Susan Q O'Connell
About
It is geared towards the clients personal experience level with art making whether that is beginners or advanced. It takes into consideration the client’s knowledge of art principles, materials, tools, and techniques, as well as the client’s abilities. We go forward with defined goals achieved through specific lessons that are relevant to the style of the client’s artistic vision.
I enjoy seeing how a client applies the knowledge and skill they’ve gained from the lessons to their art works. It’s exciting to see their amazement when their vision actualizes into a successful work of art whether it is representational, abstract, or abstract expressionism.
Highlights
Photos and videos
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Preliminary to the first lesson we meet so that I may see samples of the student’s work, tools, and materials, as well as samples of art they admire in the direction they wish to pursue. I also show them samples of my work and tools so they may have confidence in my teaching.
It is at this time we define the goals of the student as well as the parameters of the lessons- where, how long, rate of lesson.
With that complete, at the first designated lesson a simple piece is done that is completable within the hour in order to access ability, how the student works, and time management of the lesson. Future lessons build upon their goals of what they want to pursue within their artistic vision. This is done through demonstration of technique and media, use of tools, composition and principles of design relevant to the students artistic direction.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Masters in Art with a focus on drawing, painting, and printmaking; 20 + years in art education in academic settings of community college and high school; professional development classes for educators; afterschool workshops for elementary students, and private tutoring.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes, the rate is $75 an hour and $120 for an hour and a half. For beginners- an hour is good because this is brain work- you are training areas of your brain and it can be overwhelming. For experienced students an hour to an hour and a half is good in order to see the demonstrations, set up and practice and apply to the work you are doing, as well as clean up.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching after school workshops in elementary schools, and advanced into adult printmaking workshops where i was recruited to join an art faculty at a local community college. In order to have enough work I also taught at a private high school, community recreation classes, and worked for a private afterschool drawing program, and finally was asked to be the private teacher for an adult in one of my adult art programs.
What types of students have you worked with?
Students of all ages- preschool through college level, adults, and seniors.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My private student was thrilled that the inspiration she had for an abstract painting based off of a photograph was successfully completed to her satisfaction to the point of being as close as possible to her vision.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure of your intentions for taking the lessons. It will save you time and be helpful for the teacher in knowing how to plan the lessons for your purpose. Know which media you want to explore. Be open to experimentation and the thrill of a beautiful mishap that can be converted to part of the painting or drawing. Know your aesthetic interests so that the teacher can know how to guide your lessons.