Over the years, I've come up with a fool-proof way to teach people how to draw. Even the most die-hard resistor, "You can't teach me to draw," came away surprised that they had a drawing in their hands that they had completed. True story! One student fought me tooth and nail during each class session, but once she gave into the idea of listening, it all came together. I didn't buy it from her, but it was so good that she wanted to take it right home and put it on her
refrigerator!
Just like some other folks, I spent many childhood years wanting to draw and paint. Hours were spent on the floor of our second floor apartment studying under the watchful eye of Jon Gnagy. Or it should be said, laying on the floor in front of the television, watching Gnagy’s art instruction shows, drawing along with him. Here's a clip from one of his classes:
http://youtu.be/7YIRcQVkTOw
Following up on my desire to take art classes in high school, and perhaps from someone in person (as Gnagy was off the air by then and the books had worn out), I asked about taking art classes. The guidance counselors directed me away from that passion, with the statement that "there isn't room in your schedule, as you need Math, English and Science courses for college.”
When I got to college, someone at the college admissions office said, "You only have Math, English and Science classes. You need liberal arts courses!" I'm still confused.
At that time, there were two “arts” classes to pick from, "Introduction to Spanish and Spanish Culture" or "Introduction to Oil Painting."
Painting won out. Not that I had anything against Spanish and Spanish Culture but, after studying French for seven years, I thought I had spent enough time on learning a language that no one else around me spoke. I will wait for a moment while someone points out the merit of having thought twice about the Spanish classes!
Back at the community college, I spent several years studying with Guy Corriero, a fine oil painter and instructor, and now an AWS (American Watercolor Society) member. A prolific artist, Corriero's works have been described as "the most colorful impressionistic watercolors anywhere." You can see his link here on my blog page...he continues to paint many wonderful things. I heard recently that he painted his kitchen!
Under Guy's tutelage, I learned the techniques of sketching, drawing, oil painting, watercolor painting, critique in studio, not crying when he asked you what your subject matter was, and the joys of painting plein air.
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| Monhegan Island, Maine |
I've also painted plein air in Lyon, France, where I bought my first box of oil paints, while also studying French language, history and culture, and have painted in the Hudson Valley and upstate New York, and in Massachusetts and other areas of Maine.
I do favor the impressionistic style of painting and am fairly adept at the skills that watercolor requires. Other studies of mine included studio classes with Sylvia Springer, a fine upstate still life and portrait artist; Lee Parks, watercolorist and instructor with the Hurleyville Artist Association; James Ziegler, classically trained oil artist; several local classes in pastel, and figure drawing with School of Woodstock instructor Jon deMartin.
I've provided art instruction to individuals and groups, including
art programs at Mohonk Mountain House, during “Artists Inspiration” programs,
and created a very successful program for 1st graders at Kerhonkson Elementary
School in the 1990's that resulted in successful watercolor training for
7-year-old students. Along with other artists, I
contributed art work of my own to the school. The program developed with First Grade
teacher Barbara Cesaratto brought varied art forms to the lives of young
children, created an 'art gallery' in that school's library and a full scale
outdoor display made of tiles created by the students, among other projects. I also produced
a very successful class around Native American art processes, instructing those
same groups of children on how to find materials in nature to make brushes and
drawing implements and painting with natural substances, such as berries and
plants extracts.
Starting my career with
oils, I've had many successes with the medium regarding landscapes and
seascapes. I also studied watercolor
and produce an annual series of "Fall Foliage" paintings focusing on
individual leaves that has proved to be very popular.So, here's the point. I'm about finished with the re-write of "The Values of Sketching" and will be using it as an instructional booklet for upcoming classes, for individuals or for groups. I am also trying to figure out how to "teach" sketching on line, via my blog...stay tuned for developments there.
In the meantime, each drawing or painting really starts with a sketch...if you have an interest, contact me and somehow we'll figure out how I can get you sketching!
