Please scroll down to see the many classes and events offered.
WATCH for exciting new updates for 2024!
YOUTH CLASS:
Join award winning artist ShawnaLee Kwashnak for a fun, hands-on drawing class. Do you like squirrels? rabbits? even guinea pigs? At this workshop you’ll learn how to draw a small animal of your choice. Learn how to capture the spirit of small animals with your pencils! From mark making to the tufts of fur participants will be lead through the process of creating their own drawing of small animals. Guests are invited to bring their own 8×10” printed photograph of a favorite small animal for class. Only a few seats available. You MUST register. Please call the library to be placed on a waiting list, or ask for additional classes to be added.
This hands-on drawing workshop is for GRADES 5- 8; please register!
ADULT CLASSES:
Renaissance* Inspired Watercolors starting Wednesday February 21st 28th 1-3pm. Register direct with the artist or through eventbrite.
It’s not too late to join! We are just beginning our painting process of the Red Anemone. Want to learn how to create the movement of the petals? Join us!
Eight-week online course: February 21st through April 10th. 17th.
$288 (includes all classes). Please only register for the first day. Your tuition covers all eight classes.
In this eight week online 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! Our 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 with the camera directed onto the instructor’s example as we paint through the process together. Student questions gladly addressed. Feedback is positive and specific for everyone! This is a very rich, fun and meditative class filled with uplifting artistic conversation and camaraderie!
*I goofed! Joris is actually from the Renaissance/Mannerist era. No wonder his work is so great!!!!
- Drawing Horses of Course!: 7/8-12, 9-12, Ages 12-16
- Summertime Art: 8/5-9 9-12, Age 12-16, Ages 10 & up
- Traditional Drawing: 8/5-9 1-4 PM, Age 12 -16, Ages 10 & up
ART SHOWS:
Brookfield Craft Center:
Boutique available during open hours year-round. ShawnaLee is selling several notecards and a few paintings. Worth the visit! Something for everyone at Brookfield Craft Center ~ a place where the word “Craft” means exceptional artisan skill!
“Let’s Dance”
Sharon Historical Society, Sharon CT.
“Winter Solstice And A New Year” January 6, 2024 thru March 23, 2024
Monastery Gallery of Art in West Hartford’s themed exhibit “Only Say the Word…” (healing); January 10 through April 10, 2024
Wayne’s Glorious Music
Charcoal
Wayne played the organ with such skill and finesse! He had full command of the organ and after decades of playing, he had developed his own style of transitioning between hymns to que the congregation. This powerful montage was created in 2012 in support of the Middlebury Congregational Church’s annual auction fundraiser. In the chaos of the event, the portrait never made it to the auction block! Hand drawn in charcoals, his portrait is a compilation of several studies and references—showing Wayne in action and his reverence for our Lord. The light shines brightly around him and his music as his hands and feet dance in concert.
Modern Day Monet
First Annual Juried Exhibition.
April 27th 12-2pm Reception/Awards
APRIL 25-MAY 26
- March – display case on view at the Terryville public library
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.
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. In person classes by arrangement with location.
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 was an active Girl Scout Leader (over 10 years). The girls in her oldest troop (64146) ALL earned their Girl Scout Gold Awards and her second troop (64171) have earned their Silver Awards and one girl earned her Gold Award! 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 model 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 are expected as part of a positive class curriculum; we practice a positive “Oreo cookie” art critique format that supports the emotional integrity of every student. Students are to respect personal space of self, pets and others. Students (& instructor) 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 artistic educational 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.