Drawing is the Ultimate Technology
Welcome to the Scribbles Institute. We firmly believe that, even as digital technologies reshape our children’s education, drawing remains the ultimate technology for creative humans—one of humanity’s oldest and most enduring ways of seeing, thinking, and communicating.
What do you want to draw today? The Scribbles Institute is where kids and adults learn basic drawing skills for work, school, creativity, and pure enjoyment. Our programs and products are devoted to awakening the creative kid within each of us.
I’m here to help you focus on drawing regularly with confidence and purpose.
—Rob Court, Founder & Drawing Coach
Youth & Adult Workshops
Draw With Your Kids: This workshop is for kids (8 to 12 years) who want to learn how to make their drawings look more realistic. Enjoy creative time together as you and your child learn basic observational sketching skills.
On-Location Workshops: Our popular workshops include urban/field sketchbook basics and studio skills/techniques. Small groups learn to draw from life and discover how to use drawing as a platform for launching creative ideas and increasing productivity.
New Workshops for Summer/Fall 2026
Premium Coaching: Reconnect to your childhood thrill of drawing. Premium students enjoy one-on-one guidance by Rob Court in private or semi-private coaching sessions that take place outdoors, in-studio, or via email/text/video sessions. Learn Rob’s proven method for observational drawing. For adults and mature kids.
Join Our Drawing Community! Connect with other like-minded sketchers and drawing coach Rob Court by receiving the Scribbles Institute eNewsletter. Get ready to have fun drawing!
"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
"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
"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 MastFormer Director of Alternative Education, Santa Cruz County Office of Education
"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
"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
"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
"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 VincentFormer Director of Alternative Education, Monterey County Office of Education
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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