Drawing

Generally lessons in drawing can be performed in pen, ink, pastel or pencil though Charcoal is my preferred method for this subject. Depending on the type of tutoring necessary the student will be put through exercises of master copying and drawing from life in public places i.e. in a park or on a train. In my approach the proportion and flow of the human form is the first and most important area of study but once the student has shown proficiency in one direction the tutoring can become more specific. If a student is struggling with hands and feet the session can focus on those aspects. I am very passionate about art and love to teach it to others. Often with a few simple but important steps a student can drastically improve their level of aptitude. You will be surprised what an hour of private tutoring can do! Specific areas of study include: The Basics What mediums should the student be using? What are the best materials out there? What are the best brands? How does the student apply the medium. Does he or she hold the pencil correctly? Is the correct hardness or softness being used? Is the tool being handled/sharpened properly? (You would be surprised what a difference this will make) Intermediate Proportions of the human form - using the human head and other points of reference to measure and draw correct relationships within the body. I.E. A person is on average 7.5 heads tall. Balance and Flow - capturing the s curve of the spine and where the weight of the figure falls. Drawing a beautiful figure that has both proportion and movement. Advanced Light and shadow - how to create a 3-dimensional image using hard and soft lines to define form and cast shadows. Composition - how does the finished drawing fit on the page? Is the final product pleasing as a whole? Do the values work? Does the negative space work?

Painting

I specialize in oil paint though I also tutor in watercolor and acrylic. I prefer to tutor painters who have mastered basic drawing techniques and who want to move forward into usually more time intensive and complicated painting techniques. What I will cover: For the beginner: Materials - What medium should I be painting in? Oil, watercolor or acrylic? What should I paint on? Wood? Canvas? Linen? What are the basic colors I will need for my palette? What kinds of brushes should I buy? Do I need to use a medium such as linseed oil, turpenoid or Liquin? Palette - How do I mix the proper colors? Application and proper use of brushes and light and cool colors - Common problems include muddy colors and lack of distinct lights and darks which can be fixed by using lights and darks separately and specifically to create a 3-dimensional image Intermediate: Capturing likeness - using drawing techniques such as proportion and shading to recreate the image the artist is painting from Correct Use of Color - using the colors on the palette to reproduce the most diverse and correct combinations possible. We will address the complications of reproducing skin tone Advanced: Having mastered an understanding correct reproduction of color and proportion, the artist will use this knowledge to push the boundaries of the common portrait, nude painting or landscape. The artist will learn to use colors and shapes to their greatest advantage and create the most dynamic and interesting compositions from even the most ordinary images.