Donna McGee
Artist
Teaching Philosophy
I believe that anyone who has the interest and perseverence can learn to draw and paint. My goal is to make the experience as positive as possible so that students can eventually fly on their own.
In all of my courses, I cover colour theory, information on pigments and safety, various mediums, composition, techniques, references to art history and drawing ― basically the whole gamut of information necessary for you to achieve your vision ― or at least begin your journey in this wonderful world of art.
Important for you to know: I do not expect students to copy my work or style. You are all individual and your work will reflect that!
Although I choose a theme for each 10-week session, every topic is included as needed. Some history of art comes into play too.
Acrylic
Acrylic paint is the most versatile paint available. With the various consistencies from acrylic inks to super-heavy body paints that retain all the texture you put on the surface, along with the multiple choices of mediums and additives, you can achieve all sorts of wonderful things. Compared to traditional paints, you can get both watercolour effects and oil paint effects.
My classes include all levels of students and I help people work on their own projects, be it an abstraction, a representational original work, or mixed media.
Watercolour
Watercolour can be quite a challenging medium, but the results are well worth the effort. Classes are composed of a short lesson after which you work on your own project. I demonstrate techniques regularly and re-do so as often as needed. For beginners, I have everyone do an easy, monochromatic landscape in order to begin the process of familiarizing you with various techniques and the stages of the wetness of the paper, as well as the strength of the pigments.
Drawing
Ahhh! The basis of all pictorial art! At one point we often realize that learning to draw or improving our skills just really helps our painting, even if hyper-realism is not on our agenda. This course is designed to help you learn to see. I often repeat: Prepare to never be bored again!
Course content does not include models, so there is no portrait instruction or figure drawing per se (it often does creep in, though!). If you are drawing from a photo, I can help. The course does include perspective. As with all skills, practice makes perfect!
Classes, Workshops, Talks
I have continued my classes online via Zoom. They have been extraordinarily successful, so I will continue with this format. They are on Thursdays from 9 to noon or 1 to 4, EST. They are usually full, but contact me if you are interested.
I also teach classes outdoors during the summer, weather permitting.
Summer outdoor drawing sessions: taking names now by email at donnamcgee14@gmail.com. Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 12:00. Pay-as-you-go. $20. I give receipts at the end of the summer if you wish.
I also give talks on art historical subjects and am available to conduct workshops.
Available talks: "The Baroque Period," "Picasso's Les Desmoiselles d'Avignon: its importance," and "Colour: Everything you need to Know about pigment properties, quality, safety, harmonies and palettes."
Please contact me if you are interested in any of my courses, talks or workshops.