Spring Valley Studio
About
A mixed media adventure for groups and individuals! The thrill of students gaining confidence making art and having fun! Instruction freqency and duration flexible.
My approach accompanies you outside your comfort zone. Helping you see creativity from a fresh perspective and adding new dimension to life.
In the words of one of my long term students:
"Joan is a magical being. She creates a space that you would never enter on your own, Ninty minutes later you are well on your way to a creation that unconceals a latent possibility into fruition. Astounding! Andrew Harvey (7/21/2025)
Specialties
Experience level
Painting type
Painting medium
Number of students
Student age(s)
Photos and videos
Reviews
andrew H.
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
How did you get started teaching?
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 advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
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!