Developing Artists is for students who want art lessons for enjoyment and enrichment as well as the more serious student who is considering art as their career path.
Art lessons are known to help children succeed in school and other areas of life. For adults, art can help improve additional skills such as problem-solving abilities and critical-thinking. Art lessons can change a persons approach to things and help them gain a more open attitude towards learning. The ability to draw is not inherited and is a teachable subject. As much as seventy-five percent of an artist's skill is taught. Art is developed through lessons just as a person would need piano lessons or dance lessons to progress in those areas. The remaining twenty-five percent that makes a successful artist is a combination of things such as: God given talent, desire to create and societal factors. If a person does not have the interest or opportunity to practice their art the talent will never come to fruition. Given the right support and guidance, the negative effects of fear of failure, competition, criticism, or comparison can be overcome. Art lessons can give the self-esteem needed in order to succeed. Developing Artists is the perfect place for all art students; it is never too late to be an artist. (Students in group lessons have a minimum age of eight; see below for details.)
An artist might be: self-taught, formally instructed at schools or institutes of higher learning, informally taught or a combination of the three. I offer an informal home setting with a peacefully controlled environment (allergy friendly). It is individually based teaching with one on one instruction. There are no grades, and each person is given a different project and is allowed to work at their own pace. I offer safe non-competitive surroundings for each student's personal challenge and growth. Classes at Developing Artists give the student the proper setting, and the time to practice and improve their skills. I give students the information they need to succeed through structured lessons and critiques. I want my students to be patient with themselves and have fun while they learn. In my classes I teach eight keys needed to become a successful artist:
I offer all perspective students one free consultation which usually last one hour. I ask students to bring examples of their artwork to show me while they review my portfolio of drawings and paintings. This process gives students an opportunity to meet me, ask questions and see the place they will be working, before their first day. I ask students what their expectations are for their art lessons. I want to hear what they want to learn and the skills they want to improve. I will evaluate the student's current skill level from their sample artwork and give suggestions as to where they should start. Students can change mediums, styles and programs as the need arises. This process allows the student to be in charge and keeps them happy and motivated.
I require art student to be at least eight years old to take group (4-8 students) lessons. Students below the age of eight can participate in mini (3 students), semi-private (2), or private art lesson. I feel that those under the age of eight require more attention and are not as independent. Their shorter attention span requires instructions to be broken up into smaller segments and that takes more time. Younger students get tired much faster, have a harder time keeping silent and staying in their seats. Children under eight have less physical dexterity and mental development than what I expect for group lessons. Young children often do not have the emotional growth or understanding with the critique process used in group classes. I can accommodate for all these different issues in a smaller class.
Design & Color: I recommend starting with this program for all beginners eight years through adult. This program teaches the elements of art in progressive stages. The elements are divided into chapters with different assignments that build upon each other. I introduce the principles of art and art vocabulary as they relate to each new project. These lessons are designed to challenge and expand students' imagination while helping them express their individuality. Design & Color uses markers, colored pencils and watercolors.
Independent Study: Students of any level can enter this program at any time. I recommend this for children younger than eight and to students who have completed the Design & Color program. For the student under eight years old I would select the content and suggest watercolor for the best results. Students entering this program following Design & Color choose their content, medium, and style. I advise students to start with realism and to avoid content such as buildings and people that requires additional skills (see Perspective and People programs below).
Perspective: This program is for the intermediate student over ten years old. This is a more detailed study into "space", an element of art. I do not teach this in the traditional schooling method of one, two or three point perspective which is very mechanical. Instead I prefer a more relaxed and general approach using perspective concepts. The Perspective program starts in pencil doing small studies and ends with using colored pencil to complete full color compositions. This program can be taught in sections, with students taking breaks to do one or two Independent Study pictures. Student can also choose to do the Perspective program as a home study and use class time for critiques.
People: Students must be at least thirteen years old and have the equivalent background knowledge of the two programs Design & Color and Perspective to enter this program. This people program concentrates mainly on the young adult female figure and does not go into scientific detail about human anatomy. Students start in pencil doing small studies of various body parts, followed by drawing the whole face. Students then focus on learning how to draw textures and the five kinds of folds needed to depict clothing. Working from pictures, not live models, students proceed to drawing the entire clothed figure. Students then transfer into illustrating the human face and/or figure in color with their chosen media. Students can continue to concentrate on just the young adult female figure or advance to the male figure and different ages.
Critiques/Mentoring Sessions: These sessions are for artists who are willing and able to work on their own yet still want input and advice as they proceed in their personal journey. This includes students majoring in art or adults pursuing art as a second career or hobby. The artist will get constructive, tangible feedback and support for their work in any 2D medium to sharpen visual awareness and critical thinking. This process gives artists focused, intense analysis of their artwork and/or process and the artists determine the frequency and duration of each session. A session is $28 for first 30 minutes plus $14 for each additional 15 minutes. Contact Lisa G. Bailey to schedule an appointment.
Exhibition Judge: I am available to judge any regional art show or exhibit. Fee for this service is negotiable. (See Resume for previous experience.)
Gift Certificates: Gift certificates in any amount for any aspiring artist or collector are available. The purchaser is given a colorful certificate that is personalized for any occasion such as birthdays or holidays. Gift certificates may be used towards lessons, services, or towards the purchase of artwork. Gift certificates do not expire but must be presented at time of service or purchase. Click here to see sample.
Donations: Please Contact Lisa G. Bailey in writing (no e-mails) about your local non-profit organization and fund raising efforts for consideration.