In person classes are on hold for now.
We'll be back soon. Stay Safe!
We'll be back soon. Stay Safe!
About My Classes;
Many people ask me. “When did you decide you wanted to be an artist?“ I honestly can’t answer that question because I don’t believe there has ever been a time in my life I didn’t feel like an artist. I have always taken what is in front of me and used it to make or create something else. I consider my final result better than it was before and can only hope others do as well.
I like teaching because I enjoy passing on what I have learned over the years from my teachers and through my own experimentation. Nothing is better than the look of satisfaction on someone’s face when they make an art tool or a new medium do exactly what they intended, or bend a rule to make a painting a more successful piece of art. When the new mastery can be repeated at will and leads to further mastery “art’ becomes the extension of a person.
Education:
Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Magna Cum Laude, (with Honors) Oregon State University
One year academic completion towards Masters in Education Degree, Oregon State University
70+ hours of Graphic Design courses at Linn-Benton Community College, Albany, OR and Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Vitae:
Art Instructor for the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Art, Spring TX: 2015 to 2021
Best Floral: 2013 Lone Star Art Guild Convention Show
Member, Instructor and President, 2013-2014 of The Woodlands Art League, TX
Member and Publicity Director, Dec. 2012-June 2013 of The Woodlands Art League, TX
Summer Camp Instructor The Woodlands Art League, TX, June –August 2013
Solo Show ‘Vibrancy” at the Hilary Community Gallery Space and 2 Workshops at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Art, June 6-30, 2013, Spring, TX
Winner of first and second place awards in WAL Spring 2013 Lone Star Art Guild sponsored open show, in the Category of Mixed Media Painting, The Woodlands, TX
Winner of third place awards in WAL Fall 2012 Lone Star Art Guild sponsored open show,
in the Category of Mixed Media Painting, The Woodlands, TX
Instructor for City Art Works, Houston/Spring, TX
Juried consigning artist: The Wooden Cow Gallery, Albuquerque, NM
Northern New Mexico Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
Juried member of Santa Fe Artist Guild, NM
Instructor of Mixed Media Painting at ArtXcapes Art School, Santa Fe, NM
Sweet Dreams Gallery; Taos, NM
Juried member of Corrales Artists Society, NM
and many more….
I like teaching because I enjoy passing on what I have learned over the years from my teachers and through my own experimentation. Nothing is better than the look of satisfaction on someone’s face when they make an art tool or a new medium do exactly what they intended, or bend a rule to make a painting a more successful piece of art. When the new mastery can be repeated at will and leads to further mastery “art’ becomes the extension of a person.
Education:
Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Magna Cum Laude, (with Honors) Oregon State University
One year academic completion towards Masters in Education Degree, Oregon State University
70+ hours of Graphic Design courses at Linn-Benton Community College, Albany, OR and Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Vitae:
Art Instructor for the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Art, Spring TX: 2015 to 2021
Best Floral: 2013 Lone Star Art Guild Convention Show
Member, Instructor and President, 2013-2014 of The Woodlands Art League, TX
Member and Publicity Director, Dec. 2012-June 2013 of The Woodlands Art League, TX
Summer Camp Instructor The Woodlands Art League, TX, June –August 2013
Solo Show ‘Vibrancy” at the Hilary Community Gallery Space and 2 Workshops at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Art, June 6-30, 2013, Spring, TX
Winner of first and second place awards in WAL Spring 2013 Lone Star Art Guild sponsored open show, in the Category of Mixed Media Painting, The Woodlands, TX
Winner of third place awards in WAL Fall 2012 Lone Star Art Guild sponsored open show,
in the Category of Mixed Media Painting, The Woodlands, TX
Instructor for City Art Works, Houston/Spring, TX
Juried consigning artist: The Wooden Cow Gallery, Albuquerque, NM
Northern New Mexico Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
Juried member of Santa Fe Artist Guild, NM
Instructor of Mixed Media Painting at ArtXcapes Art School, Santa Fe, NM
Sweet Dreams Gallery; Taos, NM
Juried member of Corrales Artists Society, NM
and many more….
Most of the classes below have sections designed for these age levels;
Youth - 8 to 11, Teens -12 to 15 and Adults -16 and up
Classes:
Materials not included
Contact the artist for the Materials List and to arrange your classes.
Contact the artist for the Materials List and to arrange your classes.
Acrylic Painting presents students of any age with the basic techniques and concepts that are common to various painting media, with the emphasis placed on the acrylic medium. Students will have the opportunity to paint still life and figures as well as from photographs, animation and their own drawings and abstract designs.
Materials not included
Contact the artist for the Materials List and to arrange your classes.
Contact the artist for the Materials List and to arrange your classes.
My drawing classes for younger artists are intended to give students a foundation for success and satisfaction for other art media of interest such as painting and sculpture.
This class is designed to help younger artists explore form and structure from observation, to draw what they see. Later in the course students are encouraged to combine their imagination and new knowledge of line, shape, value and texture to create original compositions. Beginning with the simplest of shapes, skill building continues through learning to incorporate contour and classic drawing and shading techniques. Projects are based on subjects such as everyday items, animation favorites, landscape and inventive forms and may incorporate media such as charcoal.
This class is designed to help younger artists explore form and structure from observation, to draw what they see. Later in the course students are encouraged to combine their imagination and new knowledge of line, shape, value and texture to create original compositions. Beginning with the simplest of shapes, skill building continues through learning to incorporate contour and classic drawing and shading techniques. Projects are based on subjects such as everyday items, animation favorites, landscape and inventive forms and may incorporate media such as charcoal.
For older artists my drawing classes are designed for both experienced art students and for those who have little or no previous experience in art and want to develop aesthetic understanding and drawing skills.
For those who have taken to class before we will explore how to further improve your drawing and begin other techniques like pen & ink and ink washes.
Projects are based on subjects such as still life, landscape and inventive forms and may incorporate media such as charcoal, graphite, ink, and collage. Students explore form and structure from observation and imagination through the use of line, shape, value and texture. This course is intended to give students a foundation for success and satisfaction for other art media of interest such as painting and sculpture.
For those who have taken to class before we will explore how to further improve your drawing and begin other techniques like pen & ink and ink washes.
Projects are based on subjects such as still life, landscape and inventive forms and may incorporate media such as charcoal, graphite, ink, and collage. Students explore form and structure from observation and imagination through the use of line, shape, value and texture. This course is intended to give students a foundation for success and satisfaction for other art media of interest such as painting and sculpture.
Materials not included
Contact the artist for the Materials List and to arrange your classes.
Contact the artist for the Materials List and to arrange your classes.
My mixed media class for younger artists provides them with techniques and concepts that are common to various painting media, relief sculpting, layering and creating texture etc and how to combine several media into a finished work of art. This class is not limited to 2-D presentations or construction. Thinking out of the box will be emphasized as a problem solving tool.
Similar to the Mixed Media for the younger groups, this course presents older artists with techniques and concepts that are common to various painting media, relief sculpting, layering and creating texture etc and how to combine several media into a finished work of art. This class is not limited to 2-D presentations or construction. The older group will more widely explore as many techniques available to a mixed media artist as time allows. Thinking out of the box will be emphasized as a problem solving tool.
Materials not included
Contact the artist for the Materials List and to arrange your classes.
Contact the artist for the Materials List and to arrange your classes.
For All Artist 10 Years Old and Up
This class will help artist of all ages to be successful using oil and/or water soluble oil paint.. Each painting medium presents an artist with a different feel to the way the paint moves with the brush onto the substrate or painting surface. In addition each medium has advantages and limitations the artist should experience to ensure success.
Please note: Youth Classe for oils are for those who are 10 to 12 years old.
This class will help artist of all ages to be successful using oil and/or water soluble oil paint.. Each painting medium presents an artist with a different feel to the way the paint moves with the brush onto the substrate or painting surface. In addition each medium has advantages and limitations the artist should experience to ensure success.
Please note: Youth Classe for oils are for those who are 10 to 12 years old.
Materials not included
Contact the artist for the Materials List and to arrange your classes.
Contact the artist for the Materials List and to arrange your classes.
This course presents students with the basic techniques and concepts that are common to watercolor painting. Students will have the opportunity to paint from still life arrangements as well as from photographs and their own drawings and designs.
Students with more experience with watercolor will receive more complex and challenging ‘assignments’.
Students with more experience with watercolor will receive more complex and challenging ‘assignments’.
Most materials ARE included for workshop format classes
Due to the nature of this exploratory series, most supplies will be provided where possible. Participating artists will get a suggested materials list before the class begins.
Due to the nature of this exploratory series, most supplies will be provided where possible. Participating artists will get a suggested materials list before the class begins.
Exploration Workshop Overview
A basic age appropriate introductory project in the medium/technique 'of the day' can be expected at each meeting. Each presentation is designed to create a willingness to explore, ny encouraging appropriate risk taking in the art form, learning from mistakes, and being open to other possibilities. Each class improves the student's problem solving techniques: challenging and encouraging open-ended thinking in an environment dependent on a search of answers.
Workshops do not offer as much one-on-one time with individuals because they are designed to be offered for larger groups of 10-14 participants for ages 8 to 12, and groups of 15 -20 for older students. Family participation is encouraged.
For younger artists our emphasis in on strengthening focus and increasing attention span, developing hand-eye coordination, and encouraging strategic thinking. Each project involves interacting with the material world through different tools and mediums.
For older artists the variety of topics allows a safe space for experimentation in the technique/media being presented.
Choose one or several topics from the list to personalize your exploration.
We can also theme a workshop to fit the group's interests and ages.
Workshop Themes
Monoprints :(Definition courtesy of Original Print Gallery in Dublin, Ireland) The monoprint or monotype is often thought of as a halfway stage between painting and printmaking. The process is simple: the artist paints, rubs, or wipes the design directly onto a plate, using a fairly slow drying paint or ink. The fleeting image must be printed before the ink dries. Printing may be by press or by hand, and as the name monoprint implies, one can usually get only one strong impression. The effect must be guessed right from the start; there will be no trial proofs or different states unless the design is redrawn for a second impression. This term is used to refer to any print made in one version and incapable of being repeated. A monoprint cannot be done in editions like other “prints”. While a bit technical monoprinting does allow the artist unusual freedom and spontaneity.
Collagraph Prints: In this form of printmaking, various thin materials are arranged as a collage and glued to a rigid surface. Then an embossed print is taken from the design. The types of objects you can find, alter and combine to make a collagraph are unlimited.
Basic Sculpture:
Students will create an abstract sculpture or a critter or 'elf' using wire armature and paper or fabric to create a statue that we will paint and add finishing touches to with mixed media. Not recommended for artists under 10 years of age.
Watercolor;
Make a painting to get a feel for the basics of this medium.
Wet Pastels:
Try a different way to use a time honored medium.
Mod Podge 'silk screen'
Mod Podge is the masking fluid and an embroidery hoop is the frame for out designs. This technique requires a 2-day class for artist 10 years old and up.
Sunny Canvas
Use paint and scrapbook paper for a fun introduction to mixed media!
Make a Book:
Students will create a unique book based on their favorite quotes or short poems.
Alternative Self Portraits:
We are always more than we appear. Thinking creatively about themselves students will make a portrait that lets the viewer know who they are.
NatureClay;
Make a series of nature tiles to display either a baked polymer or air dry clay.
Exploring Artists;
Using famous art as inspiration we will create our own interpretations of their style.
For Example: Crittermania; Miro/Sendak:
Joan Miro and Maurice Sendak were two 20th Century artists who went ‘wild’ producing paintings and illustrations using unique critters and figures. Each became an icon of modern art. After looking and discussing each artist’s work, students will be encouraged to let their imaginations create paintings in tempera.Famous contemporary artist,
Making Stamps/Embossing Tools
Students will carve their own designs from materials such as erasers or ‘linoleum’ blocks creating their personalized images which can be used for projects like scrapbooking, relief embossing into clay and more.
Chiully Ball:
What do you do with plastic water bottles when you are done? Use them to create art of course! Students will use plastic bottles they paint and shape to make a Chiully glass inspired hanging ball. This class may be done as a collaborative activity. This technique requires a 2-day class for artist 10 years old and up.
Art ClassTrading Cards with a Twist.
Best as a group activity. Each person creates 4 cards using a basic template, then make some 'trades' with classmates that all come together into one collaborative wall mural. Media will vary.
Color Pencil;
Do a project to learn about this medium.
Assemblage:
(Definition courtesy of About.com) Based on to word "assembly" :assemblage is a form of 3-D sculpture comprised of "found" objects arranged in such a way that they create a piece. These objects can be anything organic or man-made. Scraps of wood, stones, old shoes, baked bean cans and a discarded baby buggy - or any of the other 84,000,000 items not here mentioned by name - all qualify for inclusion in an assemblage. Whatever catches the artist's eye, and fits properly in the composition to make a unified whole, is fair game. This is not collage.
Graffiti: It's All In a Name
You may know what graffiti is, but they may not know that graffiti has existed since ancient times, or that lettering is a genuine form of art or that a great amount of work is done to perfect to lettering style. Sometimes graffiti is employed to communicate social and political messages. To some, it is an art form worthy of display in galleries and exhibitions. We will design a personal and stylized signature, which can be a given name, a nickname or something they’ve made.
We will then create stylized illustration about things important in our lives around the stylized name.
Simple Mosaic
We will create paper tiles that have multi colored surfaces and experiment with overlapping colors on multi-colored backgrounds creating mosaic designs.
Acrylics:
Do a project to learn about this medium.
Drapo
A unique form of art originating in Haiti it is the creation of elaborately decorated flags called “Drapos.”
students will make a banner of their own design using a variety of glittery, sparkly, shiny materials and brilliant felt.
Masks
What is the artist’s favorite animal? We will create the answer with a craft paper mask form, added on features and colorful designs. The meaning of animal traits in other cultures will be explored. This technique requires a 2-day class.
Kinetic Hanger
Just like in science kinetic means an object is in motion. Students will use various materials to create art with the potential for movement.
Mixed Media Techniques:
Textures, stencils, transfers and more.
More themes to come...
A basic age appropriate introductory project in the medium/technique 'of the day' can be expected at each meeting. Each presentation is designed to create a willingness to explore, ny encouraging appropriate risk taking in the art form, learning from mistakes, and being open to other possibilities. Each class improves the student's problem solving techniques: challenging and encouraging open-ended thinking in an environment dependent on a search of answers.
Workshops do not offer as much one-on-one time with individuals because they are designed to be offered for larger groups of 10-14 participants for ages 8 to 12, and groups of 15 -20 for older students. Family participation is encouraged.
For younger artists our emphasis in on strengthening focus and increasing attention span, developing hand-eye coordination, and encouraging strategic thinking. Each project involves interacting with the material world through different tools and mediums.
For older artists the variety of topics allows a safe space for experimentation in the technique/media being presented.
Choose one or several topics from the list to personalize your exploration.
We can also theme a workshop to fit the group's interests and ages.
Workshop Themes
Monoprints :(Definition courtesy of Original Print Gallery in Dublin, Ireland) The monoprint or monotype is often thought of as a halfway stage between painting and printmaking. The process is simple: the artist paints, rubs, or wipes the design directly onto a plate, using a fairly slow drying paint or ink. The fleeting image must be printed before the ink dries. Printing may be by press or by hand, and as the name monoprint implies, one can usually get only one strong impression. The effect must be guessed right from the start; there will be no trial proofs or different states unless the design is redrawn for a second impression. This term is used to refer to any print made in one version and incapable of being repeated. A monoprint cannot be done in editions like other “prints”. While a bit technical monoprinting does allow the artist unusual freedom and spontaneity.
Collagraph Prints: In this form of printmaking, various thin materials are arranged as a collage and glued to a rigid surface. Then an embossed print is taken from the design. The types of objects you can find, alter and combine to make a collagraph are unlimited.
Basic Sculpture:
Students will create an abstract sculpture or a critter or 'elf' using wire armature and paper or fabric to create a statue that we will paint and add finishing touches to with mixed media. Not recommended for artists under 10 years of age.
Watercolor;
Make a painting to get a feel for the basics of this medium.
Wet Pastels:
Try a different way to use a time honored medium.
Mod Podge 'silk screen'
Mod Podge is the masking fluid and an embroidery hoop is the frame for out designs. This technique requires a 2-day class for artist 10 years old and up.
Sunny Canvas
Use paint and scrapbook paper for a fun introduction to mixed media!
Make a Book:
Students will create a unique book based on their favorite quotes or short poems.
Alternative Self Portraits:
We are always more than we appear. Thinking creatively about themselves students will make a portrait that lets the viewer know who they are.
NatureClay;
Make a series of nature tiles to display either a baked polymer or air dry clay.
Exploring Artists;
Using famous art as inspiration we will create our own interpretations of their style.
For Example: Crittermania; Miro/Sendak:
Joan Miro and Maurice Sendak were two 20th Century artists who went ‘wild’ producing paintings and illustrations using unique critters and figures. Each became an icon of modern art. After looking and discussing each artist’s work, students will be encouraged to let their imaginations create paintings in tempera.Famous contemporary artist,
Making Stamps/Embossing Tools
Students will carve their own designs from materials such as erasers or ‘linoleum’ blocks creating their personalized images which can be used for projects like scrapbooking, relief embossing into clay and more.
Chiully Ball:
What do you do with plastic water bottles when you are done? Use them to create art of course! Students will use plastic bottles they paint and shape to make a Chiully glass inspired hanging ball. This class may be done as a collaborative activity. This technique requires a 2-day class for artist 10 years old and up.
Art ClassTrading Cards with a Twist.
Best as a group activity. Each person creates 4 cards using a basic template, then make some 'trades' with classmates that all come together into one collaborative wall mural. Media will vary.
Color Pencil;
Do a project to learn about this medium.
Assemblage:
(Definition courtesy of About.com) Based on to word "assembly" :assemblage is a form of 3-D sculpture comprised of "found" objects arranged in such a way that they create a piece. These objects can be anything organic or man-made. Scraps of wood, stones, old shoes, baked bean cans and a discarded baby buggy - or any of the other 84,000,000 items not here mentioned by name - all qualify for inclusion in an assemblage. Whatever catches the artist's eye, and fits properly in the composition to make a unified whole, is fair game. This is not collage.
Graffiti: It's All In a Name
You may know what graffiti is, but they may not know that graffiti has existed since ancient times, or that lettering is a genuine form of art or that a great amount of work is done to perfect to lettering style. Sometimes graffiti is employed to communicate social and political messages. To some, it is an art form worthy of display in galleries and exhibitions. We will design a personal and stylized signature, which can be a given name, a nickname or something they’ve made.
We will then create stylized illustration about things important in our lives around the stylized name.
Simple Mosaic
We will create paper tiles that have multi colored surfaces and experiment with overlapping colors on multi-colored backgrounds creating mosaic designs.
Acrylics:
Do a project to learn about this medium.
Drapo
A unique form of art originating in Haiti it is the creation of elaborately decorated flags called “Drapos.”
students will make a banner of their own design using a variety of glittery, sparkly, shiny materials and brilliant felt.
Masks
What is the artist’s favorite animal? We will create the answer with a craft paper mask form, added on features and colorful designs. The meaning of animal traits in other cultures will be explored. This technique requires a 2-day class.
Kinetic Hanger
Just like in science kinetic means an object is in motion. Students will use various materials to create art with the potential for movement.
Mixed Media Techniques:
Textures, stencils, transfers and more.
More themes to come...