Fencl Studio
About
In my fifteen plus years in Higher Ed I have taught hundreds of students to draw and paint. I am the department chair and professor of art at West Liberty University. I have had success with students of all backgrounds, ages and talent levels.
My focus with students is increasing their perceptual sensitivity, the logic of representational space and making students more efficient so they can get more accomplished. I believe deeply that by improving ones drawing skills you also increase your ability to express yourself in whatever media you choose. I earned a MFA in drawing from the New York Academy of Art in NYC and a BFA in illustration from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
For process to be successful there has to be a clear communication of goals and expectations. It's important for me to learn about why the student is interested in learning these skills, and what has worked and failed for them in the past. There are a lot of ways to learn how to become a better artist so getting to know and understand what a student needs is essential. After we get to know each other I start from the ground up and build upon what they know and clean up any inefficiencies or bad habits.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
i have taught drawing and painting courses for over fifteen years and enjoyed success with high school students, college students and adult learners. I have been lucky enough to work with students from very diverse backgrounds and help them better themselves as artists.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$35 per hour for drawing or painting lessons, $25 per hour for each student in groups of four or more. An additional $10 will be required at the first lesson for any instruction located more than 25 miles from Wheeling, WV.
How did you get started teaching?
While studying at the New York Academy of Art I was able to participate in a program where MFA students worked with local NYC students on drawing lessons at the academy and at their schools. After earning my MFA I moved to Colorado and began teaching college art classes.
What types of students have you worked with?
My main group is college level students but I have worked as a master instructor in studio art for the WV Governor School for the Arts, taught studio art classes for the adult learning section of the Carnegie Museum of Art and teacher certification classes for Ohio County Schools.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Students need to be patient and give any teacher a chance for their method to take hold. All skills worth having require effort and perseverance and you have to be comfortable with what may initially look like failure. Art is about effort and you need to understand that if the process is well thought out that your struggles will lead to improvement and success.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Art instruction is not one size fits all so knowing your personal goals is important. By being able to communicate your goals you can then ask the instructor about what can they do to help get you there. Also asking about the critique process is important. No one improves without learning from our mistakes and that is what critiques are for.