Hi!  I'm Ms. Karen and I teach sewing, drawing and painting here on Outschool.   

I have a BA in Studio Art, and a current teaching certificate in Visual Arts and in Gifted Education.  I have taught art in public and private schools from Pre-K to 12th grade for 20 years.  Now, I teach on Outschool, and host paint parties!
 
Through my calm and positive instructional style, I encourage artists to engage in art making and trust their own ideas.  I model being okay with making mistakes (they are a natural part of learning), trying new things, and sharing ideas.  Including each learner in class discussion is important to me, because I want every learner who is in one of my classes to feel important and included.

I use two cameras to teach: one for my face, and one over my work space.  Because students have a good view of what I am doing, it is easier for them to create!  

When I'm not teaching, I enjoy my big animal family!  My husband and I have 3 cats and 2 dogs.  Amazingly, they all get along.  I like kayaking in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia where I live.   I find observing nature endlessly fascinating, and enjoy seeing bald eagles, osprey and herons regularly.   

One of the most interesting events in my life was when I spent time with the artist Christo at a dinner party.  Talking with him was fascinating!  He had so many stories of traveling and adventure to share.