Whip Those Cute Little Paintings Out and Sell, Sell, Sell

At one time I thought if I could paint a bunch of cute little paintings, I could sell them fast and make money!. I found a small stuffed horse and scrunched it up in a blanket and tried to paint it........I couldn't.......It didn't have any meaning for me.  I had no special connection to the horse or blanket.  I never did complete the piece and I'll never forget that learning exercise.

adult student

adult student

I find I need to relate somehow to the subject or it will be unsuccessful. Now, if the toy was one that you'll see in my baby picture and the blanket was a quilt my mother made, THAT'S a different story!
If the mountain landscape is where my siblings and I have experienced hiking, biking or being  snowed in at the family cabin....that's what you paint.  If you notice the gorgeous shades of reds and greens in a lovely shaped pear.....that's what you paint.  The subject you choose should have meaning to you.  Now I know after much practice you may be able to paint or draw almost anything but there will be little emotion radiating from these pieces.  They won't be a part of you and the viewer will notice.

student age 11

teen student

older adult student

When you choose a subject for your next project, pick something with meaning, something you can relate to and you'll find you'll be more successful.

Involvement in the Arts Positively Effects the Academics

In a 2010-2011 cohort study of 197,932 12th grade seniors,

data showed evidence of a strong relationship

between individuals who participated in school arts experiences

and higher academic success as demonstrated by

grade point averages, scores on the Florida Comprehensive

Assessment Test (FCAT) and math and verbal portions

of the SAT exam. The results showed the positive effect

of participation in fine arts classes on a broad base of

individuals, including students from varying races, ethnicities,

socioeconomic levels, and students with disabilities. https://cfaefl.org/dnn/Portals/cfae/advocacy/Advocacy%20Document%20No.%201.1.Jan2013.pdf

This teen started using their own photos!

I've observed many of my students grow and bloom in the last years. Many (children and adults) have grown in confidence where in the beginning these individuals were quietly observing and later were speaking out during discussions and were more at ease sharing their work. I've seen students 'stick-with-it' when they knew they could do a particular art project. New students were met with "I did that too and you get better" or "You should see what mine looked like at first" (and they share their art).

Students also get better at self-critiquing.  After listening to others or transferring what they've learned from instruction, more and more students gain confidence and therefore are able to see what they can improve on. This is so much a part of problem solving.  Students learn to look at objects/drawings differently seeing there is more than one way to get a image down on paper.  My hope would be for people to learn enough so that they can go home and continue their art independently.  I can also see how what students learn here in class can carry over to their academic and personal lives.

Here is an adult's first ever framed piece!

"I Can't Draw!"

"I can only draw stick figures."  I can tell you that I have heard this many times!  I so strongly disagree! It has been observed that many people slow and/or stop their art development once they begin noticing their peers progress. This can occur around 4th grade.  Children start looking at other's progress and become very judgmental of their own. This can change with instruction about visual tools that can help you see and look differently at what you want to draw.

With guidance and practice, you can use the tools like negative space and contour lines to help you see and record on paper the object or scene before you. Taking the visual tools one at a time and practicing what you learn your halfway there!  In the end you can apply what you've learned all together and you'll be amazed at the outcome. 

This adult student is applying what she has learned to drawing a ceramic cream carton, an egg and a ribbon.

This child (aged 10) applied her skills to this snake in the grass drawing.


Learning different ways to look at something can take away the uncertainty and provide you with more confidence which transfers to your work. 

Drawing is the Foundation in Your Art!

"Regardless of which medium your prefer or what your project may be, drawing is essential to give your art a solid foundation." 

Your artwork is built upon your drawing.  Now with this said, I do understand that many accomplished artists paint without a detailed drawing and come up with an accomplished painting. However, I am sure that they had some training previous to this step in their career.  Without an understanding of perspective, composition, different applied lines, light effects, negative shapes and more, your work will most likely stay at the same level.

I can't tell you how many art show jurors have said that the weakness in a painting can often be the inaccuracies of the initial drawing.  I even had a very well accomplished artist admit that they missed the "Best of Show" Award by having an inaccurate perspective area in her painting (This told to her from the show juror). This was for a realism show.

If you have a well thought out drawing which is technically accurate, you are more likely to have a better, more pleasing outcome.


Before Drawing-Adult (above)
After Drawing-Same Adult (below)
 

Before Drawing-age 8 (above)
After Drawing- age 8 same child(below)

Summer Class Descriptions 2014

Summer Class Descriptions
Julie Fisher Fine Art Studio
(303)371-7652
jfisherstudio@netscape.net

About the Instructor...
Julie Fisher taught school for over 30 years.  She is a serious artist as well, having shown her original watercolors nationally and done commissioned works in pencil. She applies "right brain" and classical old-master art techniques. She has taught art classes in a studio setting and incorporated art into her regular elementary school classes. Julie has worked with children with a wide range of abilities. She excels at combining her love of art with helping children to reach their full potential.

Summer Class Descriptions
Kids Drawing (Wed. 10:00-noon or 3:30-5:30pm)
Join us for some drawing fun! This class promotes solid drawing skills through age-adjusted exercises. Learn right brain training, light and shadow, perspective, and more! Students will practice and apply what they have learned to an in-class project. Exercises will be given to practice at home to build eye training. Returning students will be working on individual projects.(maximum students: 10)

Kids Watercolor (Thursdays 3:30-5:30pm)
Come and be ready to explore watercolor! Students will investigate what watercolor can do. What happens when colors run, paint is spattered, and other discovery ideas. Come ready to try your ideas! Student creations will be used for an in-class project. Additional techniques and extensions to student ideas will be provided. Come learn and have fun! (Come dressed in grungies.) (maximum students: 8)

Adult/Teen Drawing (Thursdays 1:00 - 3:00pm or 6:30 - 8:30pm)
You've always wanted to draw, but you weren't sure where to begin! Join us in a relaxed, risk-free environment. Right brain exercises will be integrated with classical, old-master training techniques  to instill a complete foundation of skills. You'll be surprised at your results! (maximum students: 10)

Watercolor (Adult/Teen) (Wednesdays 6:30 - 8:30pm)
Experience the enjoyment of watercolor! Students will become familiar with mixing colors, washes, value studies, and then apply what they have learned to a painting during these color exercises. Julie will explain and demonstrate different techniques and provide individual support. Drawing experience is helpful, but not required, for this class. Intermediate students will work on composition, still life and other subjects of their choice. Individual instruction will be provided. (maximum students: 8)

Colored Pencil (Adult/Teen)  (Colored pencil students will attend Adult/Teen Drawing times)
Come discover colored pencil! Enjoy a portable medium that is versatile and vibrant. Different types of pencils, papers, and application strokes will be introduced. Julie will integrate drawing skills, composition and color theory into each class. All beginning students start by creating a color wheel and move on toward choosing their own subjects, working at their own pace. Some drawing skill is recommended for this class. (maximum students: 8)

Join Art Class Anytime!

Classes can be joined anytime!

See the Fall 2013 Schedule for times, days and the place.  Call to see what is still open:  Julie Fisher, 303-371-7652.  We'd love to have you join us!

Take a look at student examples, times, supplies and more information can be found posted in the right column.

 

These are 2 pieces of mine completed in watercolor.  Realism and Impressionism are 2 possibilities in the watercolor class.

 

 

Drawing Fabric

    Elaine took the class lesson on drawing fabric seriously.  After class she went home and drew her son's shirt sleeve.  She needed to recall what she learned in class;  drawing a nice contour line, remembering to use the curves in the line to indicate the ins and outs of the fabric, observe the values and indicating lost and found lines.  Elaine also used the fabric pattern to assist in representing the flow of the material.  Elaine will be able to use this information when drawing rolling hills, a still life setup, animals and much much more!

 

 

Than's Original Colored Pencil Artwork!

     After a lot of encouragement, Than completed a work of art from his own photograph.  It's wonderful!  On one youth outing with his church, Than took this photo.  He decided to do it in colored pencil.  We talked about composition, color temperature, values, texture and more.  What an accomplishment.  This allowed for further discovery on what subject to do next!  Well done, Than!



 

More Kids Watercolor Summer 2013

 

Annabelle (age 12) had moved to applying techniques learned to applying them to a larger painting (8x10").  In this piece, she brushed on washes and glazes, dry brushed, applied warm and cool pine trees and provided cast shadows for the snow drifts and aspen.  Quite an accomplishment, Annabelle!

 

Kids Watercolor Summer 2013

  Claire (age 13) learned several watercolor techniques.  She applied those techniques to a collage of her own and created a Cupcake Original!!

We had fun!  A job well done, Claire!

Jumping Into Watercolor!

Diana's original watercolor
up close!

Diana jumped in and created this beautiful watercolor!  She has learned about the wet-in-wet technique, lost and found edges, composition and more.  This piece is an original.  Well done, Diana!

Diana's original framed!

2013 Fall Art Classes

Fall Art Classes To Begin September 4th and 5th!

Wednesdays

Kids Drawing Class  Ages 8 - 13
10:00 - noon
3:30 - 5:30pm

Join us for some drawing fun! This class promotes solid drawing skills through age-adjusted exercises. Learn right brain training, light and shadow, perspective, composition, and more!

Students will work toward choosing their own subjects. Exercises will be given to practice at home to build eye training.

 

Adult/Teen Watercolor Class  Ages 13 - adult

6:30pm - 8:30pm

 

Experience the enjoyment of watercolor! Students will become familiar with different ways to apply paint, mixing colors, washes, value studies, and then apply what they have learned to a painting during these color exercises. Julie will explain and demonstrate different techniques and provide individual support. Drawing experience is helpful, but not required, for this class. Intermediate students will work on composition, still life and other subjects of their choice. Individual instruction will be provided.

 

Thursdays

 

Adult/Teen Drawing Class  Ages 13 - adult

1:00 - 3:00pm

 Adult/Teen Drawing Class  Ages 13 - adult
6:30 - 8:30pm

You've always wanted to draw, but you weren't sure where to begin! Join us in a relaxed, risk-free environment. Right brain exercises will be integrated with classical, old-master training techniques to instill a complete foundation of skills. You'll be surprised at your results!

Listed on the right of this blog you'll find the Registration Form!  When you send  the Registration Form and include Tuition to Julie Fisher at 4662 Biscay St, Denver, Co  80249 your place in class will be reserved!  (This is not the class location.  Class location is given below.)

TUITION:  Tuition is paid monthly. We meet once a week for a 2 hour session. 
                     Four class sessions is $80.00.

Please check out the supply list and come to class ready to start!

CLASS LOCATION:  Holy Trinity Lutheran Church at 6322 S Lakeview St, Littleton, CO    80120  (classroom 3)
       - Main intersection nearby:  Broadway and Caley  (Caley is between Orchard Rd and
         Arapahoe Rd)
     

In this watercolor piece, Tina added raindrops to add interest.  I think it was very effective, don't you?  Also notice the warm colors move objects closer and cool colors move things back.  Well Done, Tina!!

Art Class Schedule Join classes at any time!Tuesday Kids Drawing Class (ages 8-13)3:30 - 5:30pm*This is the only class at my home studio at: 4662 Biscay St., Denver, CO 80249**Please see class description and supply lists in the right column.WednesdayKids Drawing Class (ages 8 - 13)10:00 - noon or3:30 - 5:30pm*Please see class description, class location and supply lists in the right column.Adult/Teen Watercolor Classes (ages 13 - adult)6:30 - 8:30pm*Please see class description and location in the right column.Contact Julie for the suggested supply list.ThursdayAdult/Teen Drawing (ages 13 - adult)1:00 - 3:00pm or6:30 - 8:30pm*Please see class description, location and supply list in the right column.

This is a new year! 2013!  Fresh Starts....You Always Wanted to do More Drawing!  +Julie Fisher provides drawing opportunities....Enroll Now!!

A Risk-Free environment is provided with plenty of individual instruction  and it's Fun!

 Art Class Schedule

Join classes at any time!

Tuesday
Kids Drawing Class (ages 8-13)
3:30 - 5:30pm

*This is the only class at my home studio at: 4662 Biscay St., Denver, CO 80249

**Please see class description and supply lists in the right column.

Wednesday

Kids Drawing Class (ages 8 - 13)
10:00 - noon
or
3:30 - 5:30pm

*Please see class description, class location and supply lists in the right column.


Adult/Teen Watercolor Classes (ages 13 - adult)
6:30 - 8:30pm


*Please see class description and location in the right column.

Contact Julie for the suggested supply list.

Thursday

Adult/Teen Drawing (ages 13 - adult)
1:00 - 3:00pm
or
6:30 - 8:30pm

*Please see class description, location and supply list in the right column.

  We meet once a week for 2 hours. The tuition of $80 is due monthly.
We meet at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church at 6322 S. Lakeview St., Littleton, 80120.

Denise Keeps on Going!

Her love of animals just shows!  This piece is in colored pencil and doesn't this cutie have personality!

Check out the summer schedule and join us for drawing, colored pencil, and/or watercolor instruction!

Art Classes

There are still some openings in my art classes! I have recently started a class on Tuesdays from 3:30pm - 5:30pm at my home studio for ages 8 to 13. My home studio is located at 4662 Biscay St., Denver. All other classes are presently at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Littleton. The classes are on-going and all new students are welcome! Please check out student work on this site (see column on right and click on student Work)! We'd love to have you join us!

Contact me for more information at: www.jfisherstudio@netscape.net

Taking on New Challenges

In this piece, Sally took on the challenge of darkening her shadows with rich blues, purples, and greens in colored pencil. It is often difficult to work through the feeling that you're going to ruin your work when you're trying something new. I still get that feeling but know from experience that you have to trust yourself and everything will be ok. Easier said than done, I know!

Look what a difference it made! The pots look rounder, the boots more 3-dimensional and the background to the right is pushed back.

Good job, Sally!

A Portait in Sepia

Kari was working on a face using only one color, sepia (watercolor). She first practiced doing value scales so that she could get used to the range of light to dark when only using one color. She then applied what she learned to this portrait. Kari had previously worked with water soluble crayons and got a handle on application,blending and softening edges.

First Animal Project

This is Annabelle's first completed animal drawing. She completed the beginning exercises then selected the resource and began. Annabelle is 10 years old and was excited to begin. Well done, Annabelle!

Watercolor Class

Watercolor is an enjoyable medium to work in. Understanding what can happen when water interacts with pigment is a large part of what painting with watercolor is all about.

Come join us on Wednesdays evenings from 6:30 - 8:30pm to explore the wonder of watercolor!