Teacher's Statement:

I believe that we have a human need to be creative, whether it is in art, math or any other discipline. While there may be a strong propensity toward artistic expression in an individual, it is not crucial to a successful art practice. You do not have to have "talent" to learn art skills, and learning them has benefits beyond the artistic endeavors they may produce. I honor each student where they are and encourage growth within their own scope of accomplishments, not through comparison or competition between students. As children, we are taught to screen out extraneous information. We learn to focus on what is necessary to accomplish the nuts and bolts of what is expected of us. Through that process, many have forgotten how to fully experience our surroundings and our own responses to it. We have to be reminded to stop and smell the roses. Art experiences can help us to regain that childlike sense of wonder at the incredible beauty that is present around us even in the most mundane settings.

Mindful Drawing

The most crucial aspect of learning to draw and the basis for any type of visual art is learning to see. Along with our powers of observation, our perceptions change and deepen as we explore new ways to open ourselves to what is always before us. Some exercises, such as gesture drawing and blind contour drawing, are designed to build drawing skills by quickly tapping into the parts of our brain that are more intuitive than analytical. These areas are more responsible for perceptions of spatial relationships, developing strengths in body movement, music and art. They help us to quiet the usually dominant verbal area by providing a task that is too difficult to describe in words. When this occurs, there is often a great sense of well-being and oneness with the subject. We often lose track of time when we reach this state and even have a little difficulty re-emerging into verbal mode. When we are in the "zone" we are able to quiet the critical voice in our heads, or to at least observe the voice, thank it for trying to protect us and assure ourselves that it is not needed in these circumstances. We can learn to give it a "Thank you very much" and go on. I know of no better way to develop drawing skills that will serve one well whatever medium or discipline is chosen or explored. Learning to look at a subject in a different way is the first step in developing skills and personal style that will culminate in a high level of artistic self-expression. This closer exploration of our surroundings and our response to them naturally extends to a greater awareness of others and will heighten ones perception of the body language, mood swings and attitudes of others as well as a deeper understanding of ourselves.

Gelli Printing

This is a wonderful way to make beautiful fast and loose prints with various texture and objects. Create a colorful record of your favorite nature walk or trip. Save the imprint of meaningful or interesting objects with your own personal take on them. Make your own greeting cards for that friendly touch. Even a beginning painter can get fabulous results!

Painting

Painting, simplified, is working with color, value, texture/sheen and composition in the form of pigment. First and foremost is the study and manipulation of color and value. We will work on how to use it lavishly, sparingly and tastefully. We will learn how to make our colors sing and how to quiet them using the placement of warms and cools and complements to our best advantage. We will be using a limited color palette which allows for a wide variety of hues that are in great harmony with one another, giving your painting a sense of continuity. We will study and implement what makes a strong and pleasing composition, including the use of contrast and a full range of values. In my long career, I have had the opportunity to paint many different subjects in a variety of styles. I learned to use mediums (additives) to slow the drying time of acrylics to give them a flowing character and natural appearance. I have also enjoyed using textures and acrylic paint variations to achieve the desired effect. There are many tools and techniques that can help in solving painting problems. I enjoy passing this knowledge on to others so they may benefit from my years of study and experience.

Oils

Oils have a time-honored and well deserved place in art history and methodology. They have superior blending qualities and give the artist the opportunity to move and change the nature of the stroke because of its extended drying time. Oils have a slight odor and higher VOC than acrylics, though using odorless turpentine reduces the discomfort of this considerably.

Acrylics

Acrylics are beautiful, easily obtainable, fast drying and can be used in either transparent or opaque applications. There is a wide variety of textures and mediums that can be added to them for a variety of effects. They are great for canvas, fabric, murals and accessories. They are low in VOCs and easily clean up with water.

Soft Pastels

Using soft pastels, we will learn to use this vibrant, pure medium in layers for a luscious and luminous result. I especially love using the pastel medium for animal portraits. It can be confusing when discussing pastels, since in this sense it refers to a medium, which is a stick of chalk-like pigment held together with a minimum of binders. Soft pastels refer to the type that is soft in texture and not the type processed in an oil binder, which are known as oil pastels. Colors are available in a wide range from incredibly vibrant to soft and subtle. Again, not limited to what we consider as “pastel” colors.

Paint Party

Using many of the principles and techniques above, I will walk you through a pre-determined composition step-by-step.

Paint Your Pet

Learn how to capture your pet's likeness and personality in this fun class. I will help you to frame a good portrait composition and walk you through the steps to create your masterpiece!

Decorative Arts

I have many years of experience using glazes and textures for finishes and trompe l'oeil effects, as well as painting murals, furniture and accessories. I am an expert in stencil design, cutting and application to almost any surface. Contact me about designing a workshop for your group.

Airbrush

Create artworks like no other with the use of this amazing and versatile tool. I will show you the basics of operation, cleaning and maintenance so that you can get a jump-start with your airbrushed art. Lessons include layering of color and the use of masks and stencils.

Designed to Suit

I love to travel and experience workshop and conference style gatherings. I am delighted to customize and design a class or workshop that fits a theme or location.