Art Lessons for Kids!

Dog Painting by 11 year old
Coop Studios in Rosendale, NY is the art studio of professional children's book illustrator Lisa Thiesing.  The studio is once again open for lessons for kids 5 - 16!

I usually have either just one student at a time or very small groups.That way it's easy to give a lot of personal attention to each child and try to incorporate their particular interests, talents and ages.  Where we start depends on the students' previous experience. Sometimes we start with the basics, such as shapes and colors. Sometimes we can jump right into painting. Students explore a variety of exercises, techniques and materials based on traditional drawing and painting to gain skills and to stimulate the imagination. Art projects are geared to the children's age level and ability. 

Animals are a favorite subject. We do paintings and drawings using watercolor, tempera, oil pastel, pencils and collage, often using photographs for reference. We also do self-portraits, landscapes and works of imagination. Sometimes we play art games, such as Pictionary, because art should be fun!

Matisse Painting by 6 year old
The kids enjoy copying "the Masters" - children's book illustrators as well as more traditional painters - and learn about those artists' techniques. I have found it to be a great way to improve drawing skills.

I have tried to come up with projects and techniques that will enable each child to create something that is "successful". At this point, the process of making art is more important than the final product. However, I know how frustrating it is when something you are trying to draw comes out terribly. Feeling good about what you have made can really boost one's self-confidence!  So I do try to always have something that they can be proud of to take home.

Please have a look at Kids Art section to get an idea of what we do.

Schedule: 
This is an "after school" activity. 
I offer 1 hour lessons - Weekdays - from 4 - 6.
I try to make this work with your schedule and school schedules.



The fee is $25 for an hour lesson and that includes art supplies.
There is no registration fee.
      



Contact! to make arrangements and for studio location.


 
Lisa Thiesing is an award-winning author/illustrator and has about 40 published children's books.  She has also been a Montessori preschool teacher.