About
As a mural artist and faux finisher with over 30 years of experience I am passionate about all areas of the art field. Constantly learning myself I feel the desire to teach others and receive joy as others develop their own style and creations.
I love to paint, create and learn new things. Showing others how they can do the same is a gift in itself and it is always good to share knowledge and ideas with others. As a decorative artist with over 30 years experience I have a lot to offer from refinishing furniture to painting and sculpting.
I was a display artist ( Visual Presentation Manager) at JCPenney and several boutiques in NY. My displays and an concepts won many awards. I won third prize for sculpting at the Fallbrook Art Association and was the Featured Artist at the Anza Art Association show in 2015 and the Founding Featured Artist for the Mighty Mini Masterpieces Fundraiser for the Temecula Theater Foundation for the Arts Connection 2018.
I can be found on Linkedin, Facebook, Houzz, Etsy, Pinterest, Instagram, Google+ and my website: www.debragayledesigns.com
Specialties
Experience level
Painting type
Painting medium
Number of students
Student age(s)
Reviews
Steve I.
Steve I.
Michelle H.
cathy A.
Jill K.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Depending on the age of the student(s) and whether or not it is in a larger studio group or individual lessons, I would first start out with the color wheel as this can be a lot of fun to design and use as an art piece. I can then evaluate their aptitude for color and design concept. From there I would find out the strengths of each student and focus on where they can improve such as design, compositon, line quality etc.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor's in Professional Science which focused on Art Therapy and education. Although I have not been involved as a "teacher" due to the fact that I am a working professional artist, I often show my clients how to accomplish different finishes when I do faux finishes and those who are intereseted in murals have received hands on instruction from me as I created artwork for them. In some cases they went on to do their own work or worked with me on projects in their homes.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
For Faux Finishes I have a curriculum that involves a 3 hour course where they create six 8"x10" sample panels for a starting portfolio.
This includes all the materials and boards.
$300 per person.
2 students = $225/students
3 or more students=$175
Since this is a professional course I charge more than for art lessons.
Art Lessons would be $50 for a 2 hour class for a private lesson.
2 or more students would be $35 per student for a 2 hour class.
How did you get started teaching?
It is a natural transition for me as I enjoy sharing the knowledge and techniques I have learned myself.
What types of students have you worked with?
Some of my clients have gleened some wonderful insights from me while working on their murals and finishes. Many have asked if I give lessons. That is why I am signing up for this venue. I am just getting started in transitioning to teaching and feel this may be a good way to do so.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was very excited to be involved with the Mighty Mini Masterpieces Fundraiser because it benefits 4000 students by sending them on free field trips for the Arts. Many of these students are budding artists themselves and this is a wonderful foundation to be involved in.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
First of all I would ask if they have taught before. Although that isn't the main criteria it is helpful. In my case I don't have a lot of teaching experience but I am very good at finding out the needs of my clients and potential students in order to best focus in on what they are trying to accomplish and their goals. Second of all they should ask about the process that the instructor would use to get started. I find that most people want to just get started but learning the basics is most important and to make a first project fun and useful is the begining of a good teacher/student relationship.