Sterling Visual Arts Lessons

process are often what captivate students most.
*** Studio Equipment ***
Must have an SLR or DSLR camera.

*** Travel Equipment ***
note book, folder, etc

*** Specialties ***
My main goal is to present students with simplified theories of art and mentor them on techniques and processing of photography.

use your camera effectively and with confidence.

If you’re just getting started or a more advanced photographer, I offer a variety of photography courses that are geared toward a wide range of skill levels and interests.

My approach to teaching has been shaped by my photography teachers and by my experience working as a professional photographer. While I learned a lot about the craft of photography from good teachers, I learned to be a photographer by using my camera and mindfully applying what I learned from my teachers during the process of creating a photograph.

I think the best way to learn something is to learn by doing it and I make sure that we have plenty of time to practice what we cover during our time together in class. If you’re in a multi-week class, you’ll get homework too. Homework aimed at getting you to utilize the lessons we cover in class so you can create photographs that are uniquely your own.

As a participant in my photography classes you’ll get a good understanding of the material being presented in addition to hands on practical experience. What you won’t get are my judgments about your work, instead you’ll be encouraged to formulate your own opinions about your work and then I’ll offer you guidance based on your personal goals in photography.

Whether you are using a film SLR, a digital SLR (DSLR ), or another type of camera, I’ll help you to be the best photographer that you can be.

Courses are offered in Washington, DC or online. Private instruction and custom group workshops are also available.

a different technique which includes Art History, World Art from various countries, Graffiti Art, Floral and Fruit Still Life, Landscape Art, Seascape Art, Fabric Art (Designing T-Shirts or Athletic Shoes), Arranging a variety of compositions, Blending Techniques, Color Mixing, Color Theory, and Time Drills to improve art skills, and eye and hand coordination. The student will also learn how to use charcoal, pencil, pastels, oil pastels, watercolor pencils, colored pencils, markers, watercolor pans, and acrylic painting on specialized drawing paper, and canvas.

I received my Associates Arts Degree in Studio Art from Prince Georges Community College in 1985. I also received my Bachelor's of Art degree in Visual Performing Arts from the University of Maryland Baltimore MD in 1987.

students and I will have class in a park on a nice day or at museum.

how to "see" something and break it down in a way that becomes their own. It all stems from the same repetition of exercises so that it becomes second nature, but I prefer a student understand what they are looking at instead of copying something. As I tell my students in class year after year, copying a photograph or life model is remarkably simple once you learn the process; interpreting it and making it your own is what makes a good artist.

I work with teens and adults primarily. Adults have typically come to me for specific goals: drawing grand kids, pets, landscapes, etc. Teens aged 12-18 are my specialty. It is with great pride that I can say past students of mine have gone to such schools as School of Visual Art, Pratt, Rhode Island School of Design, and Maryland Institute of Contemporary Art, just to name a few. That isn't to toot my own horn, but nurturing a sense of confidence in their ability to tackle both technical and conceptual projects has been my aim since I began teaching in 2009.

With all that said, I look forward to meeting you and working with you. If you are willing to put in the work, I will work with you to reach your goals.