Teaching children the joy of drawing in a positive, non-competitive environment

Hi, I'm Becky Gleason. Since 2007, I've had the privilege of helping hundreds of children discover their own innate artistic abilities by learning how to draw with more confidence, skill and technique.

Trained in the Monart Studio method of drawing, I help children understand how to look at something they want to draw as being made up of shapes and lines, allowing them to better transfer what they see onto their own paper.

I draw with them line by line, and teach them techniques for adding color and texture to their art. Before they know it, they've created a frame-worthy piece of art they can call their own!

ART FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Always one of the most popular classes I teach, Art From Around the World is a celebration of the incredible diversity of art from different regions of the world. Every culture has its own fascinating history with its own unique traditions and symbols. As we “travel” around the world, we’ll discuss unique designs and customs of the region, what they mean and why they are important to the people of that culture. We’ll explore how people live, and we’ll visit iconic examples of architecture that define each culture. Then, we’ll use markers, colored pencils, oil pastels and chalk to make our own works of art that reflect each culture. I like to describe this class as a little bit National Geographic, a little bit History Channel, and always a fun way to travel right in our own classroom, while we make a frame-worthy piece of art to take home!

AMERICAN MASTERS

We will learn about some of the best known artists that are from right here in the great United States of America. This class explores the styles and techniques of America’s own greatest artists, from colonial times to present day. We’ll cover John James Audubon, Mary Cassatt, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Norman Rockwell, Walt Disney, Jackson Pollock, and more! Each session will focus on one style and one artist. A brief biography of each artist will add interest to each project — but the best part will be the exploration, discovery and individual creativity that comes as we learn that every artist started at the very beginning — making their own mark. Students will learn that, just like America itself, Art is the great experiment!

MAKING ART WITH THE MASTERS

Making Art with the Masters presents a fun, kid-friendly look at some of the great Masters of the art world, including fun facts about the artists, and why their artwork is still important today! Starting with the earliest drawings found in caves, kids will learn about art through time and become more familiar with Masters like Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse and more. We’ll answer questions like who was Leonardo Da Vinci and why did he paint that lady with the famous smile? What makes paintings by Pablo Picasso so remarkable? What is Modern or Abstract art? Through visual presentation and discussion, students will a use a variety of art materials to interpret each Master’s style and to create their own vision of a masterpiece!

LET’S ROCK THE RAINFOREST!

Kids just love animals, and some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet live in the rainforest! We will learn about and draw all kinds of cool animals that crawl, climb, fly, swing, swim and slither in this wild and precious ecosystem! We’ll draw them in their natural habitat and learn what they eat, and how they live! We’ll use all of our art materials to create wonderful artwork of these magnificent creatures. The discussion portion of our learning is just as fun as the artwork we create, making for truly a great adventure in every class!

“Becky's guidance has allowed our daughter's natural talent to flourish! Even from a very young age, other parents have commented on our daughter's artistic abilities. But as two completely inartistic parents, how do you encourage and foster that talent? We didn't have a clue. Becky has been our daughter's artistic guiding light, while still allowing her the individuality to develop her own style and vision. And, even better, she has made it fun! For an 8 year old girl, if it's not fun, it just won't happen. We are so grateful for the guidance, direction, and artistic freedom Becky has given our daughter.” 



— Carolyn K. Fisher, Global Labor & Employee Relations, Ingersoll Rand

“The Best part of our day! The girls are peaceful and observant of beauty in nature for the rest of the day. Ms. Becky is affirming, encouraging and kind while teaching. Anyone can take apart what she or he is looking at, break it down to simple shapes and add color, perspective and direction for an individualized masterpiece. Such a great way to creatively connect, display and calm feelings in this stressful time.”

— Leigh Beth Lairamore

“With patience Becky Gleason instructs and encourages, making each pupil leave her presence feeling like a Picasso. Degas once penned, ‘Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.’ As their private instructor, Becky Gleason inspired our children to create on canvas and open others’ eyes to this beautiful world. Our family has been extremely blessed with the gift of ‘Ms. Gleason’. Time under her teaching is a most worthy investment.”

— Tara McClary Reeves, Best-Selling Children’s Book Author and Speaker

“Becky is such a thoughtful teacher in the way she approaches her lessons, paying close attention to the nuances of every child. She was very attuned to my child's strengths and abilities and took great care to develop my child's talents as a very young artist.

Becky teaches the children elements of shape and conducts warm ups and deeper learning as part of her lessons, then the children spend time drawing different pieces applying what they have learned. As such, Becky was able to keep my 6-year-old engaged and concentrating for a full 90 minutes — no easy task!

I was amazed by the pieces my young child was able to create through Becky's classes! At just 6 years old, she had learned how to convey distances in scenes and create landscapes as well as elaborate details on her animal drawings.

My daughter has emerged from Becky's class a more confident and engaged artist, excited about her future. I highly recommend Becky for brand new and experienced artists alike.”

— Liz Fetzer, Freelance Writer, M.A., Journalism & Mass Communications, University of Georgia