Youth ages 7 & up
Private Art Instruction

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

A strong foundation in art includes learning: Learn how to compose, identify shapes and relationships etc. techniques such as hatching, cross hatching, how to blend/soften, 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 an internal artist’s dialogue.

Email ShawnaLee with your student’s interest and availability.

Locations:

Your location*, Instructor’s multipurpose studio in Middlebury, or via Zoom.

Cost:

Private instruction: $75/hour plus a Materials fee for instructor demonstrations (typically $20 to start will cover five lessons). A commitment of at least ten classes is recommended.

Portfolio development lesson program starts at $100/hr.

*travel fees apply for lessons farther than 10 miles.

Youth ages 7 & up
Semi-Private Art Instruction

Grab some friends for your very own Semi-Private Art Lessons!

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. Sharing this with your friends? A cherished lifelong memory!

Semi-Private instruction is tailored to your students current goals and skill set. All lessons are kind and inclusive!

Locations:

Your location*, Instructors multipurpose studio in Middlebury, or via zoom.

Cost:

Up to three students: $100/hr. Thirty dollars each additional student plus materials fee for instructor demonstrations.

A Recommended Materials List for your young artists group will be shared, or you may opt for all materials to be provided by the instructor for an additional fee based on the groups desired focus.

Email ShawnaLee with your student’s interest and availability.

*travel fees apply for lessons farther than 10 miles.

Brookfield PARKS & REC

02/02/2026 - 03/30/2026
05:30 PM - 07:00 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.

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.
Register here

WMS Room $136.00 Res,

Brookfield PARKS & REC

02/02/2026 - 03/30/2026
03:45 PM - 05:00 PM

Creativity is a great tool for growth!

This engaging program is designed for youth who want to develop their artistic skills, learn new techniques, and express themselves through a variety of creative projects led by a professional artist.

Students will have the opportunity to learn foundational and advanced skills in drawing, painting, and sculpture. ShawnaLee's supportive environment encourages youths to tap into thier creative minds while putting learned skills to immediate use!

All materials are provided.

CLES Room $112.00 Res,

Register here: https://brookfieldct.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30060

Brookfield CRAFT CENTER

Friday mornings 9-12noon

Fridays: January , 23, 30; Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27th.  Inclement weather make up March 6th.

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. 

Recommended materials:

·         Watercolor paper - at least 3 pieces for each class, 9x12" or 11x15" are good sizes - Can be found at Michaels or any art supply store.  Choose Utrechts 100% cotton, Strathmore, Fabriano, New York Central etc.  Many students have had good results with Artist’s Loft 140lb paper.

·         Assortment of brushes - various sizes and types. Bring what you’ve got!

·         Watercolor paints - Tube or solid - if you bring tube paints you will benefit from a palette such as a MEEDEN Airtight Leakproof Watercolor Palette or similar.

·         Pencil and eraser

·         Paper Towels

·         Gather: pinch of salt, some crayons, and natural sponges.

Brookfield CRAFT CENTER

12:00-3:00pm

Mondays, 2/2 - 3/30 (no class 2/16)

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 furbabies!

Recommended materials:

·         Variety of pencils

·         Kneaded eraser

·         Vinyl eraser

·         Sketching or drawing paper. 

·         Printed photos of your favorite subjects for referencing.

EdAdvance

Tuesdays 6:30-8:30pm   

Part one: six weeks:    Feb. 24th, March 3,10, (skip 17), 24,31; April 7 (inclement weather makeup April 21st)

According to John Singer Sargent, “A portrait is a picture in which there is just a tiny little something not quite right about the mouth.”  Students will gain familiarity with sketching techniques, facial proportions and gain valuable experience in sketching portraits with ShawnaLee, a board member of the CT Society of Portrait Artists.  Students will complete several sketches of portraits. 

A recommended materials list will be emailed to students prior to our first class.

 ________________________

EdAdvance

Tuesdays 6:30-8:30pm

Part two: six weeks: April 28th; May 5,12,19,26; June 2 (inclement weather make up June 9th)

John Singer Sargent also mentioned that “You can’t do sketches enough. Sketch everything and keep your curiosity fresh.”  New and returning students will benefit from gaining experience with sketching techniques, practicing facial proportions and creating portraits with ShawnaLee, a board member of the CT Society of Portrait Artists.  Students will complete several sketches of portraits.

 A recommended materials list will be emailed to students prior to our first class.

EdAdvance

Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm (6 weeks)

Feb. 25th; March 4,11,18,25; April 1 (inclement weather make up April 8th)

·     Discover watercolor techniques while capturing winter’s subtle beauty. Enjoy guided instruction for watercolor techniques, brief demos, and creative exploration as we paint snow scenes, snowflakes, berries, and wildlife. Students will create several studies and paintings.  A PDF of recommended materials will be provided before the first class.

Recommended materials (list will also be emailed to students)
Watercolor paper - at least 3 pieces for each class, 9x12" or 11x15" are good sizes - Can be found at Michaels or any art supply store.  Strathmore watercolor recommended.
Assortment of brushes - various sizes and types
Watercolor paints - Tube or solid - if you bring tube paints you will need a palette
Pencil and eraser

EdAdvance

Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm (6 weeks)

April 22,29; May 6,13,20,27; (Inclement weather make up June 3)

Discover watercolor techniques while capturing winter’s subtle beauty as New England transitions into spring. Enjoy guided instruction for watercolor techniques, brief demos, and creative exploration as we paint snow scenes, iced early flowers, berries, and wildlife. Students will create several studies and paintings.  A PDF of recommended materials will be provided before the first class.

Recommended materials (list will also be emailed to students)
Watercolor paper - at least 3 pieces for each class, 9x12" or 11x15" are good sizes - Can be found at Michaels or any art supply store.  Strathmore watercolor recommended.
Assortment of brushes - various sizes and types
Watercolor paints - Tube or solid - if you bring tube paints you will need a palette
Pencil and eraser

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!

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 pdf 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.

 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!

Two hours; up to 25 team members: Starting at: $350*   $15 each additional person. Plus materials (priced per your groups needs). Program fees may vary.

Book your Group Experience today! artist@shawnalee.com

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

Inquire for pricing for Special programming for your group!

BOOK THIS CLASS!

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

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.

BOOK THIS CLASS!

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

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.

A recommended Materials List for students available upon request.

Private instruction starts at $75/hour plus Materials fee for instructor demonstrations (typically $20 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.