*My scheduling availability isn't always accurate, as many students have their lessons with me every other week. My schedule is different from week to week, so it's best to at least pick a time with me and if it doesn't work, we'll make sure we schedule a lesson time that's convenient for both of us. If you need to schedule a lesson for a time sooner than what the TakeLessons calendar allows, you can always let me know and we'll most likely work something out for you. I specialize in digital painting, with my strength in commercial art (concept art, illustration, characters and environments.) Though I have used traditional painting media before, students would get the most out of classes with me if they work in digital media. Students often use Krita, Photoshop, Firealpaca, Paint Tool Sai or Clip Studio Paint on laptop/desktop with a tablet such as a Wacom. They otherwise often use Procreate on the iPad. I've recently been using Krita, which is free to download. My goal is to help students improve markedly and achieve their goals in painting. I can also help students build their portfolios, whether for magnet schools, colleges or job applications.

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.

Watercolor has a very special place in my heart because it is most like Scenic painting which was my career for 10 years before I became a teacher. There are some wonderful, quick, techniques you can learn in the first few lessons. If it is your first experience in art, I would recommend a few lessons in drawing or design before continuing. Watercolor is not an easy medium and so I don't recommend it to students with no drawing or design experience, however, a few lessons in these areas can get you on your way and if your interest is in using watercolor for abstract paintings or design work, then it can easily be incorporated into the watercolor lessons.

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. Oil paint is my forte, as I have been painting with it for 30 years. 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!

The first thing I do before the first day of class is send out an enthusiastic email to introduce myself. We then Briefly discuss the learning goals for the course based on the visual literacy, technical, and intellectual competencies the students would like to achieve by the end of a period through the questionnaire. This is ideal for me to design the course or update an existing course for the student's desired outcomes. The customized syllabus and the schedule are completed along with a comprehensive strategy for what will take place during our lesson together. I incorporate technology all the time. I'm also inclusive driven because I believe everyone can learn no matter their capabilities or background, I also engage with my students by catering to their interests, and I embrace my dualities and share them with my students. You will learn all you should know about abstract painting, from choosing the right paint, paper, and brush, varnishing, and creating a collage to creating a complete composition. I will assist you in creating the abstract painting or mixed media art without spending a fortune on tools and materials. Plus you will be confident in understanding not only the technique like how to create texture but also your expression in this art form will take new life. Every class we work on something new; this method of mine is great for all students no matter their level. The topics covered include Primer, Texture, Paints, Brushes, Undercoat, Dark undercoat, Dimensions, Details, Painting process, and more.

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

• Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal and oil to create artwork. • Confer with clients and other interested parties regarding the nature and content of artwork to be produced. • Explain and demonstrate artistic techniques for clients of all ages. • Collaborate, gather materials and design curriculum for art workshops in the community: o Charcoal Over Watercolor Workshop o Watercolor Workshop o Acrylic Painting Workshop o Self-Portraits in Charcoal Workshop o Mixed Media Black Ink Over Gouache Workshop o Oil Pastel Workshop “Beekle, The Imaginary Friend” • Providing professional framing services for art workshop clientele • Art brokering and marketing art material at various shows including: o Art Show- Prairie Arts Festival, Schaumburg, 5-28-2017 • Sales, Murals Advertising and Promotional Artwork

Learn how to unlock your creative potential and release the artist inside you while also learning how to paint. Deron C. has been exploring painting for over 20 years and has been teaching others how to express themselves creatively with it for over 10. He will lead you through a creative process that encourages creativity and allows painting students the freedom to paint in an intuitive way. Paint what you see whether the reference material is a photograph or a three-dimensional still life. If you've never painted before, Deron will guide you through the basics of painting, color theory, and the elements and principles of design while helping you exercise and strengthen your creativity. If you are a painter that needs a little advice or direction TakeLessons.com instructor Deron C. will help you evaluate your work, answer your questions and provide guidance to get you on the right track.