About
I’m a full-time professional artist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Pennsylvania who also has a Masters in Education from Gonzaga and 18+ years of experience teaching students of all ages and ability levels.
One of the ways that I work with my students that’s unique is that when they share their work with me, is that I use my iPad (with their permission) and digitally “draw” on it to show them how to improve their drawing. It’s a non-invasive way to help students to actually see how to improve their drawing - and even experiment to see different options of what does and doesn’t work. I believe in respecting the creative process and focusing on a growth mindset to help students build confidence.
I’m also a writer and can help with dialogue/plot - and have taught Comic Book classes and founded a Commercial Art Program for the North Olympic Peninsula Skills Center and Port Townsend School of the Arts .
I love seeing students light up with connecting to their creativity and being able to develop skills to create work that are far beyond what they ever thought possible. Because I'm a professional artist - I understand what it's like to be creatively blocked and have developed ways to help others to develop their confidence and find their own style.
Highlights
Photos and videos
Reviews
Karen P.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I interview them about what they want to learn, and what are their stumbling blocks - and how they learn best. Some people need more hand-holding and others are more independant, and I adjust accordingly. Some people like to have a live demo - one-on-one and I use my iPad and screen share on Zoom so that they can see how I do it and then they can either go off independently and do it and come back and get feedback, or I can coach them on the spot.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor of Fine Arts University of Pennsylvania
Masters of Initial Teaching Gonzaga Univserity
Christine Kane Uplevel Your Business Program - 2 years where I learned marketing
Public school teacher for 18 years, including the North Olympic Peninsula Skills Center (high school)
Freelance teacher for Port Townsend School of the Arts (currently)
Adjunct teacher for Peninsula Community College
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I regularly offer group classes which are $125 for five weeks. Similar to the "yoga class" model, I offer the same class twice a week so that if you can't make it on one day, it's offered another day and time. Each week you get a lesson which contains demo videos that I've created, curated resources from the internet (lots of great stuff out there, but how to put it together in a way that makes sense?), creative mindset components and "a dare to create...." During the class sessions, students share their work and receive feedback in a supportive and friendly environment. One thing that I offer is using my iPad, I can digitally SHOW you how to improve your work instead of just talking about it! It's a non-invasive way to help students see how to improve - and really helps people to make rapid progress.
For one-on-one tutoring, I customize it to what you need - from feedback to live demos in my studio, price depends on the service. You can book me for a free 30 minute consultation to see if this is a good fit. I can create packages and work with small groups as well as do special events.
How did you get started teaching?
Lol - came from a family of teachers!
What types of students have you worked with?
Most of my experience is working with adults and high school students. I really enjoy working with high schoolers and adults and often joke that they are all the same! I was a full time Special Education teacher for many years and have many different techniques for reaching the hard to teach.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Wine tasting event with my current students (we have a wine expert among us!) that we did on Zoom to celebrate the end of the session to celebrate their accomplishments!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a teacher who is compassionate - and isn't a "frustrated artist" themselves (those can be toxic). Trust your gut - even if someone is highly qualified, that doesn't mean that they are the right fit for you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What is your learning style? Are you an independent worker or do you need to have someone really break things down step by step? What is your skill level? What are you proud of that you have done creatively? Are you willing to take constructive feedback?