About
I am a career artist, with over 10 years of professional experience. I have sold around 200 pencil drawings an paintings, and have had my work in many charity auctions and shows. I provide private all season art lessons for all ages. Anyone interested in either creating a college level portfolio, or just wish to acquire a new skill are welcome. Sessions are not limited to pencil drawings, and I will accommodate to your artistic interests. I provide classes out of my home in Clifton Park, and am willing to drive to you if preferred. All material necessary for the sessions is provided by me.
Private message me for details!
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I have loved art since I was a small child. Interestingly enough, I have never created a piece of my own artwork for myself. They have all been for others or for hire. I love the joy my talents can bring other people.
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When working with a new student I always like to see where they stand with skill level/experience. I love to see past work if they have it. This usually helps guide the lesson appropriately.
If the student is interested in learning realism portraits then I will usually start out with the basic drawing techniques such as shading, erasing, pencil lines and blending.
We then will begin with learning how to draw human features such as eyes, nose, ears, mouth, hair.
Once we have gotten the features down then I will instruct how to easily map out a guide for a face looking straight on, turned, and profile. These techniques can also be used in cartooning.
We will then put all of the features, blending and layering together in completed a perfect finished portrait.
I provide all the material I use in my own portraits for the lesson, so no need to purchase any before the class.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I had taken professional private drawing lessons from a very succesful artist from age 10-15, was then in A.P. (advanced) art classes through out High School, and went onto continue my art education at St. Rose College.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Typically my lessons last one hour. They can certainly last longer if chosen to. I charge $50 an hour per one student, and $40 an hour per student if there are more than one.
How did you get started teaching?
I have been approached many times over the years for lessons by parents, friends, and neighbors who have been interested in learning how to paint or draw. I had never advertised for lessons until now because I have enjoyed teaching so much.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with a lot of adolescents who were interested in gathering a college level portfolio for either their next year in high school, or to help them get into art school.
I have also worked with children ages 8-10 who loved bringing their creative minds to paper and learning skills they cannot be taught in school.
I have taught many adults looking to take on a new hobby as well.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
The advice I would love to give a student looking to hire a teacher is to never look at their portfolio or website and think "Nope, I can't do that". I know this sounds corny but I remember seeing my teachers finished portraits and thinking it wasn't going to be worth it because there was no way I could accomplish what she had. My mother convinced me to go through with the lessons and I accomplished finished pieces I could have never dreamed I would create myself.
Always be open to new techniques and styles, and never compare your work to others with a "whos is better or worse" mindset. Every single artist in the world has a different style. It as unique as a thumbprint. Even with lessons, your style will be yours.