After years of teaching children’s drawing classes (Grades K-5) and a Summer Art Workshop (Grades 1-8) with potter Phyllis Biegun, I now concentrate on two adult studio art classes. These are offered through the Town of Wayland, Massachusetts Park and Recreation Program. There are usually four seasonal sessions. I also have occasional private adult and adolescent students and I have helped a couple of seniors in High School prepare their portfolios for application to Art School.

Before becoming an artist full time, I trained as both a Biologist and a Social Worker, beginning to paint when my younger daughter, Sara, was an infant. Most of my own art education has been with world renowned artist George Dergalis, who is proficient in all media, and helps his students explore and experiment. In a similar way, when I began teaching about 15 years ago, I introduced my students to drawing and painting through studio classes. I work with each student individually as they discover media and subject matters that complement their talents and interests.

I believe that drawing is the foundation of the artistic process, and I usually encourage my beginning students to explore drawing. I feel this helps them become familiar with art terminology, learn design concepts, and explore mood through the use of lights and darks without the addition of color. However, I am not rigid, and if a student wants to work in color even from the beginning, I encourage them to do so. This is because being engaged in one's medium and subject matter is so very important for being contented and successful. Some of my students prefer to keep working in black and white, using graphite pencil or pen and ink as their medium. Others pursue watercolor, colored pencil, pastel, acrylic, or oil.

One of the more difficult decisions a student has is choosing a subject to draw or paint. Some prefer figure or portrait, while others like landscape, or still life. Some love flowers or animals. I usually suggest working from some sort of graphic. Some use a picture from a magazine or calendar, but I think using his or her own photographs probably helps create the most original and personalized painting.

During our classes, in addition to critique and instruction for each student, I might talk about various techniques, new products, gallery or museum exhibits nearby, upcoming competitions, and so forth. If I think a demonstration might be helpful, I set up a small area and show the interested students various techniques for obtaining a desired effect.

Everyone can learn to draw and paint. Most will never be a Rembrandt or a Picasso, but all can learn to express their interests, thoughts, and feelings on paper. Painting can be a tranquil and intimate experience or it can be powerful and exhausting. If you are interested in exploring your artistic side and live in Metro-West Boston, join us and create some beautiful art!

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