Jason Ramay Fine Art
About
I am a professional artist working in watercolor and drawing media, an architect with a Master's degree in Architecture and twenty-five years of experience. You can check out my work on Instagram @jasonaramay or at www.jasonramay.com. If you like what you see let me help you learn to do it yourself! My lessons will leave you with practical exercises, handouts with reference material, artists to study and follow, pro tips and tricks, equipment and material recommendations, and best of all: nifty watercolors and sketches by you to take home after your first lesson! I have both private and classroom experience teaching beginning level drawing and watercolor.
I love beauty and the huge variety of ways that art can deliver it. I am always amazed at how peoples' individuality emerges and shows in their art. It is simply not possible to make art without savoring the mystery of personality. Even the best forgers can be detected! That's why I encourage emulation and copying of favorites and masters (always with attribution, of course). I will share everything I know with students because I want more beauty in the world.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I love hearing from people why they want to make art, which artists and artworks inspire them, and what motivates them to learn. So, first, we get to know one another a bit while we're doing some fun warm-ups. I like to cultivate a "no-pressure" attitude in the studio, and both "show" and "tell" about the fun tricks we use to get started. We'll also look at some examples from the artworld. I also like to leave new students with some handouts and other reference material they can practice on their own.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Master's Degree in architecture from the University of Texas of Austin, where I also studied watercolor with Bill Wiman, the chair of the art department at UT and a very well-known and successful painter in his own right. I also have a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Lawrence University where I also studied art history and art. I am a licensed architect in the State of Washigton (#8678).
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $40 for a full hour of instruction and practice. I also leave students with handouts and supply all of the material and equipment for our first two sessions. Thereafter, students supply their own paper, paint and drawing media.
How did you get started teaching?
As an architect I received many requests and commissions for illustrations, drawings, and paintings, both from clients and colleagues. I began by doing lunchtime workshops for watercolor in the offices I helped run, and teaching individual lessons by request. I found I loved it!
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with fellow architects, technicians, and other individuals, many with drawing experience but no watercolor experience, and some with no art experience (or confidence) at all! I do believe drawing and "mark-making" are a basic human capacity, like singing, that everyone can do. Very few of us can sing like Pavarotti or paint like Picasso, and that's OK. We already HAVE Pavarotti and Picasso. What we're missing is you - and your work will be as distinct as you are, and valuable for that very reason.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently delivered and helped install a 5 foot long framed commissioned watercolor painting in a client's home - above the mantelpiece! It was wonderful to see it go up and to see our common vision come to pass for real!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find a teacher who is comfortable sharing, and not holdong back. Sometimes "experts" and professionals hoard and parcel out their knowledge and tricks, skills and tips. In my view, your teacher should share openly everything he or she knows, with the hope that you will excel. Art is not a "zero-sum" game!