About
Kelly D. Finn (KDFDesign) has been a professional artist for over 30 years, but she’s still learning and pushing herself as an artist every day! I provide basic lessons in painting, drawing, mixed media and sculpture. I also have a mentorship program that focuses on teaching the professional skills of being an artist. I have a full wood shop as well as a large studio - and we display and sell our work on First Fridays on the Lakewood art Crawl!
Whether it’s a group of hobbyists wanting to try watercolor landscapes, or a student preparing a portfolio for high school, college, or the challenges of professional art, I can show you the way. And don’t forget paint parties! I host paint parties for up to 40 people in my studio in Lakewood, or can travel to your special event! Fun and customized to you!
Interested in graffiti? Batik? Foam carving? Clay sculpture and maquettes? Send me a note and we’ll talk about your artistic desires! All ages and all levels are welcome!
We love to glam up old furniture! Create art from the recycling bin! Work with concrete, epoxy, stucco, and almost everything under the sun! Contact me for a studio visit! No obligation, just stop in and say hi!
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Karen D F.
Patricia C.
Angel S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I spend time at the beginning with each student working on their goals and then plan lessons around each person's own personal wishes!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a BA in Fine Art and Masters Classes from the Tisch Schhol of Art at NYU. I also have 30 years of experience as a professional artist! In that 30 years I've worked on miniatures and pieces greater than 120'. Acrylics. Oil, Clay, Metal, Fabric, Chalk and much much more!
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My pricing system is rather standard, alrhough I do offer discounts for current college students and work with a few local schools to get students intern credits. I also offer discounts for groups, from 2 students to 6.
How did you get started teaching?
When I began many years ago I was at first a little scared to teach. Do I know enough? Will I be able to communicate my skills to another person? Do My skills ha e value to other artists? But I jumped in 20 years ago and gave it a try! Now I'm very happily teaching art to people of all ages and experience levels.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have enjoyed working with students from age 5 to age 87...and with students who have never worked in a particular medium to those who I'd qualify as experts in their mediums. It's all about customizing my classes to provide just what the student is looking for!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A recent event I'm very proud of is participating in the Denver Chalk Art festival. While I e worked in chalk patels before, I've not created a big piece of chalk art on the street. I learned so much and met so many kind and talented chalk artists! I'm likely going to enter again this year. It's important to me to push myself to try new things! Also, it's kind of an extreme contest - 3 thunderstorms and a hail storm in two days!!!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Looking for a teacher who matches your needs can be tricky. I would ask if I could try out the teacher with a single lesson and see if we clicked.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
*What do I want to get out of my lessons?
*What art do I like and want to work toward?
*How much time do I have between lessons to commit to my art? (Some instructors pile on the assignments and others don't)
*Deacribe a typical lesson in the medium I'm interested in....