
Think Like the Masters 2026-27
Animals in Art, Painting Studies
Animals in Art, A Creative Journey Around the World
Students will begin by observing and discussing visual reference images of the week's featured animal, encouraging curiosity about its form, movement, and habitat. Through guided, step-by-step instruction, students will create artwork while exploring a variety of media, including acrylic paint, watercolor, oil pastels, graphite, colored pencil, and mixed media.
Throughout the lesson, students will apply the elements of art—including line, shape, form, color, texture, and space—while exploring composition, balance, and visual harmony. They will experiment with a variety of mark-making techniques to represent natural textures and make creative decisions about color, backgrounds, and artistic details, resulting in a personalized work of art. Along the way, students will strengthen observation skills, build confidence, and develop an appreciation for the creative process through guided discussion and age-appropriate art vocabulary.
Classes are held in a safe and encouraging studio environment, led by professional artists who are dedicated to nurturing each student’s creative growth and artistic discipline.
Studio Learning Experiences
-
Sketchbook Journaling & Creative Drawing Prompts – Develop observation, imagination, and visual thinking through regular sketchbook exploration.
-
Gallery Walks & Artwork Discussions – Encourage reflection, communication, and appreciation through peer sharing and positive feedback.
-
Art Vocabulary ("Art Word of the Day") – Introduce age-appropriate artistic terms to strengthen visual literacy and creative confidence.
-
Studio Responsibility Rotation – Foster teamwork, responsibility, and respect by participating in simple studio care and organization.
-
Student Exhibitions & Portfolio Building – Celebrate artistic growth through seasonal exhibitions while developing confidence in presenting completed artwork
-
Artist Spotlight & Artwork Exploration – Discover artists, artistic styles, and cultures from around the world to inspire creativity and broaden artistic understanding.
Workshop Duration and Tuition: This 9-month workshop runs from September through May, with students attending one 2-hour class each week (approximately 8 hours of instruction per month).
While each month's project is designed as an independent unit, some projects may extend into the following week to allow students the time needed to develop skills, refine techniques, and complete their artwork with care.
Class Instructor:
Ms. Raquel Hinojosa
Gallery Director, Visual Artist and Educator
Tuition Cost: Tuition includes all art materials, supplies, and a light snack. Students attend one 2-hour class each week, receiving approximately 8 hours of guided studio instruction per month.
After School Class Schedule
-
Monday 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm 5 - 12 yr olds Sign Up
-
Tuesday 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm 5 - 12 yr olds Sign Up
-
Wednesday 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm 5 - 12 yr olds Sign Up
-
Thursday 3:45 pm to 5:45 pm 5 - 12 yr olds Sign Up
-
Thursday 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm 5 - 12 yr olds Sign Up
-
Saturday 10:00 am to 12:00 pm 12 - 17 yr olds Sign Up
-
Saturday 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm 12 - 17 yr olds Sign Up
-
Saturday 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm 5 - 12 yr olds Sign Up
Call to reserve your space 956-309-8352

Think Like the Masters 2026-27
Symbols of the Land: Drawing Art Studies
Symbols of the Land: A Texas Drawing Journey
Students will begin by observing and discussing visual reference images of the week's featured Texas subject, encouraging curiosity about its form, character, and unique details. Through guided, step-by-step instruction, students will develop realistic drawing skills using graphite and professional drawing pencils while exploring subjects inspired by the landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage of Texas.
Throughout each lesson, students will strengthen their understanding of the elements of art—including line, shape, form, value, texture, and space—while learning techniques such as proportion, shading, blending, contour drawing, and perspective. They will develop observational skills by carefully studying light, shadow, and surface textures, making thoughtful artistic decisions that result in expressive and personalized drawings. Along the way, students will build confidence, refine their technical abilities, and expand their artistic vocabulary through guided discussion and demonstration.
Classes are held in a safe and encouraging studio environment, led by professional artists who are dedicated to nurturing each student's creative growth, technical skill, and appreciation for the art of drawing.
Studio Learning Experiences
-
Sketchbook Journaling & Creative Drawing Prompts – Develop observation, imagination, and visual thinking through regular sketchbook exploration.
-
Gallery Walks & Artwork Discussions – Encourage reflection, communication, and appreciation through peer sharing and positive feedback.
-
Student Exhibitions & Portfolio Building – Celebrate artistic growth through seasonal exhibitions while developing confidence in presenting completed artwork.
Workshop Duration and Tuition: This 9-month workshop runs from September through May, with students attending one 2-hour class each week (approximately 8 hours of instruction per month).
Class Instructor: Mr. Lupe Hernandez
Visual Artist and Art Educator
Tuition Cost: $125 per month. All materials are included plus light snack. Students come in once a week for 2 hours, totaling 8 hours a month.
After School Class Schedule
Call to reserve your space 956-309-8352

Think Like the Masters 2026-27
Wild Cats in Art Watercolors
Homeschool In the Studio
Wild Cats in Art Watercolor- Home School Groups
Students will begin by observing and discussing visual reference images of the week's featured wild cat, discovering its habitat, unique markings, and natural behaviors. Through guided, step-by-step instruction, students will create watercolor paintings while exploring the remarkable diversity of the world's wild cats—from the largest species to the smallest.
Throughout each lesson, students will develop watercolor techniques including wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, layering, glazing, lifting, and controlled brushwork. They will apply the elements of art—including line, shape, form, color, texture, and space—while exploring composition, balance, and visual harmony. Students will make thoughtful artistic decisions about color, backgrounds, and finishing details, creating expressive paintings that celebrate the beauty and individuality of each animal.
Along the way, students will strengthen observation skills, build confidence in watercolor painting, and develop an appreciation for wildlife, conservation, and the creative process through guided discussion and age-appropriate art vocabulary.
Classes are held in a safe and encouraging studio environment, led by professional artists who are dedicated to nurturing each student's creative growth, technical skills, and appreciation for the natural world through art.
Class will cover the following:
-
Watercolor techniques, layering, glazing, and texture.
-
Sketching & painting bird shapes, feathers, and color patterns.
-
Studying birds from different regions for inspiration.
-
Building a portfolio of watercolor bird studies.
Workshop Duration and Cost: 9-Month Workshop running from Sept. to May, with a duration of 1.5 hours per class. Each monthly project is independent of each other, so kids can start at any time during the year.
Class Instructor: Ms. Raquel Hinojosa
Tuition Cost: $95 per month. All materials are included. Students come in once a week for 1.5 hours, totaling 6 hours a month.
Why Learn at Hinovations
Learn from professional artists in a welcoming studio where creativity, technical skills, and individual growth are encouraged every step of the way.

Raquel Hinojosa
Raquel Hinojosa is the founder and Gallery Director of Hinovations Art Gallery in McAllen, Texas. As a professional artist and educator, she has spent more than two decades helping students of all ages discover the joy of creating art. Her teaching combines strong artistic fundamentals with encouragement, patience, and creative exploration, allowing each student to develop at their own pace. Through painting, drawing, and mixed media, Raquel strives to inspire confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Lupe Hernandez
Lupe Hernandez is a visual artist with a passion for observational drawing and artistic craftsmanship. His classes emphasize strong drawing fundamentals, including proportion, shading, perspective, texture, and composition, while encouraging students to slow down, observe carefully, and enjoy the creative process. Through patient, step-by-step instruction, Lupe helps students build confidence and develop the technical skills needed to create expressive and realistic pencil drawings inspired by the natural beauty and heritage of Texas.

Why Art Matters
The Lasting Benefits of an Art Education
Art education is about much more than learning to paint or draw. It encourages observation, strengthens problem-solving skills, builds confidence, and teaches patience through creative practice. Every lesson helps students develop skills that extend far beyond the studio and into everyday life.