Private lessons with top Painting instructors near Carefree, AZ

Whether or not you are new to painting or want to get back into it after many years away and just need some feedback and a new perspective I am here to help. I have been teaching painting for 20 years and I’ve worked with students of all ages, from young adults to retirees. I teach painting using the classical method of observation (meaning, based on what they see). You will also learn how to use color as it reflects the temperature of the light and shadows like the impressionists. I will show you a lot of different artists for inspiration and to teach you how to glean the best from history. I recommend working from direct observation at first (a still life rather than a photo of a still-life). With oil paint, there are some underpainting techniques to explore to get a really solid layout and to establish the values. This is an advantage to oil because it is easier to work out the values before adding color. Next, over the top, you can do a very painterly technique and have the confidence that your drawing is accurate. You can expect to learn a lot about color as it relates to the light source much the way the impressionists used color. As a beginner, you would start with a very basic still life, and if advanced you would be offered more complex challenges from still-lifes, to a portrait or landscape. I'll guide beginners towards techniques that teach them to better understand the visual structure. As you gain experience I'll encourage you to explore directions of self-expression. I adjust my approach to teaching as I get to know each student and what learning style connects best with them.

I teach what you want to learn. Lessons may include: Basic or advanced techniques. Mixing vibrant hues. Wet-on-wet. Dry brush. Masking. Glazing. Dew drops on flowers. Textures--using salt, layering, sponges, scratching, lifting, etc. Considering your light source. Loosening up. Managing the water to pigment ratio. Paper selection. Setting up your palette. What paints to use. And brushes: how many, what kind and brand? Painting outdoors in the open air, or from photographs, or from a still life. Using your phone to help you critique your painting. All levels--from beginner to advanced. Demonstrations on creating watercolors in the style of famous watercolorists like John Singer Sargent, or Winslow Homer. Subject matter can include journaling, watercolor sketching, landscapes, seascapes, florals, abstracts, still life, urban settings, color grids, and more. Additionally, you can schedule a lesson and let me know that you want to use it as a critique to review some of your work. I recommend the 45 minute session for a critique.

Lessons would be individualized to focus on areas that need the most guidance.

Beginning Oil painting materials, tools, and composition in a painterly fashion. Includes basic drawing and transfer of sketching tutorial to create and complete personal masterpieces in oil based mediums.

Whatever your skill level, however fast or slow you want to go, I want to help you to become a better artist and enjoy it while you’re learning! What we cover in your lesson will be determined by your level of expertise. If you are just starting out with oils, we will discuss some important things to understand about the colors, mediums, how to set up your palette and some different ways of applying paint, etc. If you already have some experience with oil painting, we will pick up with whatever areas you would like to improve on. If you are interested in painting the human figure or portraits in particular, we can discuss some important ways to go about painting flesh tones. There are also some little known tips I want to tell you about that will be useful to artists of any skill level! I will share with you any suggestions that I have for technique or different ways of approaching your painting that may help you with whatever areas you’re struggling with. If you would like to work on a painting together during our lessons, it will typically be best to select at least an hour long session. We can focus on how to paint whatever subject you prefer. It’s all about you! I want you to get as much out of your lessons as possible, and we will work on whatever you need to start painting better than ever before!

Oil paintings have been regarded as one of the most beautiful art forms throughout history. To paint like one of the masters can seem out of reach, but anyone can paint with excellence! We will start at your current skill level, even if you've never even painted before. We'll learn color mixing, how to create depth, and different methods of layering paint to create different effects. Whether you would like to create a masterpiece, or would just like to paint some paintings for your friends and family, we can get there together! Contact me so we can get you creating beauty on canvas!

I am a practicing Artist of almost 9 years! Being creative is a great way to express yourself and bring forth a piece of mind. Painting is an activity that allows for you to put on canvas whatever landscape, image or emotion you wish to portray. From abstract painting to hyperrealism, we can dive in together to discover some of your favorite ways to express your creativity. Whether it be through watercolor, acrylic, oil painting or another medium, painting what the student wishes to gain further experience in is what we will accomplish. My aspiration is to be able to let each student discover and further the true artist within them! Shoot me a message and let’s get creative! All skill levels welcome!

In private watercolor classes I will show you the basics of watercolor and the ways to make it fun. Popular classes include how to paint animals, faces or landscapes. Water colors are wonderful for illustration, expressive art or realism. Watercolor is a relaxing and meditative medium perfect for a busy life to slow down and appreciate the creative flow. 30 MINUTE CRITIQUE: If you want a critique of your artwork to help you with the next steps , sign up for the 30 minute class, you will receive a recording of the class . GROUP CLASSES: I also offer group classes for friends , student and co workers .