CLASSES

Small classes, in a relaxed and nurturing atmosphere.

"As a freelance artist, Joan has been able to utilize a student-centric approach to teaching, tailoring instruction to the level and needs of the individual student"
                                                        --Mary Andersen, student

All classes are kept small to allow for one-on-one time with each student as well as the ever important demonstrations. Since most artists are visual learners, group critiques and demonstrations are an integral aspect of each class. An emphasis is put on developing each student's particular style. Joan's goal is not to turn out legions of clone illustrators.

Artists from beginner to professional are blended into each class. The individual attention meets everyone's specific needs and students learn from each other as well as from the instructor.

Joan's pet peeve is an instructor who will work directly on a student's painting. Instead, Joan will put tracing paper over your work or demonstrate a technique on separate paper.

While watercolor is the traditionally accepted medium for botanical illustration, colored pencil as well as pen and ink and graphite are also widely used. Oils and acrylics are too heavy and opaque to lend themselves to the delicate nature of botanical subject matter.