Shane McDonald Studios
Best of 2018
1 hire on Lessons.com
20 years in business
About this pro
We offer art instruction inspiring creative development to children and adults in a variety of two-dimensional media and drawing/painting styles through classes and workshops. We are professional artists with working art studios creating two-dimensional fine art figurative art, portraits, landscapes, and still life in abstact, inventive, and realistic styles. We also create ceramic sculpture vessels.
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.
Read more about this pro
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.
FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Before a student signs up for a class, I consult on the phone or through e-mailed images to determine the desires of the student. I then discuss projects that might help the person reach their drawing/painting goals. After determining whether I would be a good teacher for the student, we set a start date for my ongoing class(es) at my commercial studio at the Artisan Resource Center. Since every student in my class is working individually on his/her own project, my instruction is individualized. We build upon a proposed project with short exercises and demonstrations.
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.
$120 for 4 three-hour class sessions, currently offered on Thursday mornings and Sunday afternoons. New students may choose to attend any four class sessions offered during a period of two months. Classes attended beyond the first four are only $30 each. More information is available on my web site.
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?
Talk with the instructor before you take the class. Everyone learns differently, and a good connection with the teacher is important.
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
Nearby Painting Classes
