Attention Book Clubs or Art Groups:

I am available to give an inspirational talk and demonstration to your group, about my career as an artist, book author, illustrator, and teacher. $150. + Traveling expense. Email me to set up a day, or with questions.

Dear Students:
For the New Year I would like to announce the publication of my new book "Nesting Instincts" (March 9th). I will be having a book signing for this book on Saturday, March 13th. During this time, I will also have my book "Vintage Collage Journals" (Fall 2009) available to sign. I have some new and exciting classes for this New Year! We will be mostly concentrating on painting in oils. This last winter students have found that painting in oils is a lot easier than painting in gouache, and have requested more classes with this medium. We use oil mediums that are solvent free and certified non-toxic. Learn the art of plein-air oil sketching; painting nature in the studio; the art of florals in oil, as well as fruits; and the art of the still life. I will also be offering some classes in the art of collage. All classes are open to beginners and professionals, 13 years and on. If you are a beginning oil painting student and want to experiment without the expense of supplies: there will be an added $25 supply charge, which includes your own brushes, canvas, panels, and use of oils …everything you need to get started on this new adventure. All classes include an organic lunch, except where it is indicated. Classes are held 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM unless otherwise noted. Please arrive at my studio by 9:45 AM.

Plein-Air Oil Sketching – The Mill’s Gardens

Refer to February 6th & 7th classes for oil sketching information. Some of you have visited the lovely gardens at the Mill’s Estate here in Bonny Doon. My friend Stephanie has generously offered her gardens to us so that we may enjoy painting among her roses, succulents, reeds, and exotic botanicals from around the world. You will feel like you are in paradise, and we are lucky that her family has opened up their home to us. For those who have not had the chance to paint here before, you are in for a treat. This is a chance to sharpen your painting skills by learning how to quickly sketch with oils on paper, panel, or boards. Bring your oil painting supplies, easel or pochade box, hat, and a lunch. We meet at my studio, and then take a 15-minute drive to the Mill’s Laguna Ranch in Bonny Doon. Limit 15 students per day. $50 Per Day (Please indicate the day or days you prefer).
Class Info | Registration

Plein-Air Oil Sketching – The Mill’s Gardens

See class above.

Botanicals with Insects in Oil

Learn to paint a botanical with a few insects, such as a bee, butterfly, caterpillar, or beetle. The masters always included insects with their botanical studies to make the botanical come alive. Bring in a tinted 9x12 canvas. $150.
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Painting Bird Nests in Oils on a Panel

Learn how to paint a nest in oils. We’ve painted nests for years in gouache, now we’ll be painting them in oils. Students who have taken both classes comment on how much easier it is to paint a nest in oils. I have an extensive educational collection for you to paint from. Remember, we use non-toxic, solvent free supplies. If you do not have your own oil supplies and want to try oils out, let me know; there is a $25 fee for supplies. Bring all oil supplies, I will have panels for you to purchase. $150. Limit 8 students.
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Painting Shells in Oils on Canvas or Panels

There is nothing more beautiful than a shell captured in oils. I have some beautiful large shells to work from. What a lovely way to spend a weekend, with soft warm colors from shells found on the shores of exotic beaches. Bring your oil painting supplies and canvas or panel. I’ll also have canvas or panels for you to purchase. If you do not have oil painting supplies, let me know; there is a $25 fee. $150. Limit 8 students.
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Shells in Oil

Refer to shell class on July 10,11. Bring in a 9x12 tinted canvas. $150.
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Insects in Gouache and Oil

Learn how to paint an insect in gouache from my collection. Then learn how to create vibrant color by glazing over your painting in oils. Bring in your arches Hot Press watercolor block, size 7x10 or 9x12. Don't forget to bring both gouache and oil. If you don't have oils, let me know. $150.
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Butterflies or Moths in Oil on a Leaf or Flower

Learn how to paint these insects in oil. We paint from my collection. By adding a leaf or flower to your painting you can turn an insect specimen into a live subject. Bring in a 9x12 tinted canvas.$150.
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Painting Fruit in Oils on Panels

Learn the art of capturing the beauty of fruit in oils. This is a good class for those who are just beginning oils, because you are working with mostly form. You will learn how to blend and create a 3-dimensional form with paint and a brush. We can even add a butterfly or another insect the way the masters did. Bring all your oil supplies. If you do not have oils and want to give them a try, let me know; there is a $25 fee. I’ll also have panels for you to purchase. $150. Limit 8 students.
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Painting Botanicals from my Garden, with Bees and Bumblebees in either gouache or oil

Our garden will be full of colorful flowers planted just for my students to paint from. Learn how to recreate this image with paint. Then learn how to include a buzzing bee or bumble bee. Bring in either your tinted canvas or arches hot press watercolor block. $150.
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Skulls in Acrylic (large) or Gouach (small)

Paint skulls from my collection . Very small skulls will be painted in gouache, while the larger skulls in acrylic. Bring in either tinted board, panel or canvas for the large acrylic paintings. Bring in your Arches hot press watercolor block, 9x12 for the gouache paintings.$150.
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Painting a Floral Bouquet in Oil as a Sketch

Lean how to not only paint a floral bouquet quickly to capture beauty and light as an impression, but also how to capture the impression of a glass vase. Sometimes you just have to know how to capture these images in a simple way with less detail. This is a good class to learn these skills. The floral bouquet will be simple and elegant. Learn techniques that the masters used. Bring your oil supplies, and I’ll have a canvas or panel for you to purchase. $150. Limit 8 students.
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Nests in Oils

Refer to nest class on June 25,26,27. 3 days $225.
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Paint a 'Cabinet of Curiosity' Still Life in Oil

'Cabinets of Curiosities', or Rooms of Wonders', were the"astonishing creation of collectors who wished to gather together everything, all knowledge - animal, vegetable, or man-made - into a single unimaginable space. An entire universe in Miniature." Thames & Hudson, Cabinets Of Curiosities, Patrick Mauries. Create your own still life choosing from my studio collection of curiosities. Bring in a 9x12 tinted canvas. $150.
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Open Studio

More Info Soon

Panting Your Pet's Portrait in Oil

Bring in an enlarged photo of your favorite pet and learn how to capture your pet in oils.Bring in a tinted 9x12 canvas. $225.
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