Art Classes

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your pencil or take your paint brush for a whirl,

Classes are offered through various locations in addition to private instruction.

Check in often to keep up to date with available classes!

Classes are kind & inclusive and focus on giving you the skills you need to enjoy drawing or painting! You’ll learn about the materials, how to use them, and gain skills you didn’t know you needed!

Sign up today! If there is a class you’d like to see, please email the instructor! (artist@shawnalee.com)

Current Autumn Classes to sign up for!

Thank you for your support in sharing the joy of art!

  • Sketching is Fun (In Person)

    Woodbury

    October 30th

    Two weeks 6:30-8:30pm

    $45

    only 5 seats left

    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.

    Sign up for this class here!

  • Charcoal and Pastel Drawing

    Brookfield Craft Center

    Thursdays 11/7 -11/21
    9:00-12:00

    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. Please bring your own drawing or sketch paper. The BCC studio has an assortment of supplies available, including pastels. You may also bring your own.

    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 stick, vine and pencil.
    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.

    Register through Brookfield Craft Center

  • Sketching is Fun

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

    Two weeks 6:30-8:30pm

    $45

    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.

    For more information: artist@shawnalee.com


  • Watercolors of Fall

    Brookfield Craft Center

    Watercolor Basics, 1:00-4:00

    Thursdays 11/7 -11/21

    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! We will work from fall foliage still lives and learn how to interpret our favorite fall foliage photographs for painting.

    Recommended Watercolor class materials for students to gather:

    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)
    Mixing tray/plate
    Pencil and an eraser
    Paper towels & large rinse cup
    Salt, light colored crayons or wax, natural sponge, old toothbrush.
    First class, please gather a handful of interesting Fall Leaves for yourself! Later classes will need a printed fall foliage scene reference of your choosing.

    Register Here through Brookfield Craft Center

  • Youth Fine Arts Workshop

    Brookfield Craft Center

    Saturday November 9th 2024

    9-12noon

    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”)

  • Youth Fine Arts Workshop

    Brookfield Craft Center

    Saturday December 7th 2024

    9-12noon

    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”)

    Register Here through Brookfield Craft Center.

  • Private Lessons

    Youth ages 7 & up
    Private Art Instruction
    Locations:

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

    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.

    Private instruction is tailored to your students skill and desired artistic goals. Lessons in materials, studio safety, and techniques empower your young artist to develop in drawing and painting. Emphasis is on personal advancement.

    Email ShawnaLee with your student’s interest and availability.

    Private instruction starts at $75/hour. Evaluations, if requested, start at $200

    Portfolio development starts at $100/hr.

    *travel fees apply for lessons farther than 10 miles.

  • Private Lessons

    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.

    Private instruction starts at $75/hour. Evaluations, if requested, start at $200.

    Portfolio development starts at $100/hr.

    *travel fees apply for lessons farther than 10 miles.

  • Mentorship Program

    Any age!

    A mentorship program is a wonderful option for artists who love to work independently, but also appreciate direction and a few lessons tailored specifically for areas of concern.

    Additional information will be available soon.

  • Youth PORTRAITURE workshop

    Feb 22, 2025

    10-12noon

    Greenwich Botanical Center

    A Portraiture Class just for youth ages 10-15 in collaboration with the CT Society of Portrait Artists and Greenwich Botanical Center in conjunction with the Fine Arts Portraiture Show: Portraits in Bloom.

    Artists taking ShawnaLee's class will be treated to an in depth fine arts portraiture class. Students will learn about the materials, drawing techniques, and put their learned skills to immediate use. Each student will create a self portrait from life (using traditional methods with mirrors) that will be included in the fine art show on display. This opportunity is only available to a few students - perfect for adding to the college resume and applying for scholarships.

    More details to come.

  • Beginners Oil Painting

    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

  • Drawing Pumpkins with ShawnaLee

    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