In this course I teach learners basic sketching skills utilizing basic shapes, such as circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, and variations of these. Building sketching skills on ordinary shapes is a highly effective and simple way to achieve sketches that can then lead to finished drawings or paintings and serve budding artists monumentally. 

I also teach fundamental watercolor painting techniques within the creation of each monster. Within each painting, I am sure to include some different techniques so learners are building their skillset within the use of watercolor paints as we progress in the course. Many of the skills I teach transfer well to other types of paints. 

Watercolors are oftentimes the go-to choice for parents as they are not really destructive, don't really "spill" and don't dry hard and crunchy like other paints do. Watercolor paints will still stain lighter colored, porous items, however, so be sure clothing worn and surfaces around the painting area, or used within the process, are ok to potentially stain. 

Watercolors are easy to use, however some aspects of them are tricker to manage than other types of paints. This is why I teach certain things within my watercolor classes to ensure learners get the best understanding of them and, therefore, achieve great results with using them. When someone can get good results with watercolor paints, they can easily move into other types of paint with ease because they have skills that are already at a higher level.

My classes tend to be fun, enjoyable, and relaxing. I offer a no-judgement environment where all art pieces are celebrated. Within the enjoyable, relaxed space, it's easier for kids to move into utilizing techniques taught and expand their art skills. 

We will create three monster paintings within this 6-meeting course. Learners are encouraged to sketch and paint between classes if they want to - so long as they do so on a new piece of paper (meaning - please do not continue on a painting we are intending to work on together in the next class on your own). (And so long as they keep some of their watercolor paper purchased for this class so they still have some to paint on during it.) It is important that we do our "Part 2" portions of the monsters we create in class together - together. Otherwise learners will miss skills I'm teaching and might find themselves sitting in classes meant to be for completing a monster we started together in the previous meeting, with nothing in particular to do if they've gone off and painted additionally on it on their own. 

My classes utilize the class time very specifically and it is important that learners arrive on time, their art areas set up already, and be in the mindset of getting into the art. 

I request no food to be eaten during class and no doing other things at the same time as these will impede getting their projects completed to the point each class is designed to bring them to.

Please be respectful of other learners and keep comments in a spirit of kindness and encouragement. 

Please come to class to create art, and refrain from rambunctious, distracting behavior. 

If a learner in this class wishes to make alterations to the style of  monster they are creating, that is fine so long as it is close enough to what I'm doing that the skills I'm sharing will translate to what they are also doing. It is important to keep any style changes within the "silly" and "cute" range of things. Please - don't come to this class if you want to make scary or creepy monsters within the class. You are free, however, to take what you learn in this class and do what ever kinds of other paintings you want to in your own time. While IN class, though, keep things fun, cute, silly and happy. 

I'm looking forward to having a fun and productive time with you if this course theme is something you would like to enjoy doing!