Art Smart Studio
About
My name is Lorina, The Art Smart Lady. At Art Smart studio, we love people, and art!
We coach people how to get to their next level in visual art.
We do private art lessons at our studio, (soon)online lessons, and art parties at various venues, but not usually the paint by number style. We get to know our student's ability, and then help them stir up their creativity, and show them how to unlock their sometimes hidden potential.
Passionate about all of the arts as a child, and encouraged in visual art in particular, I have been a student of art since I can remember. Besides a year at University of Hartford Art school, and 4 more years at the Amsterdam University of the Arts where I received a diploma to teach 2D Art and Art History, I have always made visual art a personal study.
I believe everyone can learn to draw or paint, if they truly want to. I have been teaching at my studio in Maryland for over a decade, but have been teaching art from 1997 in many capacities, both in private, and public arenas. I have taught from Senior citizens to 18 month olds.
My business is in a transition period where I am doing several private art lessons a couple times a week, art parties a few times a month, and gearing up for online classes, and tons of Art Smart Sketch Excursion Tours, both locally, nationally, and abroad. You need this creative ASSET in your life. (insert warm and inviting smile here)
You can catch me on Facebook at Art Smart studio!, on Instagram and Twitter as The Art Smart Lady, to keep up with any news or events. My website which is currently under construction, is www.theartsmartlady.com, or www.art-smart-studio.com
We love collaborations that fit in our area of focus, so please feel free to pitch your projects our way!
Much Love and Peace,
Lorina, The Art Smart Lady
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I first do a 10 minute interview to find out what my students needs, wants, desires, expectations, and I also ask for a sample of their present abilities if applicable, as well as I give a quick visual questionaire for them to fill out.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have made visual art my study from the time I was a child, but I completed one year of University of Hartford Art School, and got a diploma from The Amsterdam School of The Arts. I also still learn every day as an artist, working on my passions.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
For teens and under I charge $25 an hour for semi-private lessons. (up to 5 students total) $35 for Adults.
Exclusively private art lessons start at $45 an hour.
The above includes most, simple materials.
Sketch excursions locally are presently $20 per participant, and nationally $20 plus all personal travel expenses. International prices are $35 plus all personal travel expensives, except for native participants who will pay the equivilant of $20.
Paint parties, are $35 per participant, or $25 if there are 25 or more participants. Participants may choose a theme, or bring an image to use. (please keep it clean) :-)
How did you get started teaching?
My first official teaching jobs were while I was studying in Amsterdam. I had internships in schools, and taught at an arts camp called Buitenkunst, for adults, in the Flevoland polder area. This was a wonderful introduction to group lessons, and would last for a weekend or a week at a time.
I worked in Haarlem, Aalsmeer, and Amstelveen at their community colleges giving art lessons to adults, and also worked together with fellow artists to rent a building and we put out seasonal flyers where I mostly taught children.
During the years just before, and after I graduated in 1998, I gave private art lessons in my studio to adults. I also worked 2 years at a teachers training school in Gouda, instructing my students how to teach art enthusiastically to their students.
What types of students have you worked with?
My students have ranged from complete beginners, with little experience, to very talented artists.
I have worked with a number of special needs students of various ages, especially with those on the spectrum.
My age range of students is quite wide, since I have taught todlers and preschoolers, elementary through high school, and senior citizens. I am however, presently focusing on the 18-45 crowd.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I love to travel, and recently went to a travel event in Florida, this past January, which was so much fun!
I am truly inspired as an artist when traveling, and since taking a 2 month road trip this past summer with my 2 teens, I am excited to do much more traveling in the near future. I am excitedly looking forward to bringing others along with me as I go on Art Smart Sketch Excursion Tours!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
First, make sure your teacher loves people. I have sat under geniuses in their field, but with the inability to communicate clearly and kindly to others.
Secondly, good communication skills, and background with teaching others is helpful. I would opt for a trial period, to make sure you click. Sometimes, personalities just don't work well together.
Lastly, find a teacher who is skilled at what it is you are wanting to learn, and also still working to improve their skills.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do I want to achieve?
What do I expect from this teacher?
Does this teacher understand what I want, and are they able and willing to help me get there?