About
in the words of one of my long term students:
"Joan Oliver creates an artistic space which induces a creative spark that is missing for me without her magical spirit. Her classes simply inspire!" Andrew Harvey (2/13/2020)
The thrill of students gaining confidence making art and having fun!
Photos and videos
Reviews
Steph L.
Alice S.
ANDREW H.
Joan O.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Determine your interest, art experience and goals. Create an intention for classes.
Consider the following questions:
Abstraction or representational?
Drawing or Painting?
Watercolor or Pastel? Or, both!
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
The cost is $40 for an hour lesson, including a demonstration, co-working and critique (what's working/what's not working), practice and suggestions for homework.
I advocate the approach of three books:
1. Drawing on the right side of your brain
2. The natural way to draw
3. The Artist Way
They would be a good start to a library of Art Books for reference going forward.
In addition to being a lifelong artist, I am A NY certified librarian/school media specialist and will support you as an artist and a library patron.
Thank you for your interest. Joan
What types of students have you worked with?
Mostly adults, often with little experience; or, regular life long learners checking out different instructors for a good fit! I welcome all ages (18+) and experience levels.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Are you interested in abstraction or realistic/representational images?
What subject matter do you prefer? For example, still life, landscape, flowers (botanicals), figure, portrait, etc
Who are your favorite artists? Why?
Do you prefer painting (wet media); or drawing (dry media, including pastels, pencil, etc.); or mixed media?
What were favorite childhood activities? For example, I loved cutting out paper dolls and their clothes. It is not surprising that I often work in collage with lots of scissorwork!