I apply the Suzuki Method to Visual Art by viewing art as a discipline that can be both understood as a language, and learned as children learn their native language.
As with Suzuki Music instruction, modeling art learning on native language learning involves:
- Daily practice and exposure to art,
- Learning in a supportive community of peers and parents,
- Repetition and layering of skills,
- The belief that everyone has the ‘talent’ to become a proficient, creative artist.
Structuring the discipline of art as a language means:
- Learning the words and structures of this language:
- Elements of art
- Elements of design
- Mediums and techniques
- Exposure to diverse art dialects (realism to abstraction)
- Learning to understand the language of art:
- Visual sensitivity to the feeling of form, gesture, color etc.,
- Intellectual sensitivity to metaphor,
- Exposure to diverse artists and styles.
- Learning to speak the language of art. Projects/exercises that build
- Realistic rendering skills,
- Abstraction of visual elements,
- Expression through the application of elements of art and design,
- Project planning and problem solving.
What to Expect:
Each class will involve warm up exercises that build realistic rendering skills and visual sensitivity, followed by longer-term project that layer knowledge and proficiency with elements of art and design. Homework will include short daily drawing exercises and project planning assignments.
Schedule:
For the 2025-2026 school year, art classes will run on Mondays, 6 -7 pm starting September 8th. More times will be opened for more classes as space and interest allows, so if this time does not work for you please email me to discuss other time options.
Location:
My home art studio, near Grasslawn Park, in Redmond, WA.
Registration:
Please email me to sign up. Age range 8 – 16. Enrollment per group class will be capped at 4 students. This will allow for a lot of individual attention and individualized projects, making it easy to accommodate a wide age range.
Class tuition: $45* per class, calculated as a yearly tuition, with a $40 quarterly materials fee.
*the tuition will be reduced to $40 if 3 kids enroll, and to $35 per class if 4 kids enroll.
email sharon@wherlandsuzukistudio.com with questions and inquiries
view my art at www.sharonwherlandart.com