Drawing Animals with ShawnaLee

For students in grades 4-8.

Tuesdays April 29- June 3rd 2025

$84 register through BP&R

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM WMS Room 

Do you love animals? Pet Portraitist, ShawnaLee W. Kwashnak, will share tips on how to sketch difficult features such as eyes, nose, ears, mouth and fur. Emphasis is on personal growth, camaraderie, and the joy of sketching your favorite animals! Please bring a printed collection of your favorite animals for sketching practice.

Students are welcome to bring their own pencils, erasers & sketchpads. A recommended materials list may be provided for guidance. Students may also opt to use the instructor’s materials for $20 payable to the instructor on the first class.

Catalogue: https://brookfieldct.myrec.com/forms/5988_spring_2025.pdf

Sketching Flowers with ShawnaLee

For high school students and young adults. 

Tuesdays April 29th - June 3rd 2025

6:15-8:15pm WMS Room

$144 register through BP&R

Georgia O'Keefe once said: "If you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it's your world for a moment".

Portraitist, ShawnaLee W. Kwashnak, will share sketching techniques and methods that will guide each student towards a deeper connection to the world of flowers! Each class will include lessons in mark making and a brief instructor demonstration followed by sketching practice. Emphasis is on personal growth, camaraderie, and the joy of sketching! We will practice from life and learn how to interpret from photographs. Students are invited to bring live flowers and/or printed photos of favorite flowers.

Students are welcome to bring their own pencils, erasers & sketchpads. A recommended materials list may be provided for guidance. Students may also opt to use the instructor’s materials for $20 payable to the instructor on the first class.

Catalogue: https://brookfieldct.myrec.com/forms/5988_spring_2025.pdf

Youth ages 7 & up
Private Art Instruction

Lessons in materials, studio safety, and techniques empower your young artist to develop in drawing and painting while gaining a foundation in fine art. Emphasis is on personal advancement. Brief demonstrations and shared examples reinforce the process of learning while sparking inspiration!

A strong foundation in art includes learning: Learn how to compose, identify shapes and relationships etc. techniques such as hatching, cross hatching, how to blend/soften, how to see and interpret shapes and values, color theory (color values) and how to apply it in practice, how to interpret and sketch from life, how to create volume of form through developing values and most importantly, develop an internal artist’s dialogue.

Email ShawnaLee with your student’s interest and availability.

Locations:

Your location*, Instructor’s multipurpose studio in Middlebury, or via Zoom.

Cost:

Private instruction: $75/hour plus a Materials fee for instructor demonstrations (typically $20 to start will cover five lessons). A commitment of at least ten classes is recommended.

Portfolio development lesson program starts at $100/hr.

*travel fees apply for lessons farther than 10 miles.

Youth ages 7 & up
Semi-Private Art Instruction

Grab some friends for your very own Semi-Private Art Lessons!

Learning how to see like an artist is a very important visual skill that becomes a part of your student for the rest of their life. Sharing this with your friends? A cherished lifelong memory!

Semi-Private instruction is tailored to your students current goals and skill set. All lessons are kind and inclusive!

Locations:

Your location*, Instructors multipurpose studio in Middlebury, or via zoom.

Cost:

Up to three students: $100/hr. Thirty dollars each additional student plus materials fee for instructor demonstrations.

A Recommended Materials List for your young artists group will be shared, or you may opt for all materials to be provided by the instructor for an additional fee based on the groups desired focus.

Email ShawnaLee with your student’s interest and availability.

*travel fees apply for lessons farther than 10 miles.

Brookfield Craft Center

Saturdays, 4/12, 5/17, & 6/14

9-12noon

Each workshop: $61.50

Young artists ages 10 - 17 looking to improve their skills are invited to participate in a fine arts drawing program with ShawnaLee. This one day three-hour workshop will begin with lessons in media and technique, then transition into opportunities to reinforce learned skills. Students will gain a deeper understanding of mark making, form, values, composition, and improve the observation skills needed to create drawings that are realistic. Students are invited to bring two to three favorite items to class for sketching practice.

**Students are welcome to use supplies provided in the studio at an additional cost of $10 upon registration OR bring in their own supplies using the recommended supply list provided below as a reference. 

Recommended supplies for students who choose to bring their own: Graphite pencils such as 3B, 5B, kneaded eraser, vinyl eraser, drawing paper (9x12 or 11x14”)

For more information about materials or the class, contact the instructor: artist@shawnalee.com

Renaissance Inspired Watercolor Painting ONLINE CLASS

Update: Interested? This class (different inspiration) will be offered again soon.)

Thursday Mornings

10-12noon ZOOM

April 10th - May 29th 2025

Thursdays 10-12 noon
$335 for 8 weeks

Interest/Questions/Register DIRECT with ShawnaLee artist@shawnalee.com

Join ShawnaLee in this eight week online watercolor class. Students will take their inspiration right out of 16th century manuscripts that were illuminated with incredibly detailed paintings of flora, fauna, fruits, and seeds! The first class will focus on exploring and getting comfortable with the drawing and painting techniques involved. In subsequent classes we explore the step-by-step process of creating a Renaissance inspired painting together.  A  PDF of our subject will be emailed to students for convenience printing.

A Zoom link will be sent to registered students by email prior to the start of class. Register and pay directly to the instructor. artist@shawnalee.com

Materials Needed:
Watercolors (choose W&N pan), rinse cup, paper towels, paint brushes (liner & round, and a 1” flat such as from a hardware store), mixing plate/tray, pad of watercolor paper about 11x15” - (hot or cold press is fine), an “H” pencil, kneaded eraser, chopsticks, and low-tack tape.  More specific information on materials may be requested from the instructor: artist@shawnalee.com

Vacation Bible School is back!

June 23-27th 2025

VBS is a week long half day program provided by professionals & volunteers from the MCC.

I will be leading the art program and am excited to share the joy of art with our youth!

This year’s theme is “camping”. I can’t wait!!!!!!!

Pricing is very affordable - information will be forthcoming through the Middlebury Congregational Church.

Teens / Adults

Private Art Instruction

Locations: En Plein Air such as a park or other public space; Via Zoom; or other mutually agreeable local space.*

Improve your game with lessons tailored to give you the skills you need to enjoy your time as an artist. Private instruction is tailored to your current skill and directed to provide you with skills that typically take years to master. Lessons in materials, studio safety, and techniques give you the confidence you need to make heads turn.

Learn Drawing, Watercolors, Acrylics, Oils, Pen & ink, Papier mache, hand formed Clay, Pastels, Printmaking etc..

Email ShawnaLee with your student’s interest and availability.

A recommended Materials List for students available upon request.

Private instruction starts at $75/hour plus Materials fee for instructor demonstrations (typically $20 to start covers about 5 classes). Evaluations, if requested, start at $200 and are generally geared towards those wishing for a program specific for portfolio development.

Portfolio development starts at $100/hr.

*travel fees apply for lessons farther than 10 miles.

Turn your board room into an art studio! 

Discover your teams artistic side while fostering camaraderie and boosting creativity!  Group lessons begin with learning about materials and practicing  techniques needed to create a more  lifelike sketch. ShawnaLee provides a group demonstration and a pdf visual handout for each member followed by individual support. 

Team members take away new skills, build confidence as artists and art    connoisseurs, foster new hobbies in personal growth and enhance mental health.

 Choose your subject!  Popular group subjects include: Leaves, Acorns, Seashells, pumpkins, winter landscape scenes, Seed Pods, doorways, flowers, etc. Please inquire for subjects specific to your groups wishes!

Two hours; up to 25 team members: Starting at: $350*   $15 each additional person. Plus materials (priced per your groups needs). Program fees may vary.

Book your Group Experience today! artist@shawnalee.com

*plus travel expenses beyond 30 minutes from the artists studio.

Inquire for pricing for Special programming for your group!

Available! Book this class for your group!

ONLINE course (in person if you have a space for us to use. (Space Hosts take the class for free).

four weeks / 2 hour classes

Please let me know your interest and availability - This would be a terrific class for any art group!

$125 pp min. four paid students.

Acclimate yourself to oils in this beginner’s class! Learn basics to understand and successfully create oil paintings. Lessons include palette set-up, tips on mixing colors and studio safety tips.Students will gain experience with Alla-Prima Painting a simple fall foliage landscape.Time allowing, we will explore other approaches such as Grisaille and glazing. A more detailed recommended materials list will be shared with registered students. Class will be taught via Zoom where students have the direct benefit of seeing slides, brief demonstrations, and interactive feedback. Instruction will take place through Zoom.

For more information: artist@shawnalee.com

Available! Book this class for your group!!!

2 hour one time class - great for groups of 10-25!

Capture the beauty of Pumpkins! Symbolic for abundance and our connection with friends and family, the simple pumpkin makes a perfect Autumn subject. From basic mark making to a more developed sketch, ShawnaLee will lead participants through the process of creating their own drawings of Pumpkins!

Guests may bring their own pumpkins and pencils, or sketch from class examples.

All materials provided (and you are welcome to bring your own).

artist@shawnalee.com

Available! Book this class for your group!

4 weeks-6 weeks

2-3 hours / class

Gather your group of artists and host this class at your location!

Oil painters, or beginners looking to hone their observation skills will gain a deeper appreciation for drawing skills as they apply to the oil painting process.

By focusing on leaves or acorns, students will learn how to model the form and experience the subtle shifts of color that create the illusion of 3D on their canvas.

Students will need drawing materials in addition to the oil painting ensemble. More information provided to booked classes.

Available!

Watch for when this class is offered again, or host this class for your group!

Artists of all abilities will improve their skill in mark making, observation and ability to model the form.  Lessons will include techniques and methods for creating sketches.  Students will create several small studies and create their own drawing.

Available for booking! Will most likely be scheduled Fall 2025. A three hour block is a nice amount of time per session. Recommended min. of four weeks. Want to move past beginner stage? We’ll need 8-10 weeks! Min. 3 students.

Watercolors are a perfect media for capturing the brilliance of fall foliage!

In this four week class, learn and experience the joy of painting with watercolors. Participants will learn about the materials and techniques that will make watercolor painting a joy! Classes start off with practicing the various techniques together and then transition to self-directed paintings. We will work from fall foliage still lives and learn how to interpret our favorite fall foliage photographs for painting. Different methods of “drawing” for the purpose of watercolor painting will be covered.

Recommended Watercolor class materials for students to gather available: Questions gladly addressed.

Watercolor paper 11×14″ is a good size. Instructor loves 1264 Fabriano or Strathmore watercolor papers.
Assortment of brushes – various sizes and types. (ShawnaLee loves her “mops” size 2 & 8, a liner sized 2; an acrylic round #2, and a 1” flat house brush).
Watercolor paints* – Tube or solid (tube paints need a palette). W&N Cotman or better is recommended. Nice set example here.
Mixing tray/plate
Pencil and an eraser
Paper towels & large rinse cup

Helpful optional items that you may bring for yourself, or borrow from the instructor: Salt, light colored crayons or wax, natural sponge, old toothbrush.

Ask about this class! Plan one for your location!

Drawing with Charcoals and finishing with soft pastels is a technique made famous by Edgar Degas (1885) for his “Woman Bathing in Shallow Tub”. In this four week class, learn and experience for yourself the joy of sketching and drawing with Charcoals and pastels!

Participants will learn about the materials and techniques to create dramatic works of art. Artists of all levels are welcome to join! We will be inspired by natural still lives and time allowing, learn how to interpret photographic references.

The instructor will provide a recommended materials list.

These materials are recommended:

Drawing or Sketch paper (you choose the size you are comfortable with) 11x14 through 16x20 is reasonable.
Charcoals – a small assortment of soft vine and pencils. Soft Vine charcoal example. Example set of Generals.
Kneaded eraser
Vinyl eraser
Soft Pastels: Mungyo Gallery Artists' Square Soft Pastels Set of 12 , Asst. Colors SoHo Urban Artist Soft Pastel Half Stick Sets or similar.

Please do not get oil pastels.

Watch for future classes! Have a space and a group? Hosts get to take the class for free!

This class is great as a two hour or three hour block. Four, six or eight weeks make nice courses. Interested in an ongoing sketching group that would love opening pointers and support? Let me know!

Artists of all abilities will improve their skill in mark making, observation and ability to model the form.  Lessons will include techniques and methods for creating sketches.  Students will create several small studies with instructor support and gain confidence for creating their own drawings.

Many students take this class to improve their understanding of form for improving their painting process.

For more information: artist@shawnalee.com

Brookfield Craft Center

Youth Fine Arts Drawing with ShawnaLee

Monday, July 7, 2025-Friday, July 11, 2025

9:00 AM-12:00 PM on Mon Tue Wed Th Fri

Young artists ages 10 - 14 looking to improve their skills are invited to participate in a fine arts drawing program with ShawnaLee.  Students will receive lessons in media and technique, then transition into opportunities to reinforce learned skills. Each student will gain a deeper understanding of mark making, form, values, composition, and improve the observation skills needed to create drawings that are realistic. Students are invited to bring two to three favorite items to class for sketching practice.

Brookfield Craft Center

Youth Fine Arts Painting with ShawnaLee

Monday, July 7, 2025-Friday, July 11, 2025

Time: 1:00 PM-4:00 PM on Mon Tue Wed Th Fri

Summer brings an explosion of warm and vibrant colors that give us all a refreshed spirit! Explore methods and techniques of watercolor painting while appreciating New England's summer with our beautiful campus on the Still River as a backdrop.

Students will gain a deeper understanding of studio practices, exercises and painting skills. Techniques taught will include washes, charging, and color mixing theory.

Students please come prepared with a water bottle, visor hat, bug/sunscreen.