INGRID'S ORIGINALS INC.
About
I am passionate about teaching others how to achieve their 'personal best' in painting, and it is a thrill for me to see my students enter national competitions and get accepted. I have been selected as one of Chicago's BEST painting and drawing teachers for 2017 by EXPERTISE.
As a former teacher and Reading Specialist, I can now apply those 'teaching skills' to what I enjoy most.....PAINTING and creating! I love to help students solve their problems with composition, design, color mixing, and other painting challenges that tend to appear during a painting class. It challenges me to push them further to become pleased with their creations and move ahead in the world of painting.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Before we begin our new group class session, an introduction of each class member with some interesting information about them always takes place. This 'breaks the ice' and helps the group learn a bit about each member. I have so many interesting students from many different backgrounds, that this is important for new classes to have these introductions. After the class lesson and demonstration, I work individually with the class members, helping them to plan their painting and answer any questions they may have. Since we begin with using only one color, the concentration for the first class is on value and shapes. We have a group critique during the last 15 minutes of each class, where we all learn from each other. I encourage practice outside of class to practice on the tips learned during the lesson for that class.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My first career was as a Reading Specialist and I have a MA in teaching. I taught in Argentina for 4 years, Central America (Costa Rica and Guatemala) for two years, and 9 years teaching in the elementary school system in U-46 school District in Elgin. I am a graduate from the American Academy of Art in 1988 where I received a Fine Arts Degree for my second career. My teaching background has helped me during my teaching years at The Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Art in Chicago, at Northwestern Illinois University, and out of my studio classroom in Chicago. I was recently chosen by EXPERTISE as one of Chicago's best painting and drawing teachers for 2017.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
The current pricing for classes out of my studio classroom is $320 for six-week classes, 3 1/2 hours for each of the six classes. This includes a lesson, a painting demonstration about the lesson, individual instruction with each student, and a class critique during the last 15 minutes of each class. Workshops held in the studio in various watermedia are different prices according to the workshop offered. Also, visiting international and national artist's costs will vary per artist for those workshops.
How did you get started teaching?
I was trained as a teacher many years ago, and this training allowed me to travel to South America and Central America where I lived and taught for close to 7 years. These teaching skilles have helped me greatly teach people how to pursue their 'personal best' in painting, and I am very grateful for that experience. I now teach others what I LOVE to do!
What types of students have you worked with?
Throughout the years I have had many students....some very new to painting/creating and others who are well seasoned artists. I have had a former Mayor of Chicago, a former Bulls baskeball coach, doctors, attorneys, retired teachers, current teachers, architects, PHD students, college students in various disciplines, children, Moms & Dads, and many others who just want to learn how to paint.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Just recently I produced an exhibition: WATERMEDIA EXPRESSIONS EXHIBITION SHOWCASE, an exhibit of 10 artists and their new work. This is the exhibition that I produce each year with new work from 9 of my students and me. This is a 'final exam' where my students learn HOW to put on a 'classy exhibition', including framing tips, invitation designing, reception planning, and hanging of the paintings. Two of my students who had participated in this exhibition have had their work accepted into a national watercolor competition. This has really thrilled me.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would recommend that the student ask the teacher to sit in for about 30 min. on one of their classes to feel the atmosphere in the classroom. I encourage prospective students to come and visit the classroom to see how the teacher teaches and interacts with the students. I also would recommend that the prospective student check out reviews of the teacher to see how they are perceived as teachers. Being a fabulous artist does not always make for a great teacher.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should take inventory of what it is that they want to learn and be able to clearly indicate this to the teacher. Sometimes visual examples of their desires are helpful.....example: Painting styles etc.
What skills will I have after a six-week watercolor class? What skills in painting do I hope to accomplish during this six-week watercolor class?
Will I be able to design a painting and paint it after taking a six-week class?