Yes you can start as a beginner. Your first painting will be a piece of fruit (pear for most) and Julie will paint a pear along with you explaining the materials and steps. Your second you will choose a bird and Julie will offer demos as needed. We all learn at different speeds and come to class with different experiences.
what is the cost of a class?
The cost of each class is $28.50. Most months we have 3 classes. If you purchase any supplies the is added onto next months tuition. Payment for the month is due the first week of class. Check or cash please.
do i have to pay if i miss a class?
Yes but you can make your time up. You will be enrolled in one of the two class time choices. (Thursday evening or Friday mornings). If you have a conflict (sick or otherwise) your time is not lost and can be scheduled either before or after that date. As long as you are enrolled as an ongoing student your time is not lost. Once you drop the time missed is however not an option to recover. Also available is to view the weekly lecture on Google Meet.
your a snowbird! Can you hold your class spot?
Yes you can hold your spot by paying for it. The time missed can be made up ahead of time or at a later date. There is no time limit on making the time up but you do have to be an ongoing monthly student. You also can view the lectures on Google Meet and paint along with the class. Julie will put you in the rotation as if you are in the studio with everyone else.
how many classes as there in a month?
Usually there are 3 classes each month with the first week off. Depending on the class you are enrolled in as to how many months of class you will be off in the summer. December can be a short month. Calendars are available at the studio or posted on the website.
what do i bring to class the first day
Julie would rather you come with NOTHING the first day than guess what to buy. If you have some supplies bring them. Julie will help you with what will work and offer suggestions on ways and what you will need to add. Many supplies are sold at the studio. Julie will work with your budget too. Some things are needed others are just nice to have.
What is "plein air"?
Plein air is a french term which simply means "painting in the fresh air".
do you teach plein air?
Yes, our Thursday morning group does plein air in June and July. If you are more of a studio painter (most beginners are) no worries Thursday afternoon is our studio painters time. Tuesday class is usually off pretty much all summer.
What if I don't want to do plein air?
No worries. If you are more of a studio painter (most beginners are) no worries Thursday afternoon is our studio painters time. Tuesday class is usually off pretty much all summer.
Do you teach Adults?
Yes, teaching adults is my specialty.
Do you teach kids?
Generally not however I take serious young adults (as young as 13) occasionally in my groups. It is on a case by case basis. If you have a budding artist I'm happy to work something out.
You say you can't draw. can you still enroll?
Drawing is fundamental to art but Julie will work with you to teach you the concepts and it would be great if you worked on that as well. If that is what you want to work on in class she will help you. At times we do have drawing study units.
Can I buy supplies at Lake House Studio?
Yes you can.
What supplies will I need?
There are different options for different budges and situations. You may be just checking if oil painting is something you might want to do or bringing your grandmas oil paint set. Julie would MUCH rather meet with you see what you have and prefers you don't try and guess what is needed. There is a sea of supplies available on the market. Here is a link to the supplies page. Let's work this out in class https://www.lakehousestudio.us/supplies.html
How long are the classes?
3 hours
how many students in a class?
Generally 6 is a good number but it we can accommodate as many as 8. Julie keeps the classes small partially due to space limitations but also so there is lots of individual instruction. In the summer months we have more space than in the winter months because the studio can then extended out into a 3 season addition.
I'm a coffee drinker. Is there coffee provided?
Yes there is and you'll even have your own coffee cup with your name on it that no one else will use. Snacks are sometimes provided and students bring in things to share.
What is this instructors background? (Julie)
Julie has about over 11 years teaching experience. In 1998 she owned and operated a teaching studio/gallery in downtown White Bear Lake (Touch of Design), White Bear Center for the Arts, and worked years as an illustrator and 5 years ago went back to teaching in her studio (Lake House Studio). Julie taught watercolor for years and now focuses on oil painting. https://www.lakehousestudio.us/the-instructor.html
How can I see your instructional videos? (over 90 videos)
Sign up for class. Most require a password and there is so much more you can download and printout. This is reserved for students currently enrolled. As long as you are a student you will access to them. Some are free for all to watch. Only the videos without passwords will show here. Check it out..https://vimeo.com/285336321
Do we choose what we paint?
Yes with the exception of your very first painting. Your very first painting Julie paints along with you. Your next one you choose from a category and from then on your are often welcome to paint what Julies is demonstrating in class, you choose your own it being a similar subject or you choose something else to paint. She will help you with what ever you want to do.
ARe there handouts and painting demonstrations?
Yes. Every class starts with what Julie terms as a "share". She "shares" some information. It could be drawing tips, a painting or drawing demonstration, use of certain new products, different painting strokes, color use, composition dos and don't.
Do I have to go up and down a flight of stairs to get into the studio?
Yes and no. In the summer the studio access is down a stone path and you enter in the back. In the winter months you enter the front door and go to a downstairs studio classroom. Julie is willing to help carry supplies up and down but you need to be able to navigate the stairs. The bathroom is not in the downstairs studio area.