Private Art Instruction — All Ages 7 & Up

Learning to draw and paint is learning to see. With over three decades of master-level teaching experience, ShawnaLee tailors every lesson entirely to you — your pace, your goals, your growth.

From curious beginners to serious portfolio students, private instruction offers something a class can't: her complete attention. ShawnaLee has a particular gift for working with older adults rediscovering creativity and students with special needs.

What you'll learn: How to see and interpret visual stimuli like an artist! Composition and shape relationships, techniques such as · hatching, cross-hatching, and value control · color theory in practice · sketching from life · creating volume through modeling values · and the mindset that sustains a lasting creative practice- Skills that transfer across every medium and discipline.

Lesson Options

Private instruction (1:1) $110/hr

Semi-private (2–3 students) $125/hr Portfolio development $125/hr

Materials fee: $25* (covers instructor demonstration supplies for approximately five sketching lessons). *Watercolors $75; Oils $100. A commitment of 10 sessions is recommended — package pricing available.

Travel fees apply for locations more than 10 miles from the studio.

Ready to start? Contact ShawnaLee at artist@shawnalee.com

🎁 Private lessons make a meaningful gift — Gift Certificates available.

Excellent Experience Gifts for your loved ones!

Our next session (8 weeks) begins Mid June 2026.

Renaissance Watercolor — Botanical Illustration Series Online via Zoom · Intermediate to Advanced

The image above is my class demonstration in progress! Watch for updates and be sure to sign up for our next round beginning in the Fall.

Recreate the exquisite botanical masterworks of the Early Renaissance, folio by folio. In this richly guided online class, you'll study and recreate works by master lumner, Joris Hoefnagel — building observation skills, refining your watercolor technique, and connecting your practice to one of art history's most beautiful traditions.

Each session runs two hours. A printable PDF reference is provided upon registration. Materials list available upon inquiry.

New sessions forming now.

Session Length Rate (per person)

6 weeks $300

8 weeks $400

9 weeks $450

10 weeks $500

Interested in joining but need to build foundational skills first? A small number of private prep sessions are available to bring you up to speed so you can enjoy our class together before the series begins.

Washington Artist’s Association

Mondays, 1:00 to 4:00 PM | Sep 14, 21, 28, Oct 5, 12, 19, 26 and Nov 2

Location: Norman Sunshine Center, 11 Green Hill Road, Washington, C

“As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see.” Vincent Van Gogh

“Every leaf speaks bliss to me ~ Fluttering from the autumn tree”. Emily Bronte

 Watercolors are a perfect media for capturing the brilliance of our New England Autumn.  In this class participants will learn about safe studio practices, materials and techniques that will make watercolor painting a joy! We will work from fall foliage still lives and as time allows, learn how to interpret our favorite fall foliage photographs into paintings. All levels are welcome!

A materials list is available for registered students.

EdAdvance

Catalogue comes out in August 2026

Watertown HS,

Tuesdays 6:30-8:30pm, six weeks:

Dates: Sept. 15.22.29; 10/6,13,20.

According to John Singer Sargent, "You can't do sketches enough. Sketch everything and keep your curiosity fresh."  In this class, we'll strive to keep that freshness alive! We'll cover the basics and then explore creating sketches from autumn inspired still lives.  Students will sharpen their skills by creating several studies and sketches to take home.  All levels welcome!  Recommended materials list will be sent to students.

Edadvance

Catalogue comes out in August 2026

Sketching Portraits Watertown HS. Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm Dates:  Sept. 16,23, skip 30th; 10/7,14,21,28

Many masters express that if you can sketch a portrait, then you can paint it.  In this class, we'll "Cultivate an ever-continuous power of observation" (John Singer Sargent) as we explore sketching portraits.  Students will benefit from a review of the basic skills drawing and mark making, facial proportions, and weekly demonstrations.  Students will  practice creating several portraits for taking home.  A recommended materials list will be shared prior to our first class. ShawnaLee W. Kwashnak is a board member of the Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists.

Through EdAdvance Litchfield

Catalogue comes out in August 2026

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!

Mini-Semester One Day Intensive Class
TBA: A Saturday in August
10-3:30pm with 30 minute lunch break (1-1:30)

Washington Artists Association

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” — Jacques Cousteau

Portraitist ShawnaLee W. Kwashnak will lead a summer watercolor workshop that will enhance each participant's experience for creating captivating paintings of sandy beaches to stunning sunset views. Participants will gain valuable experience learning about the varied methods of painting with watercolors that can be immediately applied to paintings.

This one-day intensive will include learning techniques, practical exercises, and creating a painting of choice with guidance. ShawnaLee will lead students through several demonstrated techniques and processes of watercolor painting followed by student practice and exploration. Under master-level guidance, students will create several small, summer-inspired paintings that capture the fluid light and vibrant energy of the coast. All levels are welcome!

Mini-Semester One Day Intensive Class

A Saturday in August ____, 2026

Washington Artists Association

10-3:30pm with 30 minute lunch break (1-1:30)

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” — Anatole France

 Pet lovers are invited to explore the art of capturing their favorite companions on paper. In this mini-semester class, students will learn essential techniques for creating lifelike pet sketches, with a focus on deep observation, accurate proportion, and expressive detail.

 Through brief live demonstrations and personalized, guided practice, participants will develop a deeper understanding of the traditional sketching process. They will learn how to successfully translate reference images into dynamic, soulful drawings. This course is designed to build artistic confidence, improve hand-eye coordination, and help students bring their unique creative goals to life. Students are encouraged to bring photos of their own beloved pets to work from during class.

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 upon registration.

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.

Testimony from Brookfield Parks & Rec: "just wanted to let you know that (a student) called to compliment your classes and teaching style. He was very happy with the program, so I wanted to make sure to pass that along. Nice job!" Dan Gagne, Brookfield Parks & Rec.

Group Drawing Experience

Your friends already thinks creatively — this gives them the skills to show it.

ShawnaLee transforms your space into a working art studio for an afternoon your friends won't forget. No experience needed. Everyone starts together, learns together, and leaves with something they actually made.

Each session opens with a guided demonstration and personal handout, then moves into hands-on sketching with individual support from ShawnaLee throughout. Your friends gain real drawing skills, build confidence, and bond over something genuinely new.

Choose your subject — popular choices include leaves, acorns, seashells, pumpkins, seed pods, doorways, winter landscapes, and flowers. Custom subjects welcome.

Custom Programming

Every group experience is designed specifically for their interests — number of participants, session length, subject matter, location, and materials are all tailored. Pricing reflects the full scope of your vision.

Corporate events, employee field days, multi-session programs, and school residencies all welcome.

Insured. COI on request.

To receive a custom proposal:artist@shawnalee.com

Beginners Oil Painting

Aren’t oils really messy and dangerous? Not necessarily! Let’s dispel some myths together!

Oil painting is more approachable than you think — and more rewarding than almost anything else you can do with a brush. This four-week class is designed to help you get comfortable with the medium, confident with your materials, and genuinely excited about what you can create.

Over four two-hour sessions, you'll learn studio safety, palette setup, and color mixing, then move into hands-on painting. We’ll explore different approaches to creating paintings such as Alla-Prima (direct) painted wet-into-wet, painting over an imprimatura (toned surface) and explore creating a Grisaille and glazing color.

Suitable for complete beginners through advanced artists seeking to freshen their approaches.

Details

Format: 4 weeks · 2 hours per session. Rate starting at $250 per person; Travel fees beyond 10 miles from the studio apply. Minimum 4 paid students.

Host perk: The hosting student attends free.

A $40 per person demonstration materials fee applies.

Students bring their own supplies — a personalized recommended materials list is provided upon registration.

Fully insured.

Interested? Email ShawnaLee at artist@shawnalee.com to check availability, corporate pricing, or to book for your group.

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.

Improve your skills with this class!

Insured. More information provided to booked classes.

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The humble pumpkin is one of the most satisfying subjects — full of curve, shadow, and character. In this lively two-hour class, ShawnaLee guides your group from basic mark-making through to a fully developed sketch, with live demonstration and individual support and positive encouragement throughout.

Perfect for autumn gatherings, community events, library programs, and art groups of all experience levels.

Guests are welcome to bring their own pumpkins and pencils, or work from class examples. All materials provided.

Group size: 10–25 participants

Duration 2 hours

Starting at $500. Please inquire for your groups needs.

Travel fees may apply. Fully insured. COI on request.

Planning a corporate event? Inquire for corporate pricing.

To book: artist@shawnalee.com

BOOK THIS CLASS!

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! Students are encouraged to bring 8×10” printed photos of their pets.

Demonstration sketches available for purchase.

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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 incredible 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. (Please provide one weeks notice for opting for instructor provided materials.) ‍

‍Book this program! ‍

Fine arts training does something no other class can: it teaches students to truly see. The observational skills, patience, problem-solving, and visual thinking developed through drawing and painting carry directly into every other discipline—from architecture and geometry to biology and medicine.

ShawnaLee brings decades of master-level instruction into your classroom, guiding students from basic mark-making through composition, perspective, and working from life. With live demonstrations and individual attention throughout, students leave more confident, more discerning, less dependent on AI, and better prepared for whatever creative or academic path they pursue.

What Your Program Can Include

Programs are highly flexible, ranging from single-day intensives to multi-week residencies. Longer programs address the following concepts on a deeper level:

• Visual interpretation and gesture drawing

• Thumbnail sketching and composition

• Linear and atmospheric perspective

• Media exploration and studio safety

• Ethical and traditional reference sourcing

Disciplines Offered: Fine Arts Drawing, Watercolors, Oil Painting, and Papier-Mâché Sculpture.

Logistics & Requirements

• Classroom Setup: Tables, stools, basic student art supplies, a single directional light source, and items for a still life.

• Technology: Overhead projection is helpful for demonstrations but not required.

• Mandatory No-Electronics Policy: Absolutely no electronics are permitted in the studio. This includes smartphones, iPads, laptops, smartwatches, or other electronic references. Students learn best when challenged to interpret directly from life. Every effort will be made to help them bridge this skills gap and confidently reclaim the art of sketching from life. [1]

Booking & Customization

Programs are custom-designed for your school's unique goals, schedule, and student developmental levels. Pricing is based on program scope and the number of students served.

To bring ShawnaLee to your school, please contact: artist@shawnalee.com

Vacation Bible School

Middlebury Congregational Church

the last weekend in June and into July

for youth, ages preschool through highschool. The older children can be counselors.

I will be teaching fine arts.