Michele regularly runs classes
for beginners and intermediate students in Maleny, as well as one and
two day workshops either in Maleny or away.
Regular classes are restricted in size to eight people to allow each
student appropriate individual attention. Classes run for 2 ½ hours
with coffee/tea served midway, but no cessation of class.
In order to set a firm foundation for art experience, beginner
students are introduced to the basic elements and principles of art –
an 8 week course, before commencing watercolour tuition. It is assumed
Intermediate students have been exposed to this basic art theory,
however, these elements and principles are reinforced continually in
class.
Demonstration of technique and exercises designed to develop
watercolour skills, are teaching methods Michele employs. The tutor
does not touch the student’s piece, but techniques for solving various
problems the student encounters will be demonstrated on a separate
sheet of paper.
As an important teaching tool, students are encouraged to submit
their work within the class for critique. Students are encouraged to
attend workshops conducted by other artists who have superior skills
and experience to Michele. They are also encouraged to develop their
own style, confidence as artists, and learn to critique their own and
other’s work in a constructive way.
"…You never burst my
bubble. My dream that
I could achieve success! Whenever I gave up hope you revived me and
gave
me the encouragement I needed to try again. That was the most
important
lesson you gave me. I am very grateful to you for that.
You were always generous with your knowledge. Your demos were
awe-inspiring
to say the least!! You were able to move between your students with
apparent
ease and keep us all "hard at it" in spite of our very different
levels of skill and achievements. Surprisingly I have never desired
to
move to an easier mode of painting. I have been sucked in by your
enthusiasm
for watercolour painting…"
Virginia , May, 2007
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"…I can attest to her
patience and willingness to spend time
with her students who are attempting to grasp the intricacies of the
interaction
of paint and water on paper. Her classes are relaxed, creative
sessions that
give an immense feeling of satisfaction. Be it that you are drawn
to landscape,
seascape, portraiture or still life, Michele has the training,
knowledge
and skills to enable you to develop your preference and your own
style and
expression. "Michele has imparted to me the joy and enchantment of
watercolour.
The magic of this medium has pulled me in and I know it will always
be part
of my life."
Anne
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"You have encouraged
and challenged me, and my paintings
have become bolder and stronger.
I appreciate the consistency of your approach and your reinforcement
of focus and basic principles of composition and design."
Valda
, Retired teacher, July, 2007
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"Michele is a generous
teacher, sharing her skills as
an artist. She is encouraging to students, no matter whether
they
are beginners or more advanced.
At the same time Michele offers an honest assessment of her students’
work,
along with guidance as to how to improve the students’ skills.
Michele is a conscientious and excellent teacher who leads her students
in a positive way to progress and enjoy watercolour painting.”
Andree , retired
teacher
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“…Michele has
mastered the art of teaching. She
constantly demonstrates the ability to:
- Plan and
provide lessons that are tailored for each student to
experience success regardless of their level.
- Appraise
student work in a constructive, positive manner.
- Teach
techniques in an easy-to-understand way
- Build a rapport
with each student….”
Keith, retired
teacher/lecturer, June 2007 |
Michele has an amazing
eye for watercolours and an intuitive
understanding of how the colours, brushstrokes and paper will
combine.
She encourages beginners to use quality paper, paints and brushes
and is
able to achieve stunning results from a limited range of colours.
Michele
has demonstrated various techniques for painting subjects ranging
from
portraiture, land and seascapes to buildings and perspective. She
is able
to draw on her formal art training to assist with these subjects.
Michele
encourages all students to paint from their own subjects to ensure
they
have a real connection with their paintings. Michele has continued
to extend
her skills by attending workshops as well as presenting them
herself. She
encourages her students to also attend workshops and bring their
learnings
back to share with the group. Michele has an informal friendly
teaching
style that would make any newcomer feel comfortable. Her feedback
and critiques
of students’ work are always delivered in a positive manner. She
continually provided me with guidance and helped me rescue many of
my mistakes.
Michele was able to assist in overcoming any challenging
subject…..”
Sharon , June 2007 |
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