About
Art has always been a vital part of my life. Pastels have been my medium of choice for most of my life. I began my business of Art nearly 30 years ago, painting in pastels with a focus on portraiture of adults, children and pets, but also creating landscape and still life subjects. I have been teaching Drawing and Pastel Painting (ages 16 to senior adults) at the Art Center School & Galleries in Mechanicsburg, PA for 20 years. Private lessons (ages 13 to senior adults) are also offered from my home studio in Carlisle, PA.
With a lifetime of painting experience, I quarantee satisfaction of commissioned portraits. I have studied extensively with figure and portrait artist, Karl Foster, and also have engaged in annual workshop studies with the finest international renowned pastel portrait artists. I am active in the exhibition/competition world, with numerous awards. I received an honorable award for Instructor of the Year at the Art Center School & Galleries.
Choosing private lessons from a private studio is a great way to learn without distraction. Drawing lessons, beginner pastel painting, advanced pastel painting ... it's up to you! I have some students who want to focus on only a particular subject. The choice is yours! Contact me and we will chat!
I also offer custom conservation framing from my home studio to my students and to commission clients.
Artists, beginners and advanced, all share a common bond! We love creating and expressing ourselves in art form. Students are hungry to learn and I am happy to share. Beginners follow step by step instruction and advanced students are taught techniques and given instruction to improve their skills.
I also enjoy doing commissions of adults, children and pets! Bringing a figure, a face of someone's loved one or a loved pet to life on paper is a rewarding experience for an artist!
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Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Typical process begins with a contact. We chat to get to know one another and talk about what it is you would like to learn. Classroom students receive step by step instruction at their easels. Advanced students receive instruction to improve their skills.
Private Students receive one on one instruction with undivided attention. I work with your schedule ... we make it work!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a self taught artist with a lifetime of drawing and pastel experience! I have studied with some of the greatest artists in America. I have been teaching for 20 years with an excellent following of students. Art is meant to be shared and I enjoy sharing with all my students. Some of my students have grown into an art business of their own or are entering juried shows and winning awards.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Private Lessons in my home Studio are $45 per hour.
For my Pastel Painting Classes at the Art Center School & Galleries in Mechanicsburg, PA (group class) call 717-697-2072 Pricing varies according to length of sessions.
How did you get started teaching?
I was approached and asked to teach a semester of pastel painting. I have been teaching ever since!
What types of students have you worked with?
Beginners to advanced, timid to aggressive, teens to senior adults, those who want to learn everything to those who want to learn only to draw a specific subject. All of my students are allowed to work at their own pace. Each student is different and needs not to be rushed through their work.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Juried acceptance as a Signature Member in the Maryland Pastel Society and also as an Accredited Member in the Maryland Society of Portrait Painters.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Do your homework! Choose an instructor who works in the style you are interested in using. You have been entrusted with a gift ... you are who you have been designed to be ... don't try to change who you are!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Good questions to ponder! ...
Do I need to learn the Basics of drawing?
I know the basics ... but I'm sure there is still much to learn ... do I feel I need advanced instruction?
Do I want to learn the basics of Pastel painting?
What materials do I need to purchase?