April Showers

We often create works that are informed by the time of year, so last week we did April Showers, focusing on rain, atmosphere, and how to make things look wet. The artists did a great job. We’ll be off for

Weekly Update

Happy Springtime from the Top!  The chicks have hatched, and I am hatching all kinds of fine art teaching plans. We’re getting ready for our 10th Annual Student Show and Auction at Bramhall’s Country Store opening May 18, 5-7. Everyone is

10th Annual Student Show

Check the list! If you or your artist have had any lessons with me in the past year, you are welcome to exhibit in this awesome event. And EVERYONE is welcome to join us for the opening and visit the

Art Schedule

We’ve had a lot of snow days over the past few weeks, but spring has sprung at the Top! I love using works from artist friends as teaching tools. For our nests, we looked at the gorgeous work of Eileen

Art Ahead

We’re getting excited for the spring here at the Top. We’re gearing up for this year’s annual student show and auction on May 18 at Bramhall’s Country Store, And we are working to get the new house and studio done,

Back at It

I hope everyone had a fabulous vacation. We’ll be back at it this week with Face-Vase-Negative Space, working with symmetry, shaking things up with non-dominant hands,  and learning about the importance of negative space in composition. Our 10th Annual Student Show at

Student Work & Weekly Update

Almost everyone has finished their self portraits. As I like to remind parents: We can’t be expecting masterpieces here, but we can be assured that the artists have learned so many really important things that they will never forget.  Enjoy

Selfies & Weekly Update

Once a year the students make self portraits. It is great to watch their development as they grow as artists.  This isn’t about making masterpieces; this is about learning to use values to create volume and contour, to understand proportions, to

Weekly Update

For the next few weeks we’ll be working on the self portraits. We do it every year, and it’s very important for every student to make one. Every piece can’t possibly be a masterpiece, but the great value is in

Fishy Business

Ten years ago I got three 17-cent goldfish for the kids to paint. Two of them died within a few months, but this guy has been thriving and lending his talents as a model whenever called upon. Painting a moving