Christie Ashley Arts

When I am working with a new student the first  thing is to talk about the student's creative goals both short and long term. It's important that we understand each other to determine that we can work together to reach the students highest potential and passion. We'll discuss any experience the student may have and decide where to begin lessons. I will assign creative exercises designed to aid in developing the students self-expression and creative abilities. Learning some principles of design and color theory along with keeping a sketchbook and journal will provide the student with the strongest foundation and potential for reaching their artistic dreams.

I am patient and understanding of a new students fears and develop exercises to address these issues. I desire to maintain an open and relaxing atmosphere for learning without pressure.  Getting to know the student is the best way to make this happen. Together we will establish a creative and encouraging work space for learning and growing creatively.

I will design a lesson plan which can be easily adjusted with the students growing skills, desires, and goals. My aim is to put the student on the road to the bliss that can be attained through creative expression. 

I believe one of the most most important things in working with a new student is to establish a relationship of trust with no judgements and only encouragement.  Honest communication is absolutely necessary. I'll even help the student in accepting creative criticism and then learning how to apply this new knowledge to future work. 

I am open to answering discussing any aspect of the creative process. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.,

My formal education is from Georgia State University and The University of Texas El Paso. I received my Bachelors of Fine Arts from UTEP with a concentration in Drawing and Painting and minors in both Art History and Ceramics. In Georgia I studied film making and photography as well and love working with mixed media. 

I have taken Master's level classes in Education from The University of Oklahoma to include museums, public relations, exhibit planning, and coordinating programs.  I spent several years working at a museum in Roswell, Georgia educating children and adults about 19th century, southern cultural and living, developing tours, and creating relevant art exhibitions.

I have 10 years teaching experience and have spent the last several years substitute teaching on and off in the Anne Arundel County School System, Maryland. I have been fingerprinted and have passed a background check with the State of Maryland. 

I am qualified and licsensed to teach English as a Second language which has aided me greatly in learning how to communicate without words. I spent one year in China teaching at an international school where I was able to increase my knowledge of Far Eastern Art, history, and cultural. My time in China taught me much about the world and has had a positive influence on my perspective of life and living.

I am also a Certified Creativity Coach with specialties in therapeutic arts, self-confidence, and creative and emotional development. 

I have been a working artist for the last 16 years  where I have won awards and sold my work in both private and public exhibitions, art festivals, businesses, and participated in charity auctions. I regularly attend art exhibitions and keep myself up to date with current trends, processes, and advances in the art world. 

I am well travelled and collect folk art from all over the world. I enjoy and appreciate all manners of artistic work from primitive to the masters to modern art. I am open to all forms of art and all its possibilities. With every new student I learn something unique and am excited to add these experiences to my life and work!