ArtSpeaks Studio

Offers online services

About

I offer watercolor painting courses to students at all levels both ONLINE in real time and IN THE STUDIO. Courses are reasonably priced, short and focused to meet student needs in terms of cost and time. Courses are scheduled during the day, evenings, and weekends so that prospective students can find a time that is convenient for them. All appropriate Covid-19 risk-mitigating protocols have been taken for IN-PERSON CLASSES and ONLINE CLASSES will be conducted in real time with a lot of personal feedback and students having the ability to go back and watch recordings of course sessions.

Sharing what I have learned through a life-time of painting is my passion. It is pure joy to watch students grow in their skills as they find their own expressive voices. Having a guide speeds up the process of learning to use the materials and decide what to make.

I have been teaching for decades but after earning a Master of Fine Arts degree I taught college art classes for a decade. I loved sharing with students but didn't enjoy having to give grades. I left and now have opened my own students and have designed my courses for people like me--people who have full lives but want to express their personal creativity. My website is https://artspeaksstudio.com.

Highlights

1 employee

4 years in business

Serves Dallas , TX

Offers online services

Reviews

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Ruby R.

Kay is an engaging and personable teacher. Her classes cover not only an overview and basic principles of the medium but also specific aspects of presentation. I have taken several classes from her and learned new skills and developed new ways of thinking about art each time. I have been able to significant progress in my ability to reproduce what I see in my mind on paper. What a pleasure.

August 02, 2021

John W.

Following surgery during a period of curtailed physical activity, I took the Introduction to Watercolor Painting at ArtSpeaks Studio by Kay Byfield. I was a true beginner and was amazed by how much there is to learn about watercolors and technique! Kay taught us about Hue (color), Value (light/dark, shade/tint), temperature of colors, color complements and how to do a Value Study. We learned how to take a photograph and transfer it into shapes on watercolor paper with proper composition, and then paint those shapes, resulting in a finished painting. Kay is an experienced, positive and enthusiastic teacher who quickly assesses an individuals ability and offers constructive criticism to help you learn and become a better painter.

August 02, 2021

Paul T.

I very much enjoyed learning techniques of watercolor painting at the Creative Arts Center with Kay. I look forward to having the time in retirement to paint often.

August 02, 2021

Kevin

Ive had Kay as an instructor for two sets of classes, and I think the fact that I went back for another round of lessons speaks to the quality of the experience. Kay takes you through everything a beginner needs to know, including supplies, techniques, colors, composition, etc... and does it in a way where you get to paint what you actually want to paint. I also appreciate that she regularly delves into some of the theory of watercolor, showing a range of professional paintings along with the steps the artists took to make them. It helps demystify the process and shows just how much is possible within the medium. I would definitely recommend her classes to anyone, from complete beginners to people with experience looking to hone up on their techniques or just get some more guided practice.

December 18, 2020

Neil A.

Having taken multiple classes taught by Kay Byfield I can say without reservation that she is a dedicated teacher of Watercolor Painting who clearly loves what she does; both teaching and painting. Kay designs classes that include theory, history, skill building and plenty of painting! The classes always come with a mix of skill sets, from beginner to advanced, and she always finds a way to provide encouragement, nurturing and challenges for all levels. The most important thing I learned during the class (among many lessons) was to not be afraid of the paint, the paper, and the brush – just dive in and paint!

December 10, 2020

Dan 2.

Kay Byfield was recently my watercolor instructor through the Dallas Creative Arts Center. I thoroughly enjoyed her class and I feel that I learned a lot from her. It was apparent that Kay put a good deal of thought and preparation into her classes: including providing examples and discussing them, bringing a live model to class, leading critiques and bringing images to help us form ideas for subject matter. She also gave assignments to work on at home.

Kay was particularly helpful to me by encouraging me to come to and even join a

couple of local watercolor societies. I did join one and have thoroughly enjoyed the

meetings. I had gotten out of painting in the last several years and wanted to get

motivated to paint some more. Kays class definitely helped me accomplish that goal. I

would gladly recommend Kay as a teacher to anyone who wants to start, or restart, their

artistic endeavors. She is knowledgeable, friendly, dedicated, and intuitive as a teacher.

December 10, 2020

Frequently asked questions

What is your typical process for working with a new student?

The students introduce themselves and let me know what their personal goals are for the course. Then I design activities that will provide opportunities for the student to develop the skills they are seeking. I provide a lot of feedback and enrichment activities include breaking down processes, problem solving, and exposure to the works of many different master artists.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I have been painting for decades and have earned a Master of Fine Arts degree, which is the terminal degree for art-making. My studies included exposure to all media and a lot of art-theory and experience with my own forte, watercolor.

Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.

Courses are priced based on the number of sessions (most include three or four three-hour lessons) and the expenses I will incur providing materials. All the prices are described on my website, https://artspeaksstudio.com/.

How did you get started teaching?

I have always felt called to teach, even before I began to paint. Before I earned an art degree, I earned an education degree. When I left the workforce to become a mother, I began to paint and within a few years I began teaching what I was learning. Teaching has improved my own painting but I also enjoy the community of artists I have been part of.

What types of students have you worked with?

I have worked with students coming from all backgrounds and of all ages. I think a diverse group enriches the experiences of the entire class and we all enjoy all the different perspectives.

Describe a recent event you are fond of.

I am on the Board of the Southwestern Watercolor Society and contributed to the recent annual show as well as exhibiting in September.

What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?

Look for someone whose approach aligns with your goals. Their personal style should be less important to you than whether they are dedicated to helping you develop your own personal path.

What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?

It helps if you know who you are and what you think you are interested in creating, but it is also important to be flexible so that you can explore a lot of directions as you begin to see the range of possibilities.

Services offered

Painting

Drawing