Private Art Lessons

Teaching art to children and watching them create is a never-ending well of inspiration. Their inhibition is amazing.

So proud of N & his sister E, ages 10 and 12. They have been taking private art lessons with me on and off for several years and we recently delved into Picasso and his Cubist period.  They were inspired to create their own Cubist self-portraits, which I think turned out amazing.

Their mom had very specific color schemes for them to work with in mind because these are going to be presented to their Dad at his surprise 50th B-day party this weekend and will hang int their living room.  Mom has been planning this party for months, leaving no detail to chance, but there is no doubt their masterpieces are going to steal the show.

"Observe the wonders as they occur around you. Do not claim them. Feel the artistry moving through and be silent. "  - Rumi

Teach the Children Well

I think one of the greatest compliments I ever received was being told I am naturally good with children. For the past six years, it is my love of working with them combined with my passion for art that has called me to teach. I have had the pleasure of encountering so many wonderful students and their families through my years of teaching at the Dallas Museum of Art, Art Stop in Preston Center and offering private lessons at my home studio.

This Fall marks my return to teaching children's art regularly. I took some time off while my third and youngest was born and I adjusted to life with three small children.  This time also enabled me to focus more on my own painting, and now as life starts to settle a bit I am working to find a way to incorporate both into my regular routine.  It is so much fun to be able to tell the kids I work with that I am a "real" artist, they love to hear about my gallery shows, and what it's like to work in a studio and sell paintings.  They love asking me how much money I make--their candor always makes me laugh.

Although I used to teach nearly full-time, I am only taking on one regular class this Fall at Art Stop (Mondays from 3:45 - 4:45). I am so grateful to Kathleen Alexander, Art Stop's Owner, for allowing me to return to something I love and, best of all, bring my 4.5 year-ols to the class with me and expose her to the magic of Art Stop.  Kathleen is like a second mom, a mentor and a dear friend all rolled into one.  In Art Stop she has created a haven of creativity for these kids. (That's us up there in the picture, teaching the kids together. Selfishly, I find this time to be so much fun...I can't believe that I get paid for it.)

Private lessons and camps will come later. My head is teeming with ideas on ways to reach out to kiddos but I have to put my own young ones first right now.  Until then, I am thrilled to be back in the classroom.

"You Make My Dreams Come True"

This is Wally Linebarger. I had the pleasure of having him as my high school art teacher. He was one of those talented instructors who changed your life, shaped you as a person, and left footprints on your soul--not to mention an incredible artist. He let me "hide" in the art room during boring assemblies, dramatic high school crises, and lunch breaks, and while I worked, he listened and guided and helped me grow in so many ways. I can only hope to impact my art students the same way he has impacted me. We have kept in touch over the years and last night I received the most touching email from him:

"Gina, I love, love love your new work. You make my dreams come true, as Hall and Oates said. I once had a dream that I would be an inspiration to at least one student to aspire to greatness. You made my dream come true."

I could live off this validation for months! Thanks Wally, I love you!