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My Teaching Philosophy
I’ve been teaching art for over thirty years and I’ve learned the most valuable thing I can do for my students is give them the tools they need to develop their own style. Depending on the class, I teach them how to use the materials, the basics of composition, how to see.
I encourage them to experiment, to go beyond what I’ve taught and find their own artistic voice.
It’s about developing confidence. And playfulness. And discovering how much fun mark making can be.
Where I Teach
Most of my larger workshops, (6-10) people, are taught at Artists Studios in the Foothills. This facility is centrally located between Grass Valley and Nevada City. It’s easy to get to, has plenty of street parking and, most important of all, a large classroom with lots of windows providing natural light.
I also teach small group and private lessons in my studio located in the forest just outside Nevada City.
Unless otherwise noted in the course description, I provide the materials for my workshops. I do this to give you the opportunity to learn a new media or technique without having to commit to what could be a costly investment in paint and tools.
A few student comments from some of my recent classes:
“This is the most relaxed I’ve ever been learning a new technique.”
“I get it–it’s all about LIGHT!!!”
“This is better than therapy, and not nearly as expensive!”
“Susan Lobb-Porter’s Weekend Cold Wax workshop was fantastic. She had plenty of materials for us to experiment and play with and also provided enough freedom to explore the medium and just the right amount of support if we got stuck or needed feedback. Overall a lovely weekend filled with discovery and delight. Thank you Susan!”
Individual or Small Group Classes
Held in my studio or, weather permitting, outside under the trees. Class size is limited to 5.
If you’re not local and want to learn from me: Any of my workshops and classes can be taught one on one in my studio at your convenience. Better yet, bring a friend or two and make an event of it. Spend the morning making art, the afternoons hiking or exploring the historical Gold Rush towns of Nevada City and Grass Valley before taking in a play or musical performance in some of our many performing arts venues. Contact me via the link above to discuss options and make arrangements.
Fall 2023 Workshops
Discovering Cold Wax
October 28-29 10AM-3PM
Cold wax is FUN. It’s also totally different than anything you’ve ever done with paint. Think ‘deconstruction’. Think ‘excavation’. Think ‘spontaneity’. Think all of the above and you might come close to understanding what it’s all about. In this workshop you’ll create multiple small studies while learning how to incorporate cold wax medium with oils and mixed media. People often think of cold wax with oil paint but that’s only part of it. Cold wax is truly a mixed media medium.
This workshop is for all levels, as long as you have a basic understanding of composition and color and want to learn a new medium. If you’ve already studied Cold Wax with me this is an opportunity to take it even further.
October 28-29, 2023 from 10AM-3PM in my Nevada City Studio. Directions will be sent after registration.
$350, all materials included.
Walkabout: From Inspiration to Abstraction
November 4-5, 2023 10AM-3PM
This is a subject near and dear to my heart, how to find inspiration for abstract paintings in the everyday ordinary.
After this class you’ll never look at anything the same way again. Every walk, whether it’s on the trail or in town, will become a source of artistic inspiration. And you’ll never wonder what to paint because you’ll have sketchbooks full of ideas.
On the first day of this two day workshop we’ll walkabout my property taking photos (bring your camera phone!) and making quick sketches of whatever interests you. Rocks, trees, flowers, farm equipment–I’ve got it all. Back in the studio I’ll teach you how to edit and analyze your photos and sketches, how to drill down and hone in to find the abstract. By the end of the weekend you’ll have a number of bold and exciting compositions in your sketchbook and at least one painting finished or well underway.
November 4-5, 2023 10AM-3PM in my Nevada City Studio. Directions will be sent after registration
$350 all materials included (except for your camera phone!)
Mixed Media Collage
November 18-19, 2003 10AM-3PM
In this workshop you’ll learn how to alter and transfer magazine images, make your own collage papers and put it all together into something uniquely your own. We’ll be using acrylic paints and mediums, all sorts of mark making tools and gelli plates. I’ll provide everything you’ll need, just bring your lunch and an apron–and if you don’t have one of those, well I have a few extra. This workshop is suitable for all levels.
$350, includes all materials.
November 18-19 10AM-3PM in my Nevada City studio. Directions given at registration
Cheap Thrills!
December 2-3, 2023 10AM-3PM
Kick that inner critic to the curb as you discover the joy of making art without fear–because we’re gonna make a lot of it! And I mean a LOT! Cheap paper, cheap paint and so much art it will make your head spin. And that’s a good thing. You won’t have time to over think and second guess the creative process–and that’s how good art happens. This workshop is for all levels, whether you’re new to painting and don’t know where to begin or an experienced painter feeling the need for a creative push. We’ll work with acrylics, collage and all sorts of mark making tools as you let go of expectations and discover what it’s like to be spontaneous in your creative process.
$350, all materials included, just bring an apron, painting clothes and maybe some chocolate for the teacher. Yes, definitely chocolate!
December 2-3, 2023 10AM-3PM in my Nevada City studio. Directions given at registration.
