Lessons // Painting Classes Near Me // Painting Classes Mesa

Gini Heywood Studio

5.0 (11)

24 hires on Lessons.com

1 employee

10 years in business

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About this pro

Hello! My name is Gini Heywood, a professional artist and instructor, with a BFA in Painting from one of the oldest art institutions in the USA, The Herron School of Art and Design. My classroom/gallery/studio is located in the Downtown Historic Mesa District and I've been independently teaching oils, acrylics, water soluble oils, and gouache for the last 10 years. The classes are small, no more than 6 students, in order to give each student the quality time they deserve and my goal is to teach you the principles needed to be able to paint independently also.

My website is: giniheywood.com, if you would like to view more of my work. Besides my teaching, I am also involved with doing commissioned artwork and repairing/restoration of artwork.

I love sharing my knowledge and helping each student grow in their love and desire to be creative. We become a family, each helping each other and wanting the best for the each other.

Credentials

Mesa, AZ 85201

Email verified

Phone verified

11 Reviews

5.0

Sandra Kaus

Gini is a talented artist who has a gift for teaching. She is accommodating to many different student interests and styles, and a variety of mediums from pastels to oils, to acrylics. I find her very encouraging and the class atmosphere is positive, friendly, and fun!

2022-04-06
Marta St. John-Anders

Gini is a gifted teacher as well as an accomplished artist. By the end of my first lesson, she showed me that I could, after all, draw! It's a matter of knowing how. I've only had two lessons so far but I am looking forward to many more.

2021-11-06
Mandy Gabel

She is teaching me to oil paint and I love it. She is a warm, smart, and enjoyable person with so much artistic talent to share.

2020-10-18
Joanne Rossi

Gini is very patient & has a very nice way about her. She is very welcoming & encouraging. I’m so glad I found her as a teacher. Her enthusiasm for painting is contagious.

2020-02-27
Donna Maruta

Very patient and creative teacher. The atmosphere is peaceful and Gini enjoys sharing her talent.

2020-01-25
Barbara Amezcua

I'm very happy with her class she is so patient.

2019-10-16
Nancy Jordan

Gini is very knowledgeable and knows how to help anyone achieve their goals. She is patient, kind and soft-spoken. Her class is laid-back and everyone can work at their own pace. I am a beginner in oil painting and Gini has helped me fall in love with it. I’m very grateful.

2019-09-19
Kat Campbell

Wonderful teacher, and wonderful environment. It is the best painting experience I've ever had!

2019-08-04
Trish Cook

Painting with a congenial group of people in a relaxed atmosphere with a great teacher who works with all on a one to one basis according to each one's level of skill!

2019-04-17
Cornelia Harris

Gini is the instructor/mentor everyone searches for. Her encouraging style coupled with an incredible ability to correct/direct your work and help you to see your way forward to a better painting is so rewarding! This talented yet humble artist shares all her secrets and whether you are a beginner or advanced painter, she can take you to your next level. But Ssshhh, don't tell anyone. Once the secret is out, we will have to share.

2019-04-12
Judi Celaschi

After being in a creative slump for years I found Gini Heyward. For the past 3+ years Gini not only has shared her knowledge and talent, she has inspired, challenged and motivated me to perfect my skill. I highly recommend Gini for students at any level and for any medium. Every session is a joyful experience!!

2019-04-08

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FAQs

What is your typical process for working with a new student?

In the first session, for Beginners, you may start with a basic Still Life. This is the time-honored, classic method used by the Masters for centuries and is an effective way to introduce all the essential Principles of Art to their students. I will gently work with you very closely on this. In future sessions, as we develop, I am continually introducing to you more and more principles and techniques through demonstrating and assisting.

For Intermediate and Advanced, my goal will be to help you develop yourself more and, hopefully, gently help in breaking some bad habits. You will expand your artistic vocabulary in principles, techniques, and color theory for developing better compositions with more depth, meaning and feeling.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I received my BFA in Art degree from The Herron School of Art and Design, one of the oldest schools in America. And subsequently, continued my education at the Scottsdale Artists’ School. My husband and I had a graphic design business for many years, until he became ill. I am a co-founder of The Ateliers Group (an association meeting monthly) here in the valley. I have been in numerous shows, such as the “The Outstanding Women Achievers of Arizona” and have received many awards. My Landscapes, Still Lifes, and Commissioned Portraits are widely collected.

Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.

$40 for one 3 hour session or $140 for four consecutive 3 hour sessions, once a week, on either Monday, Wednesday or Thursday from 12:00 pm-3:00 pm.

How did you get started teaching?

I first started teaching in the late 1970’s for the City of Mesa Cultural Center, before joining my husband in forming our graphic design business. Now, I have been teaching again, independently, since 2012.

What types of students have you worked with?

Really nice ones!!! Various levels of "no experience" to "advanced experience" and from 25 to 80 years old.