Experience Summary
I took two years of art in high school, the first year I informed by the teacher that after a month of her class, she could not teach me any more because I knew everything she knew about art. I was then encouraged to study and explore art on my own during the remainder of the year.
I was awarded a 4th year excellence in art certificate, even though it was only my second year of formal study in art.
I took one year of various art classes but chose to study on my own rather than continue art in college. I explored colored pencil for the first ten years after college. I then explored textiles and bead art. The most currant studies in art include watercolor and mixed media. I have come to understand that art is a primal language that is common to all mankind. To discover one's own creative expression is what my aim is when I help a student.
Teaching Style
I encourage the student to discover their own art style. For the first six months of teaching erasers are not allowed. I also encourage the students to keep all the work done in study in a box or portfolio so that it can be reviewed and the student can see their growth.
My Hobbies
old black and white movies. Chess and other games that require problem solving. Collecting rocks and looking for ways to recycle and reuse packaging, old clothes and other found objects.
Other Comments
I want to teach people that art doesn't have to be so expensive that it becomes something untouchable. In that vein, I like to encourage exploration is media that is not traditionally connected with art, ball point pen is a great example of that. I believe very strongly that when a person embraces and then follows their own art expression or language fine art will follow.