Shane McDonald Studios
Best of 2021
7 hires on Lessons.com
1 employee
23 years in business
About this pro
I offer art instruction inspiring creative development to ages 13+ and adults in a variety of two-dimensional media and drawing/painting styles through classes and workshops. I am a professional artist with a studio business creating two-dimensional fine art figurative art, portraits, landscapes, and still life.
I love painting portraits and figures, although I also enjoy field painting with fellow artists. I am proud to have been a part of a growing artists community in Cobb and Cherokee counties. I have hosted open life figure drawing sessions at my studio for 20 years.
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Credentials
Marietta, GA 30060
Email verified
Phone verified
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Shane has the unique ability to meet his students where they are in their art journey and take them to where they want to be without losing sight of their individual style along the way. He is by far the best instructor I have had the pleasure to study with.
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My skills as an artist have grown significantly as a result of Shane’s classes. He creates a very encouraging, supportive and collaborative environment in his classes, helping artist stretch their skills, grow and take risks in their artwork. I can’t say enough good things about Shane who is a very talented artist in his own right. Shane is a wonderful teacher, very generous in sharing his knowledge and techniques to help other artists grow and improve. I highly recommend Shane McDonald as a teacher and as an artist. You will be so glad you found Shane and feel fortunate to learn from him.
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I studied with Shane McDonald for over 16 years and cannot express how much I learned from him. His inspiration, his teaching methods and his approach to art is five stars. Most of all I love the hands on learning with his guidance but you actually doing your painting of your choices. This is invaluable experience. I highly recommend Shane for all ages. I would still be there if we had not moved! On top of that he is just the best person in the world!!!!! Keep Painting.
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Great space to work in, nice atmosphere and instruction. Shane is a phenomenal artist and his student following are nice people.
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FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I'm offering online drawing classes during these atypical times of social distancing using Google Classroom and Google Meet. I find that most students improve their painting by focusing on drawing. There are elements of painting (line, shape, space, form, value, texture) that can be taught through basic drawing materials while applying principles that ensure a pleasing design. Projects involving natural objects, landscape, still life, animals, figures, and portraiture are all used to build skills.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art from Kennesaw State University, although most of my training in painting has been from more than 30 years of working with established local artists through classes and workshops, and through my own research and devotion to my own studio art career.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$110 for four classes — (prorated to $27.50 each class)
A new schedule of class time offererings is posted on the https://ShaneMcDonaldStudios.com/Classes.html website every 6 weeks. More details can also be found there as well.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching through the City of Kennesaw's Parks and Recreation program in the 1990s. I opened my own studio in 1998.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have offered classes, workshops, and art camps for all ages in drawing, painting, figure drawing, portrait painting, using charcoals, pastels, acrylics, and oils since 1998.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Our annual Open Studios of the Artisan Resource Center offers art-lovers and enthusiasts an opportunity to see the studios of the unique arts center and the creations and creative processes of the artists/artisans that inhabit it. It is always the entire weekend before Thanksgiving.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Everyone learns differently, and you want to make sure there will be enough variety offered to ensure your interests are met. Try to define your goals and communicate them with your instructor.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
- What styles do you like and want to employ in your work?(realistic, illustrative, hard-edged, soft, dramatic, impressionistic, etc.)
- What techniques/disciplines in drawing/painting do you use?
(broken-stroke, alla prima, abstracted, mixed-media, glazing, grisaille, etc.)
- What subjects/references do you tend to prefer?
(landscape, still-life, figurative, portraits, animals, florals, interiors, etc.)
- What do you plan to do with your creations?
(pastime, gift to family/friends, decorate, sell in galleries, etc.)
I offer an approach that caters to the student's vision of the kind of artist they want to be. I encourage drawing/painting outside the classroom at least once per week, but 2-3 times per week will improve skills more than anything.
Lessons offered
Painting Classes Acrylic Painting Lessons Drawing Lessons Oil Painting Classes