Offers online services
About
I received my MFA from Columbia University where I also teach Painting as an Adjunct Professor.
In my classes I emphasize two things: creating a new way of seeing, and practicing accuracy in what you see. We move through exercises that develop creativity and work through the fundamental technical components of making a drawing or a painting. Each class builds upon the tools we've developed from the last so students come away with a comprehensive understanding of art making, rather than a step-by-step formula. We work together to not only increase technical proficiency and achieve specific goals, but to develop the confidence to make art anywhere the mood strikes, whether it be painting at your kitchen table or sketching in a coffee shop or a hotel balcony.
Highlights
Hired 1 time
10 years in business
Serves Brooklyn , NY
Offers online services
Payment methods
Venmo, Zelle
Specialties
Experience level
No experience, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Painting type
I can make recommendations, Acrylics, Oil
Painting medium
I can make recommendations, Traditional canvas or paper
Number of students
One person, Two people, A group of 3 – 5 people
Student age(s)
14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Elyse V.
I certainly recommend lessons with Kelsey. She easily explained each step it took to complete a representational painting, which seemed really daunting at first, and that it was a delight to be able to come and work at an artists studio.
March 17, 2020
YB
Yigit B.
Terrific instructor! She is so patient, so kind, always timely, and a delight to be around. She plays great music to boot! Me and my girlfriend are enjoying our classes tremendously and look forward to them every week. Highly recommended!
March 17, 2020
LA
LaRue A.
We are two true beginners taking lessons together. In just 5 lessons, we have amazed ourselves at how much skill we have already acquired. Acquired because Kelsey is a master teacher who understands how to divide complicated processes into manageable chunks. She has maintained the ability to take the perspective of one who does not understand -- so sorely lacking in many others we tried to study with. We plan to continue studying with her for the foreseeable future because the sessions are so relaxing while being challenging, we exercise a different part of our brains, we achieve things we never even imagined possible.
March 16, 2020
JD
Jeff D.
I signed up with Kelsey for 10 private lessons to learn how to work with oil paints. Im in my early 50s and this is something I had wanted to do for years. If there is a level before Beginner that would have been where I was starting from. We met at her loft in Greenpoint for 2 hour sessions. First, her friendly personality, patience and calm energy were the perfect foundation for a comfortable learning experience. We started with the basics and progressed at a level that was tailored for my abilities. I never felt self-conscious, judged or rushed. Very important things when youre learning the tools of creative expression. I would highly recommend Kelsey to anyone looking to explore the world of oil painting, whether they think they have any talent or not. Shes the best.
March 16, 2020
RS
Ron S.
I am 70 and always wanted to be able to draw. Never could do anything much beyond stick figures. Faces? Forget it. But look what Ive accomplished after about 15 lessons, copying a Matisse portrait using conte crayons (and I work very slowly)!!! Kelsey is a patient and intuitively gifted teacher and a delight to sit across from as I learn. Im so glad that I found her. I highly recommend that you study with her too. My second project was a self-portrait, again with conte crayon. I still cant believe that I did this, but Kelsey made it happen.
March 16, 2020
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Robert D.
I arranged for several sessions for my 11-year old daughter who wanted to learn more than she gets in school. Ms. Shwetz is a warm, insightful teacher who took my daughter at her own speed, offering valuable lessons in technique and approaches while working on a project.
Kelsey takes a hand-on approach that encourages--rather than tries to pin down--my daughters originality and interests. She is flexible to work with and attentive to her students. Most importantly, my daughter told me after the first lesson, Finally, someone who takes me seriously rather than just treat her like a kid who draws. Although I only have experience with how Kelsey works with kids, I would highly recommend her for any type of lesson.
March 16, 2020
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Each 1 on 1 program starts with an hour introduction session where we chat about what you'd like to get out of class, your background, and my instructing approach. We do a few exercises to see where you're at. This is a great time to show me work you've made before or share ideas of the kind of work you'd like to make. These online classes are best for those who need flexibility and lessons that meet them just as easily at the apartment coffee table, a hotel desk, or a porch upstate. Create from anywhere.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Aside from my position as a Painting Instructor at Columbia University, I've been a guest lecturer/critic at Kent State, Pratt Institute and LaGuardia Community College. I've had about six years experience as a freelance private painting and drawing instructor based in New York, and view instructing as a tandem function in my painting practice- I believe engaging with and transmitting knowledge to students helps you stay flexible and lucid in your own work. Additionally, I believe one of the measures of artistic success is the involvement in a sustained artistic community. Through my experience as an practicing artist and instructor in New York, I have metabolized the information I've collected over the years into teachable systems. I'm excited about making work and activated by supporting creatives of all stages to follow and master an artistic goal- whatever that may be.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$95/hour. Most drawing students find 1-1.5 hour classes sufficient while painting students usually require 2 hour sessions.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with students age 14-70. From complete beginner to the seasoned artist seeking new challenges and all creative minds in between.
Services offered
Painting
Drawing