I teach the following art classes: if people want to start with basics and move to advanced levels, they can take these classes in order. I do not show children images and have them copy them. All lessons are creative: we do not know what the art will look like before we start. I make art side by side with them, with the camera on my table. They show me their art as they work. We talk a great deal about what we are thinking. I believe creative thinking is the core of intelligence. Creativity is more important than memorization, rote learning, and testing. Seeing a story in one's mind happens before the words go on the page. Seeing is everything. Art teaches us to SEE as never before.

• Beginning drawing --- all ages, pencil, charcoal, pastels
  • Ages 5-8, animals, people, nature, story illustrations, simple perspective, simple 3-D (shading)
  • Ages 8-12, the same subjects but more complex skills
  • Ages 12-adult, beginning at any level according to the student, same topics

• Beginning painting - all ages
  •  Acrylic
  • Watercolor

•  Painting with the Masters: Museum of Modern Art collection used as inspiration: We paint in the styles of Matisse, Picasso, Kandinsky, Klee, others. This is my favorite class, since I have taught art history in univ. and curated exhibitions in museums and galleries. 
• Paper sculpture for children
• Graphic Design Grade 4-12
• Arts and Crafts, Grade 3-8
• Perspective Basics - drawing - all ages
• Collage and Experimental Projects - all ages
• Book Creation -- Creative Writing and Illustration. A handmade, original book is completed in 10 lessons - all ages
• Journal Design and Writing -- a book is completed
• Poetry Writing and Illustration - all ages -We make poetry books
• 2-D Design -- Age 12- adult The principles of design are taught in various lessons: line, shape, color theory, texture, time, space, and so on.

Please note: Children who need reading help are often very artistic. If I can get the parents to agree, it helps these children to make art and write/read simultaneously--right and left hemispheres need to be used together. Many great artists are/have been dyslexic; reading is so hard for them, but they are gifted. I can often find their gifts and build confidence, even in poor readers.  Classroom teachers cannot invent lessons that go right to the core issues and talents of each child. I love doing that. 

Sandy B

Teacher, writer, editor, painter, curator. Bachelor of Science degree, Southern Illinois University; Master of Fine Arts degree, University of California San Diego. Ten-plus years teaching experience in public schools, private schools, universities (undergraduate and graduate), and 20 years doing one-on-one tutoring.. 

Also, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Santa Fe New Mexico (1990-1995). Founder and editor of Images&Issues magazine (1980-1984). Author of Writing Well; More than Ever, Your Words Matter; The Secret of Writing Well: Self-Editing for Teens and Adults; poetry books; journals; creative writing activity books for children, and 75+ articles and essays on contemporary art. (1973-1996).  

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