About
Individualized instruction loaded with demonstrations revealing wide range of techniques and concepts, traditional and abstract.
Students choose their favorite subjects, and learn the methods needed to create images in a style they like -- which they discover gradually, by making a series of choices that combine to create their own style.
Classes mix ages & abilities, every student is working in a different style, on unique subjects. Students use photos, drawings & paintings (large art library available), on site painting (plein air), and their own imagination.
Students have received top awards in State-wide art contests (Sacramento State Fair, Santa Clara County Fair, School art contests) and graduates of my programs have received scholarships to top art schools in the US (Pasadena Art Center--see Karl Frey, Eric Merrell).
See www.dianewallaceart.com for more information.
I decided to be an artist at age 5, have been dedicated to it all my life. Teaching others to "see" and to discover their inner self is exciting in many ways, and often life changing for the student.
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Lily W.
Jerome S.
Nicole Q.
Alla I.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First, I have them choose a favorite subject -- each student is working on something different. I use that subject to teach them drawing and painting techniques -- demonstrate everything -- guide them while they practice new methods -- discuss composition and emotional content (purpose) in art -- present a logical system to give control over color mixing...
Each student is unique, so approach is adjusted according to personal differences, and to help students achieve their goals. I am a resource agent who helps students achieve the goals they have chosen.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Triple major in art (painting, art history, ceramics), minors in Humanitioe & Music. All course work completed for two MA degrees -- Painting & Art History. (Masters Painting Exhibit and Art History Master's Thesis - the last six units -- were not completed due to a severe back injury that left me an invalid for ten years -- all credits towards MA degrees expired after the first seven years.) Teaching studio art classes since 1974.
Won top awards (watercolors) in regional art competitions in 1970's-80's, participated in American Watercolor Association Exhibit NYC 1975. (Have not entered since then -- too busy teaching & caring for aging parents).
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Tuition for each 3 hour class is $50. That includes Arches watercolor paper, Canson Vidalon watercolors, and all other supplies needed for drawing & watercolor classes.
Ice cream or fruit snacks are also provided for children's classes.
How did you get started teaching?
AT age 7 I was paired with a legally blind girl who had learning disabilities. For seven years, I taught her to read and helped her with all subjects after my own work was finished. In college art classes, I helped other students with concepts & traditional drawing & painting techniques. I have a California Standard Teaching Credential, and taught history & art classes at high school and Junior College levels. I enjoy sharing ideas with others, teaching them how to see, and helping them to master techniques that free them to be creative.
What types of students have you worked with?
From very young beginners (ages 4-5) right through high school, college art students & graduates with MA in art, adults of every age to retired teachers.
Students with learning disabilities can participate, but must be able to function in a standard setting without making it difficult for other students to enjoy the class. ADD students must be able to control their energy levels during class.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
An eight year old girl came rushing into class on a very hot day, and in the first 15 minutes made a painting of herself (head & shoulders) with her mouth wide open yelling (only two teeth showing, rest missing), and blue water splashing all over her portrait -- her brother had taken a hose and sprayed her with water. She made a painting of the event.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Attend one class before deciding if you want to continue.
Longer classes (mine are 3 hours) give time to explain and demonstrate new ideas & techniques, to choose a subject that interests them, to get help with learning new techniques before applying them to original artwork, to repair damage caused by mistakes, and to discuss composition ideas along the way. Every step means learning something new.
Shorter classes (and larger classes) require the teacher to dictate everything, have students follow their directions exactly (usually everyone works on the same subject) and do not allow time to repair mistakes that often occur. Students do not learn to think for themselves, so are always frustrated when they try to paint independently.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Beginners do not know what questions to ask -- the teacher should use questions to help build bridges so they can discover new ideas for themselves. Such discovery is more exciting when they figure it out for themselves (teachers' questions point the way), the impact of recognition is greater, and they remember the lesson better.
Good questions come later on, after making mistakes. Failure is the fuel for a lot of great learning. By analyzing what went wrong, they learn to ask important questions at an earlier stage, and so prevent big mistakes down the line.
If they are stuck in their work, looking for an opposite can help a lot. (In order to prevent a landscape from becoming too green and boring, look for colors that are NOT green -- there are many! Paint those first.)