Acrylic Exploration Class with Lise Gaffney

What: Acrylic Exploration Class with Lise Gaffney

Where: Ben Franklin's craft store, Grass Valley

When: Ongoing Fridays from 1:00-3:00

Cost:  $20/ class plus supplies. Sign up at Paper Arts desk near front, at least 20 minutes before class.

All levels welcome. Space available for drop-ins.

When the student is ready the teacher appears.  Are you ready?  Maybe I am your teacher.

I am an experienced local art teacher who has worked with all ages by providing a supportive creative atmosphere for people to explore and gain confidence in the Studio Arts.

    I grew up in California in a rural part of Napa County.  My family owned a display business and a cattle ranch.  My parents and grandparents (and my siblings and I) would travel far and wide installing department store windows and building county displays at Cal Expo in Sacramento. So growing up I was confused when people asked me what medium I liked to work with the most.  Was I a sculptor? A painter? A sign painter?  Was I even an artist?  I loved paper mache', welding, plaster, painting, building and designing. I had a lot of freedom and a lot of choices.  Unfortunately, as many of us do , I turned away from my passion for Art and went to school and studied Science at Humboldt State University.  I loved it all, but when I would walk through the Art buildings and smell linseed oil, I would come to tears... to see and feel and smell all the materials was like missing home in the worst way.

    Only recently after a whole lot of time not doing art, and a whole lot of life and a four year old daughter, have I come into accepting myself as an artist.  I am proud  to say that I have a local amazing Art Mentor named Lil McGill, who has ignited my creative fire.  I now identify as an Abstract Artist who tries to step out of the way and let Spirit paint through me.  I like to paint with acrylic paints on raw canvas using spray bottles and lots of rags, and watch in wonder at what appears.  I have a free and messy process. 

    I love what I do, and would love to help you tap into your own style.  Please come and explore the Acrylic medium with me on Fridays at Ben Franklin.

    Thank you, Lise Gaffney