Classes and Private Lessons

The Academy provides the following art classes and private instruction in locations across Southwest Florida. Please refer to our student testimonials below for feedback from current and former students.

Creative Fun with Watercolors

(Beginners)

Do you want to discover the creativity that is within you? In this beginner class, watercolor painting is a FUN way to tap into your creativity. You learn basic watercolor techniques such as strokes, washes, mixing colors, masking, and resists. Elements and principles of design are explored for creating effective paintings. You also learn to value and support your artistic self. Participants need to bring the following supplies: Watercolor paint in tubes (alizarin crimson, cadmium yellow and phalo/cobalt/ or ultramarine blue), watercolor brushes (1" flat & #10 round), 140 lb watercolor paper (one large 24"x 30" sheet or a few smaller sheets), container for water and white plastic palette. No art experience is required.

Creative Fun with Watercolors

(Advanced Beginner and Intermediate)

Do you want to take your creativity to a deeper level? You receive instruction on additional techniques such as creating skies, reflections, shadows, etc. and continue to enjoy applying your knowledge of watercolor techniques and design to create effective and meaningful paintings. While working on your individual painting within a group setting, you receive instructor assistance, as well as group feedback through instructor led class critiques. Beginner level knowledge and skills of watercolor painting and drawing are required. Bring your own supplies.

Drawing: Learning to Use Your Artistic Eyes

(Beginners)

Would you like to develop the natural ability within you to draw? In this beginner class, you discover that learning to draw is a process of learning to see. Your basic visual, perceptual skills are the foundation of your ability to draw and are enhanced in this class through training. No art experience is required. Supplies are provided.

Creative Journaling

Would you like to make every day of your life count? In this class you are guided through creative exercises to develop your own unique journal. Learn about a creative journaling method that combines use of words and visual images made through guided visualization. This creative process helps you to use your creativity to learn and grow from your life experiences and develop a healthy balance in your life. A journal is provided. No art experience is required.

Connecting Creativity to Healthy Living

Do you want a more balanced, healthy, interesting life? Creative arts are part of preventing and healing from illnesses and life challenges. Through hands-on visual, performing and literary arts activities, learn to tap into your own creativity to heal your mind, body and spirit. Supplies are provided. No art experience is required.

Private Lessons

Susan is also available for private instruction. Cost is $90/hr in your home and $60/hr at Susan's home studio.

Class Scheduling

Academy Classes are currently being scheduled in the following communities:

Grandezza Country Club (Estero, FL): Introductory Workshop for Beginner Watercolor - Jan 30, 2008 from 10:00am -12:00 noon, cost $30 including supplies; Dealine for sign-up Jan 23rd. Creative Fun with Watercolors for Beginners - 4 week class on Feb 13, 20, 27, Mar 5, 2008 from 10:00am - 12:00 noon, cost $120, supplies not included. Deadline for sign-up Feb 6th.
Lighthouse Bay Community, (Bonita Springs, FL): Creative Journaling - 4 week class on Feb 6, 13, 20, Mar 5, 2008 from 1:00-3:00pm, cost $120 including supplies; Deadline for sign-up Jan 28th.

For questions or to sign up for a class or private lessons, please contact Susan.

Academy classes have been held at the following community locations in Southwest Florida:

Abuse and Counseling Treatment (ACT) Shelter, (Ft. Myers)
Aston Gardens, (Naples)
Arbor Trace, (Naples)
The Brooks, (Bonita Springs)
Bonita Bay (Bonita Springs)
Colonial Country Club (Ft. Myers)
Florida Gulf Coast University, (Ft. Myers)
Islandwalk, (Naples)
Moorings Park Creative Arts Studio, (Naples)
Renaissance Center Club at Palmira, (Bonita Springs)
Stoneybrook, (Estero)
The Strand Club (Naples)
Village Walk, (Naples)
The Vineyards, (Naples)
Vanderbilt Country Club, (Naples)

If you would like to have classes scheduled in your community, please contact Susan.

Student Testimonials

"She brought out in me creative abilities I didn't know I had and for the first time ever, got my right brain working with my left. The course was thoroughly enjoyable, both an exciting and fascinating experience."
Hunter Leake, MD, Ft. Myers, FL

"This course helped me realize how much I needed to pursue my creative talents, something I haven't done for years due to stressful demands on me and my time."
Susan Long, Naples, FL

"This is a most worthy course with a gifted teacher. It needs to reach people. I am finding her handout materials to be very useful. She fired up my thinking, expanded my understanding."
James Ward, Naples, FL

You captured me from the first sentence of your program and you have found a permanent place in my heart. Thank you so much for putting me back in touch with my creativity and for making me understand how I can positively share my joy with others."
Ron Diorio, Naples, FL

"This course will give you many views that will be new and exciting. She shares many references...there is much interaction. You may find by opening this window a new outlook in your life."
Jane Lange, Naples, FL
Parkinson's Association

You're a most gentle and kind person, very nurturing. I enjoyed your class tremendously.
Paula Zambreno, Naples, FL
Vanderbilt Country Club

This course was a jumpstart for my 'right brain' creativity. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to make positive changes in their perception about themselves and their lives.
Shelly Lucas, Ft. Myers, FL
Founder, Lightningseed Foundation

The class was excellent and I am singing your talents to all my art-inclined friends here at Lighthouse Bay. Your approach is so logical that it makes you think everything is achievable. Going from simple to complex or more variety is wonderful. As I mentioned before, your easy, calm, encouraging manner makes it a joy to be in your class.
Jean Ciroalo
Bonita Springs, FL