Where do I start? Finding Your Creative Path

For those of you who may be thinking about art instruction, but don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. Getting started can be half the battle, especially if you have little or no art-making experience. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to learn to paint or draw or you’re just looking for a way to be creative with others. Whatever has brought you here, I’m happy to help you find the direction that best supports your creative endeavors.

Discovering Your Interests

The first step is deciding what medium interests you most and how you would like to approach your creative process. This may be the fundamentals of drawing with an emphasis on portraiture or the landscape. Do you enjoy being free with the materials, experimenting with layering, and allowing your artwork to develop spontaneously? Or do you prefer taking your time, gradually building value and form in graphite while learning the fundamentals of drawing? 

Perhaps, you’re just looking for a place that combines creativity and mindfulness in a relaxing environment. The truth is that there is no single right place to begin. The important thing is discovering what excites you and allowing that curiosity to guide you. 

My drawing classes provide a strong foundation for painting, exploring representational and abstract approaches. Through abstraction, you will be able to practice being loose with your mark-making and gesture, gradually developing a comfort with spontaneity. This will greatly complement representational drawing that requires an understanding of value, shape, form, and most important, close observation. 

Whether you’re looking to acquire a strong foundation in drawing or just having fun experimenting, drawing is a wonderful tool for slowing down and being mindful in the moment.

Embarking on the First Steps 

You may be leaning towards a landscape oil painting class, but feel intimidated with having very little or no experience. This is completely normal as starting something new can generate feelings of fear in making “mistakes”. In my experience, it’s actually the “mistakes” that allow us to evolve and express who we truly are. 

My teaching method is about letting go and taking one step at a time. Rather than focusing on creating a perfect finished painting, we begin each class with a brief meditation to help shift the attention to the body, thought patterns, allowing the creative process to unfold as naturally as possible. Sometimes the biggest challenges are the expectations we place on ourselves. By learning to recognize these patterns, we can begin to let go of unnecessary pressure. Staying open to new possibilities can lead to exciting discoveries.

The goal is not simply about learning how to draw or paint, but developing a trusting relationship with yourself, with the artist within. 

My beginner classes are designed around learning the basic principles of painting or drawing in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment. The emphasis is on learning, having fun, and forming new perspectives. seeing yourself in a new way as well. I encourage students to “step out of their comfort zone” to help them see themselves in a new way.  

Is Private Instruction Right for You?

If you’re feeling that a group class may not provide the individual attention you need, private instruction may be a good place to start. One-on-one lessons will allow us to focus more in depth on your specific interests and goals while working at your own pace. 

An initial private lesson typically lasts two hours, giving us time to discuss your interests, materials, identify key areas you would like to develop, and establish a working plan going forward. It will also greatly serve as a preparation for a group class if you decided to take that direction. You may prefer to continue with private lessons or develop your own practice based on the skills acquired.

Showing Up for Yourself 

If you still have questions or are unsure which option is best for you, please feel free to reach out by email or phone. I’m more than happy to discuss your interests and help you find a direction that supports your unique creative goals.

It’s important to remember that you don’t need to be an experienced artist to begin. You just need to be willing to take the first step in showing up for yourself. With patience, practice, and an openness to embrace the unknown, you may discover more than new artistic skills. You may also find a deeper sense of connection with yourself and the world around you.

I truly believe there is an artist in each of us just waiting to be revealed. It’s just about finding the best way of tapping into it.