Studio Arts of Dallas spent two days at Lakewood Elementary School, and instructors and students came away with some colorful memories.

Instructors from the studio conduct classes at their shop and go on-site to teach elementary school children the finer points of multiple art techniques. They also hold classes for teens and adults.

With the recent classes — headed by Brenda Sanchez and Chris Wyatt of Studio Arts, and PTA member Robin Lowery — the studio taught what Studio Arts Director Barley Vogel called "the secret artist trick" for drawing self-portraits.

"They used mirrors to draw their portraits, with careful guidance from Brenda and Chris, then added fantastic imaginary hats that tell a lot about each individual," Vogel said.

After learning about background shading with pastels, the students engaged some social activities to add to their art techniques and networking skills.

"The first-graders were encouraged to stand up and move around their pictures and socialize while they worked, just like at our studio. The portrait drawing was much quieter and focused, because every child wants to learn where the parts of their face belongs on a page, while the coloring was chatty and relaxed," Vogel said.

The results speak for themselves because, you know, a picture is worth a thousand words.