Christie Ashley Arts

When I am working with a new student the first issues is to talk about are 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 own 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. Iam 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!

*** NEW YEAR'S SPECSiAL! *** Now offering 90 minute sessions for just $50.00 from now until the end of February 2025. Normally a 90 minute session is $65.00 but all sessions scheduled through the end of February 2025 will be offered at this special discount. I generally recommend an hour and a half long class so that we are able to discuss your work, assess progress, learn new skills, and practice these new techniques all in one session. Class time can be extended or shortened depending on your soecific needs. We can discuss these details privately and create a program that fits best for you. I also offer special pricing for sessions booked in multiples and classes paid for in advance. Check back here for other special pricing offers throughout the year!

I have experiencec working with students individually and in groups throughout the USA, in China where I lived for a year, and around the globe virtually. My students include those of all ages and backgrounds from beginners to advanced. Each lesson plan is developed based on the individual student's desires. I have taught students with very specific goals in mind as well as those interested in starting with the basic elements of design. I am open to developing a curriculum for whatever your specific needs might be. I have worked successfully with a diversity of new artists to include those with special physical needs and neurodivergence. I am excited to work with anyone who is willing and ready! Creative results will vary depending on the challenges we're facing but classes will be fun and rewarding. I look forward to speaking with you regarding your needs. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

I love music, art, and literature. I find they're good for the soul! I attend live music performances whenever possible. In November I was lucky enough to able to go see a band perform that I have loved since their debut. The energy was high leaving me feeling uplifted and inspired! I've carried that wonderful experience with me ever sense. I also regularly attend community festivals and events. The most recent was a holiday arts festival with local vendors and artists. I had some delicious food and discovered several new artists I now follow.

Find someone you connect with on an emotional level - not necessarily someone who is currently creating in your area of interest. Artist experiment often and their most recent work might not reflect their skills and ability as a teacher. And, do go with an instructor whose work you like be it passed or present. However, do not ignore the teacher's experience and expertise. While a formal education is not necessary to be an artist or teach art, you do want an instructor with the basic knowledge of the elements of art and design. Be brave! Know what you want in a teacher and what you want to get out of the experience before going into an interview. And yes, you are interviewing the instructor to see if they can meet your desires. Don't be afraid to discuss your goals specifically with any potential teacher. Ask lots of questions. None are stupid or silly. In my personal experience, if an instructor gets offended at your concerns, chances are they will get frustrated while teaching. I suggest looking for someone who takes art seriously but is relaxed and open minded about the learning process. And look for a teacher who makes learning fun. Someone who is excited by all the possibilities for you and your artistic dreams! Although learning new skills can be frustrating at times, overall the experience needs to be rooted in enjoying the creative process - in the joy of the journey of finding and developing your own creative style and voice! Last, what is your instructors mission? What is on their agenda and how can their abilities be applied to what you're looking for as a creative person? In case I haven't made it clear, my mission is to help you find the joy in the creative process. Successful self-expression is a blissful experience. I want to provide you with the groundwork and basic skills you need to reach these places of self-fulfillment. I want to guide you, go with you, as you learn to express yourself in your own style and voice and take pride in your creations. I want to help you develop a new self-esteem, self-assuredness, and self-worth. Ultimately art is experience and I want to help yours be the best one possible!

Most importantly, what exactly are you looking for in your artistic learning experience? Know your goals and discuss them openly with any potential teacher. And does teacher have goals that are similiar to yours? Do you like their background and profile? Do you think you would enjoy working with this instructor? Know what questions you'd like to ask before hand and what you'd like the answers to be. What is going to work best for you? Also, do you want to learn the the formal traditions of art and design or do you prefer to focus on learning techniques for sheer self-expression? Do you want to find the joy in learning to express yourself? Are you open to learning new things? Can you handle constructive criticism? Do you have a specific painting you want to design? Are you willing and able to put in the time and effort to reach your goals? The list of questions can become very personal and even time consuming. Take some time to really think about your desires. What kind of person would be your dream instructor? Is there something specific you're looking for in a teacher? Does this person fulfill that desire or requirement? Take the time to consider your desires and wants and work towards getting your needs met. With a little searching you will find the right instructor for you. The first potential instructor you interview might not be the right fit. Keep looking and trust the process. You're artistic journey begins with you!