The Art Shoppe

We offer lessons in the traditional method of drawing, oil & watercolor painting, basic cartoons and calligraphy. Establishing a strong foundation is critical to our student's success. They learn the best uses of supplies along with an understanding of composition, perspective and how to "see" as an artist. Techniques are added as well as lessons in art history as students progress in their abilities.

Weekly and bi-weekly classes are offered in 6 - 8 week sessions at our Houston, PA classroom. Classes are small in size with plenty of individual instruction from the teachers.

Classes offered from 1st graders through retirees.

My favorite part of the teaching process is seeing the student succeed at something they never thought they could do before being instructed. I have a quote: "Most people think they can't draw (or paint, etc.); perhaps it's because no one ever taught them how!" I feel that I have a gift of being able to break down the basics of how to start, so that the students can gain a strong foundation & be able to build upon it, rather than "jumping in" somewhere in the middle and being disappointed at the results.

I have a degree in Visual Communications from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh (1980), but began teaching art a few years after graduating to some neighborhood children at the request of their parents. It was then that I did extensive research into teaching HOW to draw/paint/cartoon, etc. It was in those early years that I discovered my love for teaching. Since then, I've been on a quest to continually improve my teaching methods to give my students the best possible classroom experience.

I have taught hundreds of people how to draw, paint, do calligraphy & cartoons. My classes are in 6 - 8 week sessions to allow for gradual progression in that medium.

Mediums Taught:

- Pencil, Charcoal, Pen & Ink, Oil Pastels

- Watercolors, Oils, Acrylics

- Cartooning

- Calligraphy

- Young Artists (1st - 3rd grade) & Exploring Art (4th - 12th grade) variety of mediums & projects