All ages from 7 & up
Private Art Instruction

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

A strong foundation in art includes learning: Learn how to compose, identify shapes, relationships etc. techniques such as hatching, cross hatching, how to blend/soften/adjust, 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 a positive and healthy mindset which is integral for an artist’s internal dialogue. Students learn skills that are immediately transferable into all disciplines.

Private instruction: $75/hour plus a Materials fee for instructor demonstrations (typically $25 to start will cover five lessons). A commitment of at least ten classes is recommended.

Semi-private instruction: $125/hr. up to three students.

Portfolio development lesson program starts at $100/hr.

*travel fees apply for lessons farther than 10 miles.

ONLINE CLASS

Our next session (8 weeks) begins April 9th 2026. There is time for a few private classes for anyone wanting to “get up to speed” prior to diving into Folio #12!

BOOK THIS CLASS for your Group!

Enjoy recreating the masterpieces from the Early Renaissance!

Two hour online class via Zoom; suitable for intermediate to advanced water colorists. If there is interest in beginners wishing to learn to get up to speed, I am happy to offer a beginners level class.

A PDF for convenience printing will be shared upon registration. Please inquire for recommended materials list.

Schedule your group’s class now!

Eight weeks: $335 pp

Nine weeks: $375 pp

Ten weeks: $416 pp

Brookfield PARKS & REC

Spring Into Sketching (Drawing Basics)

Mondays: 04/27/2026 - 06/08/2026
04:30 PM - 06:30 PM

Artists of all abilities are welcome to join our sketching class! 

Bring your favorite subjects for a relaxing evening of sketching! You may choose to sketch from a natural object (provided) or bring your own collection.  Classes will begin with sketching techniques and exercises and transition to free-choice sketching.

Brookfield PARKS & REC

Mondays: 04/27/2026 - 06/08/2026
06:30 PM - 08:30 PM
WMS Room

According to American artist John Singer Sargent, "A portrait is a picture in which there is just a tiny little something not quite right about the mouth." In this class, students will explore sketching techniques and facial proportions while gaining valuable experience in sketching portraits. 

A recommended materials list may be provided for guidance. Students may also opt to use instructor provided materials for $25 payable at the first class.

Brookfield Craft Center

Mondays: 1-4:00pm

April 27th - June 8th (no class 5/25) (6 weeks)

Link to register here

John Ruskin once said: "Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty if only we have the eyes to see them."  From delicate emerging snowdrops to crocuses and daffodils of spring, students will explore the joys of watercolor painting while filling their souls with the colors of our world.  Students will be led through techniques and provided with inspiration to reinforce learned skills.  Brief demonstrations provided. 

Register via Brookfield Craft Center. Link coming soon.

EdAdvance

May 12, 19, 26, &  6/2. 6:30-8:30 PM

four Weeks. Classes held at Watertown High School.

Register here

Open to all levels.

Building on the foundation from Part 1, this course allows students to refine their sketching skills and deepen their understanding of facial proportions and expression. Under the guidance of ShawnaLee, a board member of the CT Society of Portrait Artists, students will practice more advanced portrait techniques and complete several sketches. A recommended materials list will be emailed to students before the first class.

Brookfield Craft Center

Fridays 9-12noon

May 1st - June 5th (6 weeks)

Link to Register here

Anatole France once said "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened", and ShawnaLee couldn't agree more!  Pet lovers are invited to come learn methods and techniques for capturing your favorite pet companions.  Students will gain a deeper understanding of the sketching process and how to decode the process of creating lifelike pet sketches.  Brief demonstrations will be followed by sketch practice of your favorite furbabies!  ShawnaLee W. Kwashnak has been a lifelong artist and animal lover and has extensive experience in creating pet portraits and helping others to realize their goals.

Register via Brookfield Craft Center (link coming soon).

Brookfield Craft Center

Fridays 12:15-3:15pm

May 1st - June 5th (6 weeks)

Link to register here

Acrylics have become a staple in modern studios and are prized for their versatility in painting applications ranging from sign making and trompe l'oeil to murals and fine art.  In this class, students will gain practical experience in the nuances of painting with acrylics including studio safety, brush care, and varied approaches. Students will create several small textural studies and techniques. 

BOOK THIS CLASS

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.

BOOK THIS CLASS!

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

Hosts get to take my classes for free! So, grab some artist-friends (min. four paying students) and let’s enjoy a rich sketching experience together!

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.

BOOK THIS CLASS!

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 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 while bonding with fellow team-members!

 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!

Art experience events from $400 — corporate programming, multi-session events, and custom experiences priced upon request.

Two hours; up to 25 team members: Starting at: $400* Plus materials & travel. Programs are custom priced per your groups specific needs and goals. Program fees may vary.

Book your Group Experience today! artist@shawnalee.com

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

BOOK THIS CLASS!

Host gets to 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!

$200 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.

For more information: artist@shawnalee.com

BOOK THIS CLASS!

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.

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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). $450 up to 25 participants;

Two hours; up to 25 team members: Starting at: $400*  plus materials (priced per your groups specific goals). Program fees may vary.

Book your Group Experience today! artist@shawnalee.com

artist@shawnalee.com

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..

Private instruction starts at $75/hour plus Materials fee for instructor demonstrations (typically $25 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.

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Do you love your feline and canine friends?  Learn methods and techniques for capturing your favorite fur-baby companions.  Students will gain a deeper understanding of the sketching process and how to decode the process of creating lifelike pet sketches.  Brief demonstrations will be followed by sketch practice of your favorite fur-babies!

BOOK THIS CLASS!

From bright berries and pine branches of winter to the emerging snowdrops, and crocuses of spring, students will explore the joys of watercolor painting while filling their souls with the colors of our world.  Students will be led through techniques and provided with inspiration to reinforce learned skills.  Brief demonstrations provided. 

BOOK THIS CLASS!

Artists of all abilities are welcome to join our sketching class! 

Bring your favorite subjects for a relaxing evening of sketching! You may choose to sketch from a natural object (provided) or bring your own collection.  Classes will begin with sketching techniques and exercises and transition to free-choice sketching.

A recommended materials list may be provided for guidance. Students may also opt to use instructor provided materials for $25 payable at the first class. ‍

BOOK THIS FOR YOUR HS!

Treat your High School to a Fine Arts Experience that follows in the footsteps of the Masters from yesteryear! This incredibly rich experience will provide a strong foundation in drawing skills that will bring value to all disciplines students pursue. *

Students will be lead through the process from mark making to thumbnails, actively participate in practice, learn how to see and interpret from life. Students will be enriched through brief demonstrations and receive individual attention. Students will gain real world insights, become more discerning and gain an edge towards creating their portfolios.

Longer programs, such as residencies, will address understanding media, safety, varied approaches, gesture, thumbnails, composition, perspective, reference selection with tips on sourcing, etc.

What would your group like to learn?

Disciplines offered: Fine Arts Drawing, Watercolors, Oil Painting. (Papier mache also available).

Requirements: Classroom, tables, stools, possible overhead projector, single light source lamp, items for a still life; basic student supplies.

Fees: starting at $500/day plus materials, travel, and other expenses.

*Students who learn fine arts skills are able to take illustrated notes in other subjects with a clarity that elevates learning.

Through EdAdvance Litchfield

Classes held at Watertown High School

Thursdays Oct. 1-29th 2026 6:30-8”30pm

Albert Einstein once said: “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Sketching is a perfect way to help you look deeper into nature! Learn about the materials and tools for sketching in addition to techniques for creating more lifelike sketches. Students will create several sketches of natural subjects.

A link to sign up will be shared when available. Thank you!