Teaching Philosophy (abbreviated)

I have twenty years of formal and informal teaching experience.  Teaching balances my painting practice by requiring me to examine my creative process so I can explain and demonstrate it.  It allows me to relate to others through the enthusiasm I have for art making and the joy I find in helping others develop their authentic artistic voice.

Art making is an inherently human endeavor that is increasingly important in the digital age for individual and collective wellness for several reasons:

  • It encourages the habit of slowing down and paying attention to the present moment.

  • It teaches observation and new ways to process information.

  • It allows for taking risks and builds confidence.

  • It leads to observation and reflection of our inner and outer worlds

  • It allows us to realize the value of our own voice, which is shaped by individual experience

I strive to create a classroom environment in which students know they are seen and valued as individuals.  They can expect course content to be accessible and understandable, taught through lectures/presentations, demonstrations, class discussions, individual feedback, and group critique.  The classroom becomes a space of safety and acceptance where students are comfortable amongst each other and free to take risks, ask questions, express frustration, and celebrate wins.

It is fulfilling to share my love of art making with others.  I am incredibly grateful for every student who has chosen to share their artistic journey with me and trusted me to help them grow.

For the expanded version of my teaching philosophy click here

Current and Upcoming Classes and Workshops

The Power of Color

Color is a powerful and complex visual element, and has the potential to add to the impact of an artwork. This course will provide students with a basic understanding of how to approach color in their art making. Content will include color characteristics, color mixing, color relationships, color schemes, and color of light.  Some of the projects in this class will be technical, while others will be observational. All will be colorful!

Location: Bluff Strokes Art Center, Dubuque, IA

Begins September 8, 2026

For registration information, click here

Drawing for Beginners

Drawing is as much about seeing as it is about creating an image.  This course will strengthen students’ seeing skills, which will in turn, unlock the skills needed to make more accurate drawings.  Through observation of still life objects, students will learn to utilize negative space, sight measuring, gesture, and line to translate what they see onto paper. These building blocks of drawing apply to any subject, style, and technique, and are the foundation to any two-dimensional art making.

Location: Bluff Strokes Art Center, Dubuque, IA

Begins September 10, 2026

For registration information, click here

Beginning Painting with Oil

This course will introduce painting processes and techniques through the medium of oil paint. Students will learn how to use the materials, determine a composition, mix color, and develop a finished painting.

Location: Bluff Strokes Art Center, Dubuque, IA

Begins November 5, 2026

For registration information, click here

Portrait Drawing

Learn how to draw the likeness of human subjects, focusing on the head and face. Become more confident about structure, anatomy, value patterns, and surface details.  Some experience with drawing will be helpful.  

Location: Bluff Strokes Art Center, Dubuque, IA

Begins November 9, 2026

For registration information, click here