When my daughter was about seven years old, she asked me one day what I did at work. I told her I worked at the college—that my job was to teach people how to draw. She stared back at me, incredulous, and said, "You mean they forget?" — Howard Ikemoto
Drawing and Watercolor Classes In Nashville
Welcome to my Nashville Studio where I teach Basic Drawing and Watercolor Classes, Workshops and Private Lessons. Classes are small with loads of individual attention and encouragement.
2010 Schedule
Regular Classes
Drawing is one of the surest routes to self-realization. Learn the basic elements of drawing, how to see much better, accept yourself and develop the habit of practice.
Learn the principles of drawing through a series of illuminating exercises with encouraging guidance. In the final class, we'll explore wash technique with drawing to prepare for future watercolor. All materials are provided in take-home kit for additional fee — just bring your creative self!
March - April Schedule
SPECIAL $35 Intro to Drawing — Saturday afternoon
March 13
2:00 -4:30 PM $35
1 seat available
($5 off for set of 4 classes-see below)
This one-time intro class will help you get comfortable with a pencil and pen, discover that you can draw (Yes, You Can!) $35 bucks. You can't beat it. Don't be shy — Bring a couple of friends!
If you catch yourself saying "I can't draw a stick figure!" or "I can't draw a straight line!" or "My six-year old draws better than I do!"... Stop that right now! Come for an intro class and pull yourself together. Who wants to draw a stick figure anyway? What do you think rulers are for? Scroll up and read Howard Ikemoto's quote at the top of this page.
Basic Drawing Class — 3 Saturday Afternoons
March 20, 27, April 3
2:00 -4:30 PM
$90 + $35 take home materials fee
Prerequisite: Intro to Drawing Class -see above!
Register for this class
March 20, 27, April 3
2:00 -4:30 PM
$90 + $35 take home materials fee
Prerequisite: Intro to Drawing Class -see above!
Register for this class
Basic Watercolor Class — 4 Saturday Mornings
March 13, 20, 27, April 3
9:00 - 11:30 AM
$120 + $35 take home materials fee
Prerequisite: Basic Drawing Class
Register for this class
Basic Drawing Class — 4 Saturday Afternoons
April 10, 17, 24, May 1
2:00 -4:30 PM
$120 + $35 take home materials fee
Register for this class
READ THE DESCRIPTION OF MY CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS.
PRIVATE SESSIONS
Individual lessons are offered in drawing and watercolor. Fees start at $60 per hour.
SPECIAL $35 Intro to Drawing — Saturday afternoon
February 13
1:30 -4 PM
Basic Drawing Class — 3 Saturday Afternoons
February 20, 27, March 6
1:30 -4 PM
Full
Basic Drawing and Watercolor Workshop
To schedule a small group for a workshop, a private party or to discuss private sessions... Email Me!
READ THE DESCRIPTION OF MY CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS.
PRIVATE SESSIONS
Individual lessons are offered in drawing and watercolor. Fees start at $60 per hour.
2010 Schedule
see above for details + registration
January-February-March
Regular Classes
Basic Drawing Class — 4 Saturday Mornings
January 23, 30, February 6, 13
Full
Basic Drawing
Special Evening Class at USN
Tuesday, February 9
Full
see above for details + registration
January-February-March
Regular Classes
Basic Drawing Class — 4 Saturday Mornings
January 23, 30, February 6, 13
Full
Basic Drawing
Special Evening Class at USN
Tuesday, February 9
Full
Basic Watercolor
Special Evening Class at USN
Thursday, February 11
Full
Special Evening Class at USN
Thursday, February 11
Full
SPECIAL $35 Intro to Drawing — Saturday afternoon
February 13
1:30 -4 PM
Full
Basic Drawing Class — 3 Saturday Afternoons
February 20, 27, March 6
1:30 -4 PM
Full
Basic Watercolor Class — 3 Saturday Mornings
February 20, 27, March 6
9:30 AM - Noon
February 20, 27, March 6
9:30 AM - Noon
Full
SPECIAL $35 Intro to Drawing — Saturday afternoon
March 13
2:00 -4:30 PM $35
1 seat available
Basic Drawing Class — 3 Saturday Afternoons
March 20, 27, April 3
2:00 -4:30 PM
$90 + $35 take home materials fee
Prerequisite: Intro to Drawing Class
March 20, 27, April 3
2:00 -4:30 PM
$90 + $35 take home materials fee
Prerequisite: Intro to Drawing Class
Basic Watercolor Class — 4 Saturday Mornings
March 13, 20, 27, April 3
9:00 - 11:30 AM
March 13, 20, 27, April 3
9:00 - 11:30 AM
Basic Drawing Class — 4 Saturday Afternoons
April 10, 17, 24, May 1
2:00 -4:30 PM
$120 + $35 take home materials fee
April 10, 17, 24, May 1
2:00 -4:30 PM
$120 + $35 take home materials fee
Book the original 2- or 3-day Basic Drawing and Watercolor Workshop for your group or organization. Learn more about the workshop and how it works. This intensive workshop has been a great success for private groups, art centers, museums and other organizations across the country. I can adapt the workshop for the particulars of any group. Let's discuss how this can serve your group. Want just a drawing workshop? We can do that! Email me
Basic Watercolor Workshop
(prerequisite Basic Drawing Class)
Watercolor is a challenging and rewarding medium. This workshop instructs you on the materials and basic principles of watercolor with some basic exercises to demonstrate a few approaches. All materials are provided at additional fee— just bring your creative self!
(prerequisite Basic Drawing Class)
Watercolor is a challenging and rewarding medium. This workshop instructs you on the materials and basic principles of watercolor with some basic exercises to demonstrate a few approaches. All materials are provided at additional fee— just bring your creative self!
Follow up with a series of four classes to take full advantage of workshop instruction.
Stay tuned for next workshop and class series!
To schedule a small group for a workshop, a private party or to discuss private sessions... Email Me!
Class and Workshop Description
My Basic Drawing and Watercolor Classes and Workshops teach you everything you need to know about drawing and watercolor to start a practice of your own. Originally designed as a two-day workshop to be held entirely outdoors, we work with nature and, weather permitting, in nature as much as possible, learning from natural design and presentation in daylight.
These workshops and classes are designed for ages 10-100, for absolute beginners and as a refresher for experienced artists.
Explore drawing and watercolor without making a lengthy or expensive commitment, enhance your perceptive skills, understanding of design and develop more acute appreciation for the art of drawing and watercolor. Build a solid foundation for your understanding of art.
Beginning with drawing, we move through a series of progressive exercises interspersed with mini-lectures and demonstrations to build a solid foundation in drawing and watercolor while exploring form and color in the world around us. Instruction includes the fundamentals of tools and mediums, design concepts, color mixing and techniques to enhance the development of conceptual understanding and physical ability.
The ultimate in sustainable activities, the original 2-day workshop simplifies the process of drawing and watercolor and prepares you to do artwork on your own outside of a class situation. Materials are kept to essentials and work is done on a small, portable scale.
Discover a new sense of self, enhanced observational skills and experience a noticeable development of confidence and awareness. These classes and workshops are as much about learning to see as about making art.
These workshops and classes are designed for ages 10-100, for absolute beginners and as a refresher for experienced artists.
Explore drawing and watercolor without making a lengthy or expensive commitment, enhance your perceptive skills, understanding of design and develop more acute appreciation for the art of drawing and watercolor. Build a solid foundation for your understanding of art.
Beginning with drawing, we move through a series of progressive exercises interspersed with mini-lectures and demonstrations to build a solid foundation in drawing and watercolor while exploring form and color in the world around us. Instruction includes the fundamentals of tools and mediums, design concepts, color mixing and techniques to enhance the development of conceptual understanding and physical ability.
The ultimate in sustainable activities, the original 2-day workshop simplifies the process of drawing and watercolor and prepares you to do artwork on your own outside of a class situation. Materials are kept to essentials and work is done on a small, portable scale.
Discover a new sense of self, enhanced observational skills and experience a noticeable development of confidence and awareness. These classes and workshops are as much about learning to see as about making art.
Drawing workshops (without the watercolor) are also available for one or two days.
Contact me for further information or to schedule a class or workshop.
How the Workshop Works
The Basic Drawing and Watercolor Workshop is held over a period of two or three days from 8:30 AM to 4 PM each day.
The morning of Day One is devoted to Drawing and, after instruction on tools and a break for lunch, the afternoon is spent with Watercolor instruction.
Day Two puts everything learned the first day into practice and we end the workshop with intentions to extend the practice of drawing and watercolor into our daily lives.
The workshop was originally developed for the out of doors but can be (and has been) held in a variety of venues. If held indoors, lots of natural light is desirable.
The morning of Day One is devoted to Drawing and, after instruction on tools and a break for lunch, the afternoon is spent with Watercolor instruction.
Day Two puts everything learned the first day into practice and we end the workshop with intentions to extend the practice of drawing and watercolor into our daily lives.
The workshop was originally developed for the out of doors but can be (and has been) held in a variety of venues. If held indoors, lots of natural light is desirable.
Testimonials
"I will never look at the world the same way again!"
— Roberta Conroy, Palm Springs, CA
"You have a very generous spirit! You shared your vast knowledge of drawing and painting in a way that was easy to understand and very comprehensive. I was inspired by your passion as an artist."
— Sharon Cole, Los Angeles, CA
“I learned more in this one day workshop than I’ve learned in any other art course, anywhere, ever!”
— Susan Spak, Farmington, CT
"I am not particularly talented in drawing, but wanted to spend some time with the craft and get some pointers. Suzanne did a great job of encouraging all of her students, regardless of their level of expertise, and provided everyone with positive feedback as well as suggestions for how to improve our drawing and/or skills. In each class, she gave us a project or two which taught a skill related to drawing. All of us were appreciated at the level where we were able to perform. In fact, Suzanne admonished us for self-criticism. I wanted to commend Suzanne for teaching with such acceptance."
— Cheekwood Museum student, Nashville, TN
“To describe an introductory drawing and watercolor workshop given by Suzanne McDermott is to define a learning experience that blends a clear demonstration of basic techniques and insight with a creative spark and confidence that are contagious. Even now, many paintings down a road of artistic venture, I recall all that I learned that weekend with Suzanne with nothing but thanks and pleasure.”
— Mary O’Connor, Executive Director, Guilford Art Center, CT
— Roberta Conroy, Palm Springs, CA
"You have a very generous spirit! You shared your vast knowledge of drawing and painting in a way that was easy to understand and very comprehensive. I was inspired by your passion as an artist."
— Sharon Cole, Los Angeles, CA
“I learned more in this one day workshop than I’ve learned in any other art course, anywhere, ever!”
— Susan Spak, Farmington, CT
"I am not particularly talented in drawing, but wanted to spend some time with the craft and get some pointers. Suzanne did a great job of encouraging all of her students, regardless of their level of expertise, and provided everyone with positive feedback as well as suggestions for how to improve our drawing and/or skills. In each class, she gave us a project or two which taught a skill related to drawing. All of us were appreciated at the level where we were able to perform. In fact, Suzanne admonished us for self-criticism. I wanted to commend Suzanne for teaching with such acceptance."
— Cheekwood Museum student, Nashville, TN
“To describe an introductory drawing and watercolor workshop given by Suzanne McDermott is to define a learning experience that blends a clear demonstration of basic techniques and insight with a creative spark and confidence that are contagious. Even now, many paintings down a road of artistic venture, I recall all that I learned that weekend with Suzanne with nothing but thanks and pleasure.”
— Mary O’Connor, Executive Director, Guilford Art Center, CT
What to bring
Bring yourself, drinking water, a snack and an open mind.
If we are holding the workshop outdoors, be sure to bring a sun hat and sunscreen. For inclement weather, bring a waterproof jacket with hood or hat. If it's cold, wear something warm and bring a scarf. In any event, wear comfortable clothes and good walking shoes.
What not to bring:Cell phones, blackberries, lap tops and other electronic devices are not welcome.
If we are holding the workshop outdoors, be sure to bring a sun hat and sunscreen. For inclement weather, bring a waterproof jacket with hood or hat. If it's cold, wear something warm and bring a scarf. In any event, wear comfortable clothes and good walking shoes.
What not to bring:Cell phones, blackberries, lap tops and other electronic devices are not welcome.
Where have you taught?
Suzanne McDermott developed her intensive Drawing and Watercolor workshop in 1997 for guests at the Kiawah Island Resort in South Carolina. Since then she has taught the workshop and the Drawing and Watercolor classes that have emerged from that workshop for private groups and organizations and, with return engagements, at the Guilford and Farmington Valley Art Centers in Connecticut, Gulf Coast Museum of Art in Largo, Florida, San Luis Obispo Art Center in California, Cheekwood Museum and University School of Nashville in Tennessee, National Audubon sites, National Historic sites, Elderhostels, and private schools.
Suzanne has served as juror in the Drawing and Printmaking categories for the Scholastic Art Competition and is Founder and Director of Drawing America.
Suzanne has served as juror in the Drawing and Printmaking categories for the Scholastic Art Competition and is Founder and Director of Drawing America.
Private Workshops
If you would like to bring me to your place for a private workshop, to an art center or some other venue in your community, I will be happy to discuss how we can make that work. Just email me and we'll explore the possibilities.
About the Instructor
Creative professional, Suzanne McDermott is Executive Director of Drawing America.
Suzanne has been painting with watercolor since the age of five. Commissioned for much of her early work, her watercolors have been featured in solo and group shows in Los Angeles, Sarasota, FL, Charleston, SC, Petersburg and Culpeper, VA, Nashville, TN and are in private collections in the US and Europe. In 1997, Suzanne developed her intensive Basic Drawing & Watercolor Workshop in South Carolina at the Kiawah Island Resort. She has since taught the workshop at museums, art centers, National Audubon sites, National Historic sites, Elderhostels, schools, and for organizations and private groups across the country.
Suzanne studied Drawing, Watercolor, Design and Art History at The Philadelphia Museum of Art and Santa Monica College, and earned a B.A. in Humanities with a concentration in Drama, Art and Music from New College of Florida.
As a singer songwriter, she recorded five albums and toured throughout Europe and the US. She currently works in the studio she built in Nashville. Read a more extensive bio at suzannemcdermott.com.
To see Suzanne's recent paintings, go to Landscape into Art.
For more information on her work and background, visit suzannemcdermott.com.
Suzanne has been painting with watercolor since the age of five. Commissioned for much of her early work, her watercolors have been featured in solo and group shows in Los Angeles, Sarasota, FL, Charleston, SC, Petersburg and Culpeper, VA, Nashville, TN and are in private collections in the US and Europe. In 1997, Suzanne developed her intensive Basic Drawing & Watercolor Workshop in South Carolina at the Kiawah Island Resort. She has since taught the workshop at museums, art centers, National Audubon sites, National Historic sites, Elderhostels, schools, and for organizations and private groups across the country.
Suzanne studied Drawing, Watercolor, Design and Art History at The Philadelphia Museum of Art and Santa Monica College, and earned a B.A. in Humanities with a concentration in Drama, Art and Music from New College of Florida.
As a singer songwriter, she recorded five albums and toured throughout Europe and the US. She currently works in the studio she built in Nashville. Read a more extensive bio at suzannemcdermott.com.
To see Suzanne's recent paintings, go to Landscape into Art.
For more information on her work and background, visit suzannemcdermott.com.
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