Private lessons are now offered at the Neumann Fine Art Studio, 65 Coldwater St., Hillsdale, NY -corner of Anthony and Coldwater Streets. Lessons may be scheduled during day or evening hours. To register for classes send an email request by using the contact us form on this site, or call 413-246-5776.
My philosophy of education
With five solo exhibitions, many group shows and multiple sales of my artwork, I already knew how to be an artist. What I desired was to be a great teacher. This is something that is not taught in MFA programs. Instead of the traditional MFA, I recently went back to school and earned my Masters Degree in Education at one of the top rated education schools in the country. This has prepared me immeasurably better to serve as a cognitive guide to my art students. My personal philosophy of education has its basis in the Humanics philosophy of “spirit, mind, and body,” embraced by my alma-mater, Springfield College, and in Elliot Eisner’s philosophy of “discipline based art education:" art production, art history, art criticism, and aesthetics.
My background as a working artist, a graphic designer, art director, sales professional, product manager, and marketing manager for international companies has provided me with a wealth of real world experience and a broad perspective. I don't just teach art - I teach students. My goal is the utmost development of the individual personality.
Although I can teach technique, I believe that it is much more valuable for the student to discover their own technique, the one best suited for their own self expression. As a teacher my role is not to be a "sage on a stage," but rather a "guide by your side." Lessons in fundamentals are presented with the intent of encouraging the students to construct their own knowledge based on a strong foundation.
My story is one of an artist compelled by fiscal necessity to become a businessperson. Deep reflection on what was truly meaningful in life led to my decision to make a purposeful career change. I concluded that the best way for me to help make the world a better place is through teaching.
Course Descriptions
All courses are taught privately, one student at a time. This approach allows for lessons to be individually tailored to best fit each students current level of ability and experience. Lessons are from one to two hours each depending on content.
Basic Drawing
This is a drawing course for anyone who would like to draw better but may need some help with fundamentals. If you wish to paint, sculpt, design, become a cartoonist, graphic novelist, a tattoo artist, or just think it would be fun to learn to draw; this course will help you to acquire the skills which are the foundation of all visual arts. The emphasis will be on learning to draw realistically in order to have a strong basis for self expression. The lessons are designed to be sequential. Each class will build upon previous lessons. Students will be required to purchase their own materials.
This course is offered at beginning or advanced levels, depending on student's experience. Basic drawing skills are a highly recommended prerequisite. Instruction will be given in the methods and materials of watercolor painting, including brushes, paints, and a thourogh understanding of fine art papers. Color theory and composition will be taught as a means to creating more effective representational art. Advanced students may explore more expressionistic or abstract styles of watercolor painting. Students are required to purchase their own materials.
Materials List 8.5 x 11 sketchbook Arches Cold Press watercolor paper: Minimum of 5 sheets 22"x30" 140 lb./300 gsm (640 gsm/300 lb paper is ok for advanced students) One 8"x10" or larger white metal or plastic tray for palette One 1.5" soft natural hair flat brush One #8 or larger, round watercolor brush - sable (recommended) or squirrel hair One #4 or smaller, round watercolor brush -sable (recommended) or squirrel hair Tube style artist's watercolor paints: recommended brands are Rembrandt, Winsor & Newton Essential colors: burnt umber ultramarine blue cadmium yellow yellow ochre cadmium red viridian cobalt violet
Introduction to Oil Painting Ten lessons: $500
The goal of this course is an in depth understanding of the materials and techniques used to produce structurally sound and permanent representational oil paintings using traditional methods and materials. A thorough introduction to color theory will be included as a basis for understanding how principles of color theory impact representational painting. Students will create paintings from direct observation or their own photographic source material in order to develop skills of perception, discrimination, physical coordination and memory of detail. Students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge of the methods, materials and techniques of oil painting through production of at least one finished representational oil painting that convincingly portrays 3D space and objects within that space. Examples of works by various artists from the Renaissance through contemporary will be used in anticipatory sets and as visual aids for discussing techniques and to help the student understand their place in the historical context of great painting. Basic drawing skills are a strongly recommended prerequisite. Students will be required to purchase their own materials.
Materials list 8.5 x 11 sketchbook One half yard unprimed artist quality cotton duck Wooden stretcher bars (4), (with keys) to construct a minumum of one 12"x16" size stretched canvas, 8 oz. gesso: Golden or Liquitex Selection of 3 or more small to large hog bristle artists oil painting brushes - brights or flats One hog bristle fan brush One #1 or smaller sable oil painting detail brush One small jar of Winsor Newton Liquin painting medium 8 oz. (minimum) pure mineral spirits Disposable paper palette pad Palette knife Selection of basic artist's oil colors. Recommended brands are Rembrandt, Gamblin, or Winsor Newton burnt umber yellow ochre azo or cadmium yellow cadmium or quinacridone red ultramarine blue cobalt blue cobalt violet permanent green titanium or zinc white
Payment policies Cash or check only. All lessons are charged at a rate of $50 per lesson. Lessons are from 1 to 2 hours depending on content and time required. Set-up and clean-up time is considered part of the lesson time. A minimum of one-half the course fee is required in advance payment to register for any course. Thereafter, payments may be made weekly or by lesson. Cancellation policy: instructor must be notified at least 24 hours in advance of any cancellation or student will be charged for the lesson.
