Private lessons with top Painting instructors near West Covina, CA

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. 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!

Students can expect to focus on learning a good foundation. I am familiar with several different approaches when working with acrylic paints. They include but are not limited to; direct painting, graphic approach, building up of layers using glazes and dry brushing. I also sensitive to the surfaces acrylic is used on; paper, canvas, fabric, metal and wood are just a few.

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. I have been painting for several years and I have studied many techniques.

Kiersten's fine art lessons focus on two central ideas: 1. Helping students understand and refine excellent technique, and 2.Cultivating, encouraging, and polishing each student's individual style. Kiersten incorporates concepts and exercises based on the atelier, a classical French program that teaches practical, time-tested methods used by master artists throughout history. Lessons usually follow a specific schedule, one that Kiersten has adjusted and perfected through the years. Each class begins with an introduction, followed by an exercise or art game that helps students to warm up and focus on practicing a skill without the pressure of learning while trying to create a finished piece. Next, Kiersten gives a lecture-usually with a slideshow of examples- and/or does a demonstration for the students(s). After this, students work on an assigned project, which is often taught in a step-by-step manner, and finally, students are given time to work on an individually chosen piece under instruction. Kiersten emphasizes spiral learning, learning through repetition, moving forward at a sustainable pace, challenging students to reach full potential, and teaching students the little-known, highly effective methods of the masters. She is also very passionate about tailoring lessons to best fit each student's unique learning style, needs, and interests.

Acrylic Painting classes will teach you how to paint images with different techniques. 1 - I will help you learn how to paint with acrylics on canvas. 2 - You will learn your style of how you want to paint by trying different techniques . 3 - You will about having fun, relaxing and enjoying the art of painting and developing your skills. This class is available April through November.