09-04T18:51:35-07:00
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My drawing course with Rob Court was a positive experience in every way.
"His impressive talents, coupled with his non-stop enthusiasm, make him an exceptionally effective teacher. This is reflected in all of his interactions with his students, creating a warm, accepting learning environment." —Tod C., Mount Herman, CA
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2018-09-04T18:52:35-07:00
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Thanks so much for all you do with our students!
"You’re the best! I look forward to a long standing relationship together serving the students of Monterey County Alternative Programs." —Gary Vincent, former Director of Alternative Education, Monterey County Office of Education
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2018-09-04T18:53:42-07:00
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I really couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. If you want to learn to draw Rob is the teacher for you!
"Rob is the best drawing teacher I’ve ever had! My husband and I have taken 4 classes with him, and would take more if we hadn’t just had a baby. When she gets older we will be back for sure. 🙂 The classes are fun, you learn a lot. And Rob is a super patient guy who is always encouraging. He pushes you to find your potential, but never too fast ,and always in a positive way. If you want to learn to draw Rob is the teacher for you!" —Michele F., Boulder Creek, CA
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2018-09-04T18:55:19-07:00
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The studio is very conducive to the process. I highly recommend Rob and The Scribbles Institute to all.
"Rob is an excellent, caring, and patient teacher. He has a thoughtful lesson plan and moves at the right pace for me. He encourages me to go farther than I think I can but always to the exact level I really can. The studio is very conducive to the process." —Karla C., Pleasanton, CA
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2018-09-04T19:02:07-07:00
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The studio is a comfortable environment – something about the atmosphere contributes to the whole process.
"After wishing for quite a while that I could develop my drawing skills, I was delighted to find the Scribbles Institute. The classes are focused and productive without being intimidating. Rob, the instructor, is not only a skilled artist, but also an excellent teacher – very encouraging and supportive. He covers the key topics necessary to improve one’s drawing, while adapting to individual student needs and goals. Great place to learn!" —Jon B., Watsonville
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2018-09-04T19:03:22-07:00
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Quite simply the best place to learn how to draw in Santa Cruz or South Bay.
"Rob is an excellent, knowledgeable teacher who knows how to connect with his students to nudge them in exactly the right direction at the right time. He creates an inspiring, supportive, artful environment that encourages the advancement of every participant’s creative goals, and also a camaraderie among the students that even further heightens everyone’s positive experience." —Tina R., Santa Cruz
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2018-09-03T21:52:47-07:00
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If you are looking for a caring, talented, knowledgeable, intelligent drawing coach, Rob is your guy.
"Rob is always completely engaged in the class and is able to move effortlessly from student to student. He will guide you line by line if that is what you need. I have studied with many teachers and Rob is by far the best and has taken me further than anyone." —Bev O., Santa Cruz
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2018-09-03T22:00:49-07:00
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Rob is excellent at reading what each student needs and he helps guide them.
"My daughter and I have been going to the Scribbles Institute since the winter of 2016. At the time, my 10 year old daughter had been doing lots of art, but I could not find a class that would enroll a child her age and still challenge her at the level she was at. He does not teach us “how” to draw, instead he teaches us how to see the world around us and then he gives us the tools to interpret these things." —Zak B., Santa Cruz
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2018-09-04T18:34:00-07:00
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Rob strikes a good balance between discliplined learning and an openness to individual learning objectives. If you have any inclination to draw, I highly recommend him.
"Rob is a patient and fun drawing teacher. He’s put together a creative but peaceful studio environment and has developed an excellent curriculum. I wanted to draw better for a long time. When it became necessary to sell visual ideas at work, I decided to do something about it. After taking Rob’s classes, I had both regained my appreciation for the art and got a design proposal approved at work." —Adam S., Santa Cruz
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2018-09-04T18:46:35-07:00
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A gifted teacher with an ability to connect with students.
"Rob’s Draw to Learn program is a perfect fit for our alternative education program. He is a gifted teacher and has the rare ability to connect with students and get them to explore their potential through drawing. The proof is in the amazing work that is produced." —Sandy Mast, former Director of Alternative Education, Santa Cruz County Office of Education
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2018-09-04T18:48:55-07:00
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