About Our Art Lessons

GOALS OF THE ART PROGRAM

 

We strive to find and encourage your artist’s unique artistic voice and style. No two artists’ work looks the same, and we teach our classes with that expectation in mind. Realism is a foundation for us. We believe drawing excellency empowers the artist in whatever style they choose to operate in down the road. Technical skills are practiced in sketchbooks, in discussions, and in our paintings. Lessons are designed with the goal of fluency in the elements of art. Line and shape, value, color, texture, and space are weaved into every lesson that we do. Master paintings can not only provide interesting discussions and entertainment, they teach us about what was going on with the world at that particular moment in time. An artist is a reflection of the culture around them, as well as their worldview of that culture. Our students are exposed to the work of the masters and all their varying art forms. All of these lesson activities take place in an intentional environment where art is the priority. I hope that your student will be inspired to create just by being in the art room. 

 

OUR PROCESS 

 

Each private lesson is tailored to the individual. Your student’s projects will not be the same as everyone else’s. I try to keep projects as dynamic and interesting as possible. Working in a range of media, we explore lots of different materials together. Drawing accurately comes with nothing other than practice, practice, practice. Sometimes that happens in our sketchbooks, other times we dive right into a drawing project. You can count on your student getting LOTS of drawing time! If your student is painting, we practice with a limited palette, armed with knowledge of the color wheel. My students are only given primary colors (there are some unique exceptions to this, particularly in watercolor). We keep a color wheel on the wall facing our table, and rely on it to show us where to go with our mixing. 

 

METHODOLOGY

 

Learning to spend large chunks of time operating in the “right side of the brain” is perhaps the greatest benefit to taking private lessons in an art studio. Quality lesson time starts with environment. Subject matter should be of interest to the student, and preferably chosen by the student. The process of creating is equally valuable to artistic achievement. Time spent creating is time spent learning, whether or not we end up with a show piece we are proud of. 

 

What art lessons are not:

Craft time, guided drawing, and busy work. I work hard lesson planning to make sure your child receives a rich, introductory art education. We offer something uncommon, something that goes beyond what you can practice at home. It is my hope that students who spend time with us will be confident in exploration, fluent in fundamentals, and excited about technical practice. 

 

Takeaways you can count on: 

Exposure to master paintings, an introduction to a wide variety of media, improved drawing accuracy. 

 

THE ROLE OF INSTRUCTOR

 

The teacher in the art room should stand as a guide post, shining a light on the path ahead. Encouragement is essential, while critique is often beneficial. The instructor sets the intention and mood for the learning environment. The teacher is transparent, reflective, as well as open to feedback and opinions.

 

 

 

 

I look forward to diving into the wonder that is fine art with you and yours! Please reach out with any questions or feedback to the email address below. 

 

Sincerely, 

Sarah 

.