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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First I want to get to know a student's artistic passions and tastes. Next we discuss their goals and expectations. In the first class we will talk about the normal fears we all have when engaging any artistic self-expression--self doubt and misconceptions about what it means to be an artist. For the beginning student I will familiarize them with the tools and materials of oil painting: canvas, paints, brushes, pallet knives etc. From there we cover the basics of how to aproach a new work by doing a simple sketch and under-painting.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
In 2008-2009 I studied personally under the local San Diego master artist, Andrea Rushing (Rushing Academy of Art). I began doing art and photography in the 1960's. Over the years I have won various awards in local juried art exhibitions.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My hourly rate is $12 per hour for group lessons. Maximum class size is 3 students. Group lessons are 3-hours long (9-noon or 2-5). Private lessons are $15 per hour. Private lessons are 2 hours long.
Students can get a 20% discount on a pre-paid block of 6 class sessions. So, six (3-hr) group lessons pre-paid is $172 (you save $44). Six (2-hr) private lessons pre-paid is $144 (you save $36)
How did you get started teaching?
In 2013 I began teaching at the Rushing Academy of Art, at that time located on Adams Ave in the Normal Heights area of San Diego. When the academy relocated in 2014 I converted the living room of my nearby house into a studio/classroom. The 5 students I had at that time made the move with me. In 2016 we moved to Otay Mesa (just on the southern boarder of Chula Vista) and in 2017 began taking students in the area.
What types of students have you worked with?
Most of my students have been women, although I have had one male student. Virtually all of my students to date have been beginners.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One recent event that was a great deal of fun was the pop-up gallery that the Chula Vista Art Guild and the South Bayfront Artists held at the Chula Vista Center. I exhibited in both events and sold 2 of my larger paintings. Being with the other artists was inspirational. The receptions put on by each group were joyful celebrations!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for an instructor who will take the time to evaluate your current skill level and who has the competance and communication skills to help you reach the next level. It is easy to find instructors who will stroke your ego and tell you your work is wonderful. They usually just want you to keep coming to them for as long as possible. Find someone who can really work on your basic skills and show you the techniwues that will work with your style of painting. A good teacher will be happy for you when you "gratduate" from their teaching and launch out on your own.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Get clear in your ming what your current goal is. What do you want to learn to DO? Are you wanting to paint for your own self-fulfillment or do you want to be able to show and sell your work some day? How would you evaluate your current skill level? What style of art really moves you?