"I will never look at the world the same way again!"
— Roberta Conroy, online student, Palm Springs, CA
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"I found Suzanne a few years ago through her blog and loved her paintings and music. I was really excited when she decided to do online classes. I started from the absolute beginning, and have learned so much and gained confidence with drawing and painting.
What is very important to me, however, is that the course is more than just the mechanics of drawing and painting. Suzanne also addresses the whole creative process and personal growth through art, which is one of the main reasons I chose this course."
—Trish Green Barrows, online student, Candor, NY
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"I'm such a face-to-face communicator, I never thought an online environment could be effective for teaching. I never thought I'd like the video format. But in your online course, I'm not distracted by extraneous things that would otherwise catch my attention. Even better, I don't have to drive anywhere!
I feel like it's the benefit of private tutoring with the advantage of other students' work to look at. You've put together a really well-planned, well-thought out, beautifully presented product with tremendous depth and breadth.
I want to thank you for this class. I might have put off drawing for the rest of my life."
— Susan Spak, online student, Storrs, CT
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"I look back at where I started with my first drawings and see how far I have come in such a short period of time. I really appreciate how you have fostered my growth and brought out of me a hidden talent. I feel transformed."
—Dr. Maureen Briggs, online student, San Luis Obispo, CA
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"I want to express what a fantastic job you have done with the online class (and I am a tough critic.) You are truly a masterful teacher and have taken impressive command of the online realm for your purpose. The videos are extraordinarily helpful. I watched each of them several times. I feel truly blessed to be a part of your first online class."
—Edwina Horn, online student, Washington, D.C.
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"I was uncertain about the technical details of an online course and I am surprised at the successful way Suzanne has made everything seem easy. Suzanne's encouragement to each of us is very helpful and inspiring. Even when we are encountering technical problems, she is easily able to teach us how to resolve those problems.
"This course has relaxed me in other areas of my life. Although I am still disciplined, I am now able to prioritize my homework assignments instead of procrastinating. Suzanne has taught me to "just do it!" I gathered up my courage and participated in an art show this past weekend and actually sold my first piece.
"I absolutely recommend this course to friends and colleagues, and have definitely learned more than I expected about drawing and seeing."— Ellen Howard Bentz, online student, Johns Island, SC
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"Your online course is a wonderful blend of 21st century technology and learning techniques with traditional foundation instruction and a modern perspective. We're grateful for what you're doing. It's very exciting." —Dr. Nancie Schweikert, online student, Nashville, TN
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"When I am having a terrible day at work - stressed out with a task list longer than my arm - I hear Suzanne's voice in my head reminding me to just take time to breathe. Take time to draw. So I find a few minutes to put pencil to paper and capture something around me. Not only does it recharge something in my spirit and heart, it makes the stress around me disappear for a moment. so I truly can breathe.
Suzanne gives you a magic that you take with you, that changes the way you see the world. For me, the drive and inspiration to paint is re-focused with each class session but lasts until the next session." — Christine Gill, Mount Juliet, TN
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“When the student is ready the teacher will appear”. (Buddhist proverb)
I had hoped (for a long time) that I would find a teacher like you. When your web-site appeared to me I was captivated by your amazing watercolors and your stories in song. Oh, and I was so pleased that you had a backyard studio too. I love walking down the little path to your workshop passing flowers, birds and kittens on my way. Your backyard is an oasis and you are an artist in the truest sense of the word.
I have always loved watercolors, but was never able to master the techniques. Your instruction has finally moved me in the right direction. During the last eight weeks I have gained the knowledge and confidence to work on my own. The principals you have taught us are ancient and solid. Your methods make them easier to understand and apply.
I am so looking forward to your advanced classes.
Thank you for sharing your many gifts with us. —Marie Hayman, Nashville, TN
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“I must say without any doubt that the art classes I have taken under Suzanne McDermott have proven to be more enjoyable and more beneficial than any other classes in town. I've tried Watkins College of Art and several classes under other instructors. Suzanne's teaching method moves step by step from the beginning, first building a firm foundation in drawing, then learning colors and combinations to paint in watercolor.
The spiritual aspect of her instruction was helpful not only in my painting but in other aspects of my life as well, teaching me to quiet the critical mind and giving me the courage to push forward to create something I could truly enjoy. I would recommend her classes above all others.” — Debbie Russell, Nashville, TN
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"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'm inspired by your passion as an artist."
— Sharon Cole, online student, Los Angeles, CA
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"I wanted to let you know what a big impact your drawing lessons have had on my music composition and poetry writing. Your advice to "just keep your pencil moving, avoid using the eraser" has really helped me keep "moving" in my other creative activities. Thanks to you, I am now experiencing less blocking, fussing over details, etc., and more FREEDOM! It's a much happier way to work. Thanks!" —Biff Fink, Nashville, TN
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"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
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"Suzanne, you ROCK! You are awesome and you inspire me so much!"
—Holly Armstrong, Publishing professional, Nashville, TN
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“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
