Cindy J. gallery

Cindy J., a Junior at Crystal Springs Uplands School and a third year student at
Art Academia, received three Gold medals at the San Mateo County Fair Fine Arts Division
for her oil paintings in 2007. In addition, she is the Interstate Winner of the Lion's Club
Peace Poster contest, and Best of Show and First Place Winner at the Art Academia
Studio annual competition. Her most recent artwork is currently showcased at the
Upstream People's Gallery International Online Art Exhibition.

Cindy as a great range and variety in her work, from ethnic watercolor paintings to oil
painting still lifes, to fun, imaginative pieces inspired by other artists. She has been
taking formal art lessons since the age of 8, and is certain that Inna is the best out of
all the art teachers that she has had. She is so grateful to have had the opportunity to
learn under Inna. She came to Art Academia in 2004 expecting to be taught how to draw,
but what Inna has taught her is how to see. Inna has taught her the mechanics and the
amount of thinking that needs to go into a painting, from its initial composition and the arrangement of subject vs negative space, to establishing a point of interest, and
everything in between. Unlike other art teachers, Inna does not focus solely
on oil painting, but incorporates a variety of exercises and skills into her curriculum.
Quick charcoal portrait sketches and pencil studies of plaster casts improve technical skill,
while weekly lectures explain the methods of painting the particular composition.

Art Academia is an excellent learning environment for artists of all ages. Inna keeps the
class fun with her humor and unique European music, and the frequent visits by esteemed
Art Professors and well-known artists attract people from all over the bay area.