Creative Ventures Gallery
About
I am a professional pastel artist who is a colorist which means that I use a variety of colors to create my paintings. When looking close at my paintings, the individual colors are evident but when viewed from a distance, they pull together to create the form. I also have an oil painting background so I am able to help students with oil or pastel. I help my students get the most out of their chosen medium. We specifically work on creating form, perspective, composition, stroke-making, color theory, and depth whether the student is working in still life or landscape. My work can be seen at www.betsycraumerart.com. My gallery where I teach can be seen at www.creativeventuresfineart.com. Our current activities can be found on Facebook at creativeventuresgalleryllc/
Photos and videos
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I spend some time evaluating each student’s knowledge of basic drawing skills. I have them work on several still lives to establish a strong foundation on which to build more skills. Once the basics are understood, we work from the student’s reference photos and I take them through a colorist painting process.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a BFA from Maryland Institute College of Art and a MS in Art Education from Northern Illinois University. I have attended many local workshops with some well known pastel artists.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
At the gallery we usually run about $10 an hour. Most classes are two hours long so that’s $20 per lesson.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching because people asked me to share my thought processes. I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned over the years.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students from high school age all the way up to 90.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I love the moment when I come to up to help a student, make a color suggestion that they least expect, they try it and exclaim ‘that’s it!’ It makes it all worth while.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Do your research. Find out as much about them and their work as you can. Go in and talk to them, see their teaching environment. Visit a class if possible.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Are you willing to accept new ideas? Are you ready to take your work to a new level?