Please scroll down to see the many classes and events offered.
Wednesday Youth Art Studio
REGISTRATION IS OPEN ~ A few seats are available.
ADULT CLASSES:
DRAWING ACORNSSaturday October 7th; Woodbury Public Library; 10-12 noon;
Have you always wanted to learn to draw with charcoal? Are you a beginner want to learn creative charcoal techniques? Are you already working with the medium but would like to become more advanced? The join artist ShawnaLee for this hands-on workshop!
Artists of all levels, disciplines and aspirations will gain a deeper understanding of traditional drawing materials followed by mark making practice and review of conceptual concepts. ShawnaLee Kwashnak will demonstration each step of the process in an interactive way that builds excitement and confidence. The remaining studio time will be dedicated to sketching from student created still lives of our natural subjects. Class is free and open to the public; Pre-registration is on a first come first served basis.
This community program is sponsored by a grant from the Arts Alliance of Woodbury
Online: Medieval Inspired Watercolors with ShawnaLee
Tuesdays October 3 through Nov. 28 (8 weeks)
10-12noon
In this eight-week watercolor class, we will take our inspiration right out of 12th century manuscripts that were illuminated with incredibly detailed paintings of flora, fauna, fruits, and seeds! The first class we will focus on exploring and getting comfortable with sketching and painting techniques followed by discovering the color-value blends for our initial lay in. As the class progresses, students will be lead through the finishing process that brings a special “glow” to our subjects. Each step will be demonstrated as we paint through the process together. A PDF of our subjects will be emailed to registered students for convenience reference printing. Class time allowing, we may also create a smaller painting of Chinese lanterns after our focus painting is completed together. This is a very rich, fun and meditative class filled with uplifting artistic conversation and camaraderie! Student questions are gladly addressed. Classes will be two hours long for eight weeks. A minimum of 3 students is needed for this class to be a go. Eight weeks: $275. Sign up here.
Materials needed:
Watercolors, 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 11×15” – (hot or cold press is fine; I will be using Fabriano watercolor paper), an “H” pencil, kneaded eraser, chopsticks or similar, low-tack tape. For questions, email artist@shawnalee.com
Students may also pay via Venmo: @Andrew-Kwashnak
ART SHOWS:
FALL Foliage & Acorns
Art Show
October 2023
Artist’s reception & “Drawing Demonstration” Sat. October 21st from 11-1pm.
Meet the artist and see for yourself how an artist creates a drawing from blank paper to completed work of art! ShawnaLee will be demonstrating drawing acorns and leaves from our New England Bounty!
Light refreshments & artist portfolio books will be available to peruse.
Visit the Prospect public library this October to view drawings and paintings of fall foliage and related subjects!
In person show & virtual art show; Artist’s Reception TBA
Brookfield Craft Centers “A Tradition of Excellence”
September 9- October 1st
Gallery hours: Tuesday through Friday 12-5pm; Saturday 11-5; Sunday 12-4pm
OPEN HOUSE: Saturday October 14th 12-5pm; ShawnaLee will be demonstrating Fine Art Skills and be on hand to answer questions.
2023 WCSU Art Alumni Exhibition
- Exhibition Dates: October 5 – November 12
- Opening Reception: Thursday Oct 5, 6–8 pm
43 Lake Ave Extension (across from Stop&Shop)
Danbury, CT 06811
2024
TBA Waterstone on High Ridge one person art show with a reception/artists talk to be held on the second Wednesday of the planned month.
PERMANENT INSTALLATIONS:
The Town Hall Women’s Portraits Project
Art Show in-person at the Ridgefield Town Hall as part of their Permanent collection. ShawnaLee’s Oil Painting of Amy. Amy is shown being held back by a corded telephone – as an historical reminder to the challenges women continue to face as they shatter the glass ceiling in every career.
Pandemic Portraiture Art
VIRTUAL student ART SHOW!
Seven students ages 11 through 15 participated in a special art lesson program supported by an Artist’s Respond Grant from the State of CT over the summer of 2020.
See the Grant Program Virtual Art Show!
Interested in an art class? Private Lessons?
QUALITY art lessons for your hard-earned dollars. Your class will be catered to your needs and goals for your artistic endeavors. My lessons begin with learning techniques and then transition to learning how to apply the learned skills in a way that leaves you empowered with the media. I will explain, demonstrate and draw/paint you through the process in an enjoyable way while we share life, pets & artsy stories! My demonstrations will be short to allow you the opportunity to see and try for yourself immediately. I will also allow you the personal space to explore your new skills. Many times, I will have finished works of art to share as examples for lively enriching discussion.
I look forward to sharing the joy and discovery of art with you!
ZOOM classes are currently being offered.
Email me today! Thanks! artist@shawnalee.com
About ShawnaLee’s Art Lessons:
ShawnaLee’s art lessons are kind and inclusive with an emphasis on personal advancement. She has been instructing art for over 30 years and serves as a board member of the Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists. Instruction is rooted in the tradition of the masters while upholding a Mother’s instincts for the natural progression of learning for each artist! ShawnaLee is an active Girl Scout Leader (over 10 years). The girls in my oldest troop (64146) ALL earned their Girl Scout Gold Awards and my Ambassador Troop (64171) have earned their Silver Awards and are currently working towards their Gold Award Projects! Nothing could be more rewarding than sharing the joy of art and creative discovery with others! Sign up for art lessons today!
Parent Testimony:
“Evan has been busy sketching since he left you. I can’t believe how much he has improved! Thank you for sharing your gift.” Traci Elliott July 2018
“Hi ShawnaLee, I just had to share that Maddie did a wonderful charcoal of a friends dog and gave it as a wedding gift! Thank you for inspiring her…. Thanks, Amy”. Amy Blais July 2018
During the 4th of July at the MRA, I was treated to an update from a parent of a student from several years ago when I taught through parks and recreation. “My daughter is showing her art work in Greenwich now (2019) and did very well in her High school AP Art classes! She attributes her time spent in your classes for giving her the art foundation that has supported her continued success in art!” Father of Rachel Ali
ART LESSON POLICIES:
Portraits by ShawnaLee / Art Lessons follow the following policy guidelines as listed below:
Refund Policy for Private Studio Classes: All refunds must be requested one week prior to the first class day. Pre-payment of tuition is required. No refunds will be honored after the class/course has begun except in medical situations with doctor’s note. There are no make-ups, refunds or credits for missed regularly scheduled classes. Refunds are subject to a $10 administrative surcharge/materials fee. Classes canceled due to bad weather (follows Region 15 cancellation) or instructor illness will be rescheduled or offered via Zoom at the discretion of the instructor; Rescheduled classes typically are added to the end of the session.
Photographs-Students may be photographed or sketched for the purpose of promotion or advertising in future brochures, in newspapers or in other media such as Facebook, Google, Instagram etc. You provide your consent when signing up for classes. Recordings: Classes are not recorded.
Behavior– Participants are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior at all times. Students are to show courtesy and respect to other participants and art instructor. Only positive comments about art or others allowed; we practice a positive “Oreo cookie” art critique format as taught in class. Students are to respect personal space of self, pets and others. Students will Only draw/paint on their own work. Students are to Show respect for equipment, supplies and facilities. Discipline, if needed, will follow a positive redirection or gentle reminder of class expectations.
Take-home supportive materials/worksheets may be provided to your student upon request and with your understanding that you will be billed at $75/hr for the research, thought and custom development of the requested supportive materials/worksheets specific to your student’s needs outside of class instructional time. All materials provided are the intellectual property of the instructor and may only be used for your student’s education while enrolled.