About
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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Anna L.
Chris P.
Claiborne T.
Nathan S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I try to help my students both learn how to depict what they see and improve their skills in developing pleasing design in their work. I teach observational techniques that break down the process into simple steps catered to the student's objectives and media used. Projects involving natural objects, landscape, still life, animals, figures, and portraiture are all used to build skills.
My classes typically fill to the maximum capacity of 10 people by the week each class starts per season. I sublease my classroom space to guest artists who also offer drawing/painting instruction in similar observational techniques. GUEST ARTIST INSTRUCTION
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.
$192 for 6 classes at three different time offerings:
Mondays, 6:45 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Fridays, 9:30 a.m. - 12 noon
Sundays, 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
A new schedule of class time offerings is posted on the shanemcdonaldstudios.com website every season of the year. More details can also be found there.
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 and began teaching there building everything needed to make the learning experience for students of drawing/painting enjoyable and productive. Ergonomic easels, taborets, still-life elements, air conditioning, soothing music, convenient restrooms, and good lighting are all provided.
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. My ideal student is one who has taken an art class with another instructor before. Why? Because I want students to explore and realize that there's more than one way to create. While I do teach technical skills in drawing and painting, I'm a teacher that wants to open the student's eyes to what art can be for him/her/them and not just the way I see it. I love learning what my students are experiencing in other classes and creative practices.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently hosted an exhibition of student artworks at my studio that brought around 100 people. Students learned a bit about self-promotion and the importance of making artwork available to the public. 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. I also enjoy participating in the First-Friday Art Walk at Marietta Square. I have artwork available at RobertKent Gallery at the corner of Polk and Church streets.
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.
Look at the artwork your teacher produces. Visit his/her studio to see if he/she has the openness to experimentation to allow you to explore your own style.
Except around major Holidays and when Cobb Schools take breaks, Shane keeps regular hours at his studio at the Artisan Resource Center.
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, abstract, 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.