A brief list of my art instruction philosophies...

I enjoy helping others achieve the goals they have set for themselves as well as mentoring others in setting their own goals.

My philosophy on teaching as it relates to digital art:
Today’s software applications are easier to use than ever before.  It is important that students be educated on the content they wish to create.  Learning how to operate the software will develop naturally as the student continues to works.  This is not to say that instruction on the use of the tool is unnecessary; the focus should be on the content being created and not the software package.

The software is a tool! Having a strong foundation in the basics such as color theory, basic design, drawing, and painting will go a long way in developing artistic skill while using software as your tool.

Knowing how to operate a software package will not make you a better artist. Having a software package at your disposal will not make you a better artist.  Only through hard work, focus, experimentation, and dedication will you become a better artist…no matter what medium you use.

Digital art can be a combination of traditional and digital, or it can be completely digital. This decision should be up to the artist.

My philosophy on teaching as it relates to traditional art media:
Only through hard work, focus, experimentation, and dedication will you become a better artist…no matter what medium you use.

My philosophy on teaching art in general:
As an art instructor, it is important that you work alongside your students when possible.  Students need to see how you solve problems as you work.

Style should be developed by the individual artist, not forced by the instructor.

There are no secret methods or secret tools. Only a focused and dedicated worth ethic.

Encourage students to try as many different types of media as possible. Never let a student work within the confines of a single media, especially during the early years of learning.

Constantly emphasize the importance of the foundations, basic design, color theory, drawing and painting.  Everything you do as an artist will be based on your understanding of the basics.

Students should be exposed to other artist’s work on a regular basis.  This should include artist of the past and present.

Students should be encouraged to keep a collection of artwork they enjoy viewing and learn how to understand what it is they enjoy about the work they are viewing.

Critiques should be held on a regular basis and often.  Critiques should be constructive and honest, never belittling or deconstructive.