Tara Lyn Coyle Art Lessons
About
Hello, artists! I've been teaching children and teen painting classes at a local art gallery for seven years. I teach acrylic and watercolor. I prefer to teach basic techniques along with innovative methods that ignite my students' creativity. When I'm not leading special event classes, such as birthday parties or wine parties, I generally place the emphasis on the joy of the process rather than directing the student through the steps to a finished product. I enjoy guiding my students and encouraging them to make an emotional connection with their work. I look forward to meeting you!
I love art and I love to share my passion and knowledge with other artists and students. I enjoy guiding students to make a connection to art and find their own voice. So much of art education right now is geared toward a finished product. Of course, guided painting classes are fun and they serve their purpose, but I believe that art education should inspire students to be innovative and original.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When I meet a new teenage student, I ask them to find 3 pictures of art that they are inspired by and 3-5 pictures of their own original artwork that they are the most proud of. We talk about their goals in art and whether they have had previous lessons. Then, we begin sketching or painting at an appropriate level based on their goals and previous training. If it is a younger student, we begin the first lesson with a fun still life drawing. This gives me a chance to learn about them as an artist.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I was fortunate to take drawing, illustration, design, photography, and sculpture classes at Florida State University. I applied these classes to a career in computer animation before returning to the fine arts. I discovered my love for acrylics and watercolors through lessons at the Kline Academy in Los Angeles. The fun, welcoming atmosphere of their classes is something that I try to create for my own students.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
The price of my private lessons vary, based on the needs of the student, my travel time, and the materials needed. In my group classes, I offer beginner lessons at 4 classes per month for $40. The classes are 45 minutes. I offer teen classes at 4 classes a month for $48. These lessons are 55 minutes- with 5 minutes to clean up. The group lessons are capped at 12-15 students depending on the age group.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching when I accepted a job as an assistant art teacher at a local elementary school. My children were students there and I had helped the art teacher with several fund raisers. So, the school offered me a part time job. I loved it! The contacts that I made there led to a job teaching at a local art gallery. Since the space is not appropriate for younger students, I started offering group lessons at a local community center.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with adults, teens and children. I have worked with students with special needs. I have also worked with children under the age of 5 for special events, such as birthdays and in-school field trips.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My favorite annual event is the Empty Bowls fundraiser. Before Thanksgiving, my students make and paint ceramic bowls. The evening of the event, the community is invited to a soup dinner where the students' bowls are for sale for a donation. The proceeds go to the local food bank. The kids and parents always find this event very rewarding!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
My advice for students is to find a teacher who is not afraid to give you all of their knowledge. Many teachers can feel intimidated by talented students or they may feel secretive about their own techniques. On the other hand, it's also important to make sure that the teacher allows your creative freedom and does not restrict you to their personal tastes.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
In order to talk about your needs as an artist, think about what motivates you to do art in the first place. Is this a skill for a future career? Is it a stress reliever? Does it enable you to express yourself? Do you admire a particular artist? There are many different types of teachers for many different types of artists. There is one out there that can help you to achieve your specific goals!