Ocean View Arts
Best of 2023
1 hire on Lessons.com
About this pro
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(Please note that Ocean View Arts group classes continue to be suspended, due to the pandemic. Private lessons are available in person or via Zoom, and group workshops are available online, as well.)
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The beginning of each student’s art studies at Ocean View Arts focuses on the basics of traditional realism, the nearly-forgotten secrets of the Old Masters. This forms a strong foundation for advancing into any other type of art from anime to abstract painting, from Impressionistic landscape painting to realistic portraiture, from collage to sculpture, fabric art to home dec. Even computer graphic design is impacted beneficially by having the kind of knowledge that made the Old Masters great.
- Students learn the Renaissance techniques of the Old Masters
- Instructor is an award-winning professional who studied art for 7 years in NY with a student of Norman Rockwell
- After initial foundations are learned, students may continue in drawing, painting, pastels, still life, landscape, portrait, figure, anatomy or fiber art
- High school students may elect to focus on portfolio development
- Ocean View Arts private or online lessons are suitable for untrained beginners or advanced students, adults or teens.
- Small classes ensure individualized attention
- Students progress at their own pace in a nurturing environment whether in private lessons or online lessons
I love to teach students to create the kind of artwork that they thought they could never accomplish...when students can't help smiling as they look at their completed work, I'm thrilled because not only do they have a lovely piece of art to hang on the wall, they've also learned something new and excelled at it beyond their expectations.
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Credentials
Norfolk, VA 23503
Email verified
Phone verified
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My son has been taking art classes with Meryl Ann for a year now. His skill level, eye for detail and perspective, and passion for drawing and painting have skyrocketed since joining her classes. Thank you Meryl Ann!
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Meryl Ann Butler is an amazing teacher and because of her and her classes at Ocean View Arts, I have learned how to see and through that seeing, I can now create things of visual and tactile beauty. As a teacher, Meryl Ann can correct errant ways in a manner that cuddles a possibly fragile ego without coddling it. She is direct and supportive and so very knowledgeable. Knowledge which she imparts with an underlayer of joyful energy that makes listening to her a fascinating pleasure. Because she taught me how to see, not just how to draw, I can now see myself with loving eyes. Because of this I am coming into my own true self as an artistic, creative being and discovering the joy of that little girl who loved to draw and create stuff!
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Meryl Ann teaches the basics of art. At the same time, I was able to produce realistic art. The classes are small and her individual attention is most gratifying. Anyone with a will to learn will prosper under her guidance.
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The environment is great , relaxed an comfortable place to learn, Meryl Ann is an amazing teacher an shares so much more knowledge than just art, I was not intimidated being a newby that had never taken art.
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FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I always invite prospective students to visit the Ocean View Arts studio and gallery to see examples of my work and students' work so they know what to expect. Then we discuss together which of the Ocean View Arts educational offerings might be the best fit.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied art for seven years in New York with master of realism, Harold R Stevenson, who was a student of Norman Rockwell. Our direct artistic lineage includes many artists well represented in museums, including Howard Pyle, Jean-Léon Gérôme, Antoine-Jean Gros, Jacques-Louis David and François Boucher. I am the author of two craft books (traditionally published) and of several hundred articles on arts-related topics. I am also an editor.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Private lessons are as low as $65/hour. Private lessons are usually in person but can be on Zoom. Online workshops vary in cost, typically $10 - $45.
How did you get started teaching?
I did some student-teaching during the last two of the seven years that I studied with my mentor. Within three months of completing my studies I opened my first art school in Louisiana. Ocean View Arts is my second art school.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with all ages, from pre-school to retired. Several students who already had degrees in art have said that they learned lots of useful new information in their very first lesson with me! I have helped many high schoolers develop an impressive portfolio.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
The most important thing that a prospective student can do when making a choice about a teacher is to look at the work produced by that teacher's students. A group of students who do consistently excellent work show that their teacher is successful in imparting knowledge. You can see my students work on my website, OceanViewArts.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
The most important question a students should ask herself is: what brings me the most joy? The next step is to find a teacher who can successfully guide that student on her path toward the joyful and creative endeavor.
Lessons offered
Drawing Lessons Oil Painting Classes Painting Classes Acrylic Painting Lessons Fabric Arts Lessons Craft Classes Paper Crafts Lessons Quilting Classes Scrapbooking Classes Sewing Classes