About
I am classically trained artist working primarily in oil paint, charcoal, and graphite. Additionally, I'm a certified instructor in the Michael Wilcox School of Colour which specializes in how to mix color and how color mixing works. I teach oil painting and drawing both privately and in group classes in a classical tradition. I also have two on-line color classes on Udemy.
My teaching philosophy is not to teach you how to paint like me, but to give you the skills to answer your own questions: Why are you seeing what you are seeing? What are the ways you can solve a problem? Is what you are seeing that you think is wrong, in fact wrong? Or is it, instead, something that is wrong near or surrounding what looks incorrect?
I attended Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art (LAAFA), Art Center College of Design, and have studied privately with Ryan Wurmser. I am currently finishing my Master's of Studio Art at the Florence Academy of Art.
I've been teaching painting and drawing since 2010. What I love most is unlocking skills and teaching a student how to see like an artist. While we all know how to draw and have done so since at least kindergarten, learning to see as an artist is skill that is learned. Honestly, anyone with passion can learn to draw and paint.
You can see my work and read what other students say about my teaching style on my website, www.etuckerart.com
I'm looking forward to meeting you!
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Karla B.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to meet the student and find out what they most want to get out of our classes. I try to be as efficient as possible with their time and at the same time give them what they need to make progress.
I also don't want any student to feel that they have to stay with me if I'm not helping you I want you to feel free to explore other options. NO WORRIES!! This is a partnership.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I'm a certified instructor in the Michael Wilcox School of Color. I attended Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art (LAAFA), Art Center College of Design, (Anatomy and painting), and I've studied privately with Ryan Wurmser. I'm currently finishing my Master's in Studio Art at the Florence Academy of Art.
I taught painting and drawing at a private art school for 6+ years before I went to teach on my own privately, in group classes, and workshops.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $40/hour for private lessons. I find that 1-2 hours works best. I can take cash or credit card.
How did you get started teaching?
I've taught something my whole life. When I was younger I taught horseback riding, then in college I tutored writing, biology, and bread making! Several years after I finished my art training I got an opportunity which allowed me to learn how to teach painting and drawing. It gave me great skills in how to address and convey art knowledge.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with kids through adults, though I now work primarily with adults, from the absolute beginner through strong intermediate painters. I even worked with one student who was profoundly deaf. We had a blast!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I love to travel and paint and I've had the very good fortune to travel to Scotland and France to paint. The first time I went I only knew 3 or 4 of the participants. By the end of that trip we were all GREAT friends who now travel across the country to visit and paint with each other and have had subsequent painting trips. We also share our knowledge with each other which is an incredible gift.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
1) Make sure they are addressing your needs and that the fit is good. For example, if you want to learn how to paint in an abstract way, I'm not the gal to help you, though I can talk to you and help you in the design of abstract work. But you would be better served with a teacher who knows and can teach that style.
2) Make sure the teacher teaches you how to think. You want someone who will guide you through the process and teach you how to analyze, ask questions, test, and experiment.
3) There is no one way to paint or draw, though there are ways that are more efficient. Make sure the teacher isn't dogmatic and it's his/her way or the highway.
4) Make sure the teacher is willing to explain WHY things are done in a particular way. What are the pros and cons of that method.
5) Make sure you are a good student. Bring clean supplies, be on time, be open minded.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1) What is the teacher's teaching philosophy? For example, I teach my students how to think like an artist by asking questions that encourage the student to start thinking for him/herself. I want my students to learn how to solve their problems so they can become an independent artist.
2) What is it that is attracting you to take classes? Do you want to just dip your toe in and see if this is something you might enjoy and then move on? Or do you want to really dive in? There is no right answer to this, but it's helpful to know what is driving you to take class.
3) How much time do you have to devote to practicing outside of class? Be honest with yourself and your instructor.