Abstract Painting with Julie M.

I graduated from California State University in Long Beach with my degree in Interior Design. My first job out of college was as a teacher and program manager at Mission Renaissance Fine Art School in Palos Verdes Estates, California. For the next 5 years, I taught children ages 5-15 fine art and drawing with pastels, watercolor and oil paints. In addition to teaching, the school required the teachers to take weekly classes and life drawing. I learned how to draw and I worked in the studio for hours learning how to perfect the art of painting as done by the masters in the Renaissance Era with this company. I decided after my son was born to open my own school and to pursue art in a more welcoming and emotional way without such strict rules as was taught by my previous art school. I opened Artful Minds in Palos Verdes. I taught all ages from mommy and me classes, then ages 5-12, teen classes and adults. I employed several other art teachers to help me and the business thrived for 5 years. We did art birthday parties as well as fine art classes. My school had color theory information and books from the masters and contemporary artist for students to learn even more about the industry and those who came before them and who were still thriving artist. When my son turned 5, I decided I wanted to be home with him after school hours so I closed my school at this time. I have missed my teaching and Artful Minds tremendously but have done private art classes in peoples homes and in my home as well. It also became a time for me to put more effort into my own art and paintings and I began selling commissions of acrylic on canvas, oil on canvas and large scale murals for homes and businesses. My son is now 20 years old and is an abstract artist and musician. I continue to sell my art and do commission work. All of my art is created from referrals and for that I am grateful. As I enjoy teaching, I decided to join TakeLessons.com so I could continue to spread the joy of art to as many people as I can and who are willing to take the journey with me.