Expanding craftsmanship and critical thinking in the classroom.
Creativity is fed by freedom and openness to new experiences; as such, I encourage curiosity and wonder in the creative process. I come from a place of play and experimentation in the classroom. My approach to instruction is process-oriented, focusing on the use of materials and techniques, exploration, and understanding of design elements and personal expression. I think of my classroom as a sort of laboratory, where the components of art mix to create wonderful new permutations, complete disasters, and unexpected breakthroughs.
My classes provide a fundamental understanding of media and encouragement of exploration within the creative process, which allows the conceptual framework for a project and artistic practice to flourish. I find that by first allowing students to explore the materials and concepts, they develop confidence and open up to the possibilities of their work. I push students to experiment and take risks with the media and ideas with which they work, acting as a guide and a resource for their process. I provide feedback and constructive critique, allowing for self-direction and personal reflection, and encouraging discussion between students.
It is a core belief of mine that all people, regardless of age, experience or background, have a capacity for creative work. My approach to teaching emerges from this belief and drives my focus on process and experimentation. I encourage everyone to explore their unique expressive and artistic capabilities.
Student Art Portfolio
With over 15 years of teaching experience at the university level, as well as for children and adults at art community centers, museums, individual coaching and online venues, I specialize in teaching all levels of painting, drawing, mixed media art, two-dimensional design and color theory. The following examples of student work, pulled from a wide scope of my past courses and class levels, demonstrate the broad array of materials, techniques, styles and approaches to art that my students produce under my instruction.
Color Theory
Silk Painting and Hand-Embroidery
Color Theory Final Project
Observational Color Mixing & Still Life Study
Acrylic painting
Green is the New Black
Mixed Media Collage
Color Theory Final Project
Color Transitions & Transparencies
Acrylic painting
Colorado Parent project example: Colorful Collage Windows
Mixed Media Painting, Collage and Color Theory exercise
Published March 2019 Issue. Click here.
Painting
Still Life Study & Observational Color Mixing
Acrylic painting
Painting I Class
Abstract Expressionist Exploration
Acrylic Painting
Abstract Experimentations: Mixed Media Painting Class
Push & Pull: Creating Depth through Color Interaction
Acrylic on canvas
Painting I Class
Op Art Exploration
Acrylic painting
Painting I Class
Portrait of a Woman
Watercolor painting using washes, blending and salt texture techniques
Advanced Watermedia Class
Works in progress: watercolor, acrylic and drawing media
Abstract Experimentations, Mixed Media Painting class
Push & Pull: Creating Depth through Color Interaction
Acrylic painting
Painting I Class
Works in progress: watercolor, acrylic and drawing media
Abstract Experimentations, Mixed Media Painting Class
Drawing + Two-Dimensional Design
2-Point Perspective, Value and Architectural Drawing
Graphite & Charcoal on Paper
Observational Drawing Class
“Eye Level” Drawing Exploring Perspective, Value and Shape
Graphite & Charcoal on Paper
Drawing I Class
“Eye Level” drawing exploring value, contrast, blending and form
Charcoal on paper
Drawing I class
Pop Art
Mixed Media Collage
Two-Dimensional Design Class
Intersections of Art + Science
Drawing and collage, exploring visual emphasis, texture and contrast
Two-Dimensional Design class
Mixed Media Drawing
Charcoal, Watercolor and Graphite
Mixed Media Drawing + Painting Class
Colored Pencil Still Life Project: Near and Far
Prismacolor Colored Pencils on paper
Drawing II class
Two-Dimensional Design Final Project