Eerie Tim Burton Inspired Self-Portraits (9-12)

“There is no right or wrong in art." 

This is one of the first things I share with my student artists.  Art comes from your imagination and your view of the world. You are expressing yourself, so there can't be a right or wrong way to do that. 

Skills and techniques CAN be taught and they require practice; like a soccer player learning how to direct a kick or a musician learning a new passage in a song. For an artist, those skills are learning how to use different materials, the elements of art, principles of design, artists who created before us, and artists up and coming.

My hope is to provide your learner with both the freedom to express their creativity, imagination, and world view, as well as provide the support, knowledge, techniques and skills of an artist. My classes are a safe and supportive environment for budding artists. I will encourage students to talk with one another during class to share their ideas and progress; building upon their socio-emotional as well as their art skills.

I am a California Credentialed Multiple Subject teacher with Early Childhood Emphasis and a B.A. in Fine Art from the University of California -Davis. With 20 years of teaching experience, my journey has taken me to public, Charter, and Private schools as well as studio instruction.... and now virtually!  I have taught core academic classes (k-8), art classes (k-12), STEAM, as well as remediation for both mathematics and reading comprehension.

Already having a teaching backgound and art knowlege really has put me in a sweet spot and provides me the opportunity to create informative, creative, and fun lessons. I integrate knowledge about the people, places, things, cultures, history, and more in my art lessons. I believe the depth is a bonus and make the lessons speak on many levels.

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”
-Pablo Picasso 

Creativity has been part of my life on many levels and has played such a significant role in my life. It took me a long time to finally come to that realization that art and a creative mindset is my gift. I am so lucky to have the means to share that and my love of art with students.

Aside from teaching, I have many different creative interests and skills... painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry making, sewing, knitting, gardening, baking... Creating is a way of life for me. I am definitely a life long learner!

Fun Facts About Me:
*I love to boogie board and play in the waves at the beach with my family.
*I am always on the hunt for the best tacos around. Tacos are NOT just for Tuesdays! 
*I swam with a whale shark in Mexico last year! !!! The most amazing gentle giants of the ocean!
*I have THE best oatmeal cookie recipe! (It was passed down from my grandfather's grandmother!)
*I was once a custom superhero cape designer! 
*I am a dog person - 2 large brown dogs share the couch with my family!
*Coffee makes everything better.
*And there is nothing better than a sharp Sharpie!

Please, don't hesitate to ask questions should you have them!

**If you prefer a different day/time, please ask. I have some flexibility right now. 
*If there is a project you are looking for, please ask! I may already have one created or can make one to meet your needs.