Art class in progress at Sue's studio

Small by design.
Serious by intent.

Sue teaches private and semi-private lessons for teens and adults, with a maximum of two students per session. Every hour of instruction is directed at the student in the room — no one gets lost in a crowd.

The curriculum is tailored to each student's interests and skill level. Beginners are welcome. Advanced students push further. The goal is always to help you see more carefully and make the work you actually want to make.

Classes are held at Sue's home studio in Moorpark, CA. Sue provides all working materials for your first session so you can explore before investing in supplies.

Simple, transparent rates

All rates are per student, per session. Sessions are typically 2–3 hours.

First Class
$55
introductory session

  • Meet Sue and discuss your goals
  • Hands-on first session
  • Working materials provided by Sue
  • No commitment required
Book First Class
Most Popular
Per Session
$100
per class · pay as you go

  • Private or semi-private instruction
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Ongoing critique and guidance
  • No minimum commitment
Book a Session
Monthly
$345
per month · best value

  • Includes 4 sessions per month
  • Priority scheduling
  • Consistent studio rhythm
  • Best for committed students
Monthly Plan

Materials are not included in the session fee and vary by medium. Sue will send a full materials list before your first session. Gift certificates available — contact us to arrange.

8 disciplines, one studio

Watercolor

Sue's primary medium and deepest passion. From washes and wet-on-wet technique to layered glazing and hard edges — students learn to work with water, not against it.

Drawing

The foundation of all visual work. Observational drawing, contour, gesture, proportion, and value. Students at all levels benefit from time with pencil and paper.

Acrylic Painting

Versatile, forgiving, and vibrant. Lessons cover color mixing, painting from observation, and using acrylics for everything from tight realism to loose impressionistic work.

Printmaking

Collagraph, monoprint, and relief techniques. Sue's printmaking background gives students a deeper understanding of line, texture, and how a layered mark accumulates meaning.

Sumi-e Ink

The Japanese art of ink brush painting. Lessons focus on gesture, spontaneity, and the economy of mark-making — skills that translate powerfully into every other medium.

Batik & Textiles

Wax resist dyeing on fabric. A tactile, process-oriented practice that rewards patience and produces striking results. Taught as both art and craft.

Silk Painting

Gutta-resist and dye techniques on silk. A close cousin to batik, prized for luminous, flowing color — scarves, panels, and wearable art.

Multimedia

Collage and combined techniques for students who want to move beyond a single medium and build a more personal, layered visual language.

Sessions & Workshops

Upcoming classes open for enrollment. Each listing includes date, time, materials, and cost.

Aug
9
Sun
Art in the Park – August 2026
Upcoming
10:00am - 11:30am
Max 10 students
8 of 10 spots available
Materials: Shetch pad and your preferred materials
Cost: 10.00
Hone your eye for detail in this 90 minute experiential class where we visit the local park and talk about the details we see. For you: Water, Sunblock, comfortable clothing. Optionally, something to sit on. For your Art: Your eyes, and your preferred on-the-go medium- pen and paper, sketchbook & pen, digital device- your call.
Sep
13
Sun
Art in the Park – September 2026
Upcoming
10:00am - 11:30am
Max 10 students
Materials: Shetch pad and your preferred materials
Cost: 10.00
Hone your eye for detail in this 90 minute experiential class where we visit the local park and talk about the details we see. For you: Water, Sunblock, comfortable clothing. Optionally, something to sit on. For your Art: Your eyes, and your preferred on-the-go medium- pen and paper, sketchbook & pen, digital device- your call.

Art in the community

Beyond the private studio, Sue is committed to making art education accessible. As the former Director of Very Special Arts (VSA) New Mexico, she developed programs connecting local artists with differently abled adults — teaching art and creating inclusive community exhibits that brought people together through creative expression.

  • Inclusive arts programs for differently abled adults
  • Local gallery and art center classes
  • Group workshops for organizations and private events

Interested in scheduling a group workshop or community program? Get in touch to discuss availability and format.

Woodblock print — community program work

From the sessions

Work in progress, finished pieces, and the occasional mess.

Art in the Park
Block Carving School for the Blind
Kauai Shade Search
Hā’ena State Park
Children’s Peace Banner
Small Group Weaving on Banner
Weaving onto Peace Banner
Weaving Closeup
Weaving Begins
Peace Banner  Display
Art Fun at Camp
Very Special Arts Paints 2
Very Special Arts Paints
Dinosaur Event
Pulling Block Prints School for the blind
Basics of Printmaking
Printmaking Basics
Print 1 Process
Print 1
Print 2
Rubbing Print
Carving block
Lino Block print class
Linoprint from block
Monochrome
Sumi Class Poppy
Sumi Class Pussywillow
Alcohol Ink Class
Book Basics
Book from class
Self portrait minimal class
Acrylic Class
Small Canvas Class
Evil Twin
Botanicals Classs
Palm Tree Botanical
Rock Painting Class
Still Life Class
Word Art
Zentangle
Proportions
Half and Half
Botanical Observation

Common questions

Absolutely not. Sue works with complete beginners as enthusiastically as she works with experienced painters. The first session is always about establishing where you are and where you'd like to go — not about what you already know.
For your first session, Sue provides all working materials so you can experience the medium before committing to a kit. After that, she'll send a tailored materials list so you can build your own supplies based on what you want to pursue and your budget.
Sessions are typically 2–3 hours. The pace is relaxed — there's time to really work through a painting rather than just demonstrate technique and move on.
Life happens. Please give at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice may be charged in full. Monthly students can carry a session forward to the following month.
Yes — art lessons make a wonderful gift. Contact Sue directly to arrange a gift certificate for any session type or dollar amount. She'll send you a personalized certificate to present.
Classes are held at Sue's home studio in Moorpark, CA. Plein air sessions at selected outdoor locations can also be arranged.

Ready to make something?

The first class is just $55 — and Sue provides working materials so you can experience the medium before investing in your own kit. Reach out to check availability and schedule your first session.