About
I teach small affordable acrylic and mixed media classes to older teens and adults through the Woodllands Art League and through a small gallery in Old Town Spring, TX. I do not impose my painting style on my students, but work to help them develop their own vision and style, backed up with solid information on materials and techniques.
I also teach private and semi-private encaustic wax classes, and mixed media workshops.
I believe that art should be in the community not in a museum. We all have the potential to be artists; it is our legacy as humans. Art that is made to intimidate people and drive up prices horrifies me; I am part of the informal "art everywhere" movement.
Visit my Facebook page, Acrylic Painting with Lauren, and my website, www.LaurenCombsArt.com to see my work and learn more. you may also see a schedule of classes at www.woodlandsartleague.org.
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I teach one lesson that is prepared for you, to ensure that you have a good foundation and understanding of the materials you will be using. Color mixing is so important; I want the process of mixing almost any color to become a part of your skill set right from the start so we use a very limited palette, and add to it as we move along. Likewise, you need to learn the different brush types, how to use each one, and how to choose brushes wisely. The first lesson is a landscape specifically designed to teach you these and additional skills without the stress of having to select a subject and design your own painting. After this virtually fool-proof lesson (trust me) you will be confident enough to explore subjects and styles that interest you, at your own individual pace.
My classes are small so you can do this while getting the support and information you need.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Although I do not have an art degree, I have taken many hours of college level art courses, as well as private classes, and more advanced workshops.
I have painted and drawn since my early years, beginning with watercolor and oils, but now paint and teach acrylics and in encaustic and cold wax
I am a professional artist, selling my work privately and through galleries and local venues, as well as online. I have won a number of local and regional awards and gotten recognition in my community for designing and leading public art projects.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge "Art league prices"; as a board member of the Woodlands Art League, and outgoing president, I am committed to making art affordable for the community.
Single classes are $35 for non-members, but a package of four classes is just $100 plus supplies. Students can earn extra classes when they refer friends who sign up, and sometimes I offer Intro specials of 3 classes with all supplies for $100. Our sponsoring art league receives a percentage of the fees.
Payment is online, or to me at the first class.
How did you get started teaching?
I always taught craft types of things...knitting, embroidery, decorative painting...whatever I learned I had to pass on. I love heritage crafts.
After we moved to Texas, I got a job as a floral designer in a craft store, then quickly moved to Class Coordinator, giving demos and classes with any new products.I learned to frame as well, and when that friendly local store closed, took a job as a framer. Handling art made turning more and more to fine arts a natural progression, and I began selling work. I later was certified as an instructor by Grumbacher and for several years taught in a local store, before giving my own classes for the art league as a private instructor.