Donna Osterby-Brien Arts

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Introduction: I provide art lessons in drawing; watercolor; gouache; acrylics and collage (a special method that allows "glueing" without wet glue). On paper, board or canvas. Beyond technique, I share ways to increase creativity with methods that apply to life skills where applicable. My drawing lessons include teaching the eye to see and the brain to perceive the shape language that comprises the objects/images we want to draw. Our hands will follow that guidance. Drawing starts with seeing. When teaching watercolor I demonstrate the techniques specific to that medium: *Wet on wet (for atmospheric effects - think fog, clouds, distance, creating an impression of the subject or just experimenting *"Japanese" style (one brushstroke creates a leaf or flower petal etc.) *Super Realistic (rendering subject with photograph accuracy) *Applying a Wash (how to apply watercolor over a large area smoothly - for skies or unbroken water areas; large walls etc) I am now able to use fluid acrylics on certain canvas or board in a watercolor technique, thus avoiding having to cover the work with glass, or even frame at all. It is satisfying to guide my students to becoming proficient with the various mediums. The exciting part, however, is to show them how to be creative with their art work. My process teaches how to discover the inner artist and overcome creative blocks. And how to apply these methods to life as well as art. For children I use appropriate material and subject designed to accomplish many goals simultaneously. I think you will be well pleased with the results as have the parents of all my students

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Nancy G.

Dec 28, 2016

I have participated in a few painting classes with Donna and have very much enjoyed the experience. She guides students not only on a technical level, but also into a creative way of thinking which has helped in my other artistic pursuits using seed beads and textiles. I have been able to view the scope of Donna's work at various exhibits and in her personal collection and am truly awed by her talent. I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to go on a journey into creative expression under her guidance

Kim W.

Dec 29, 2016

Donna has taught me about many forms of art over the years. She helps to expand the artistic thought process, while helping with the practical application of the medium. Great teacher!

Diana K.

Dec 29, 2016

I attended a Journalling through Paint class given by Donna Brien. She helped me to allow my creativity to flow through the use of guache paint that I liken to saturated water color paint. I was formerly a sketch artist ,. Afraid of color because of its permanence. Donna helped me overcome this obstacle with many demonstrations and creative suggestions.

Janet K.

Jan 4, 2017

Donna taught weekly art classes to my daughter and a friend of hers for a year. Both girls enjoyed the lessons very much. Donna was well prepared each week with lessons and supplies. My daughter learned perspective, a variety of drawing & painting techniques, color theory and different mediums. It laid a wonderful foundation for my daughter and helped advance her appreciation of art. When my daughter took continuing art classes at school, she was well prepared because of the skills she learned from Donna.

John D.

Jan 12, 2017

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Very impressed and pleased with Donna. She is a talented artist and is providing painting instructions for my special needs sibling. She has demonstrated her ability to understand and interact with a special needs student, she is very knowledgeable and shares her expertise in a kind and caring manner. I would recommend Donna without any hesitation. E. Duffy

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FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I typically charge $48. per hour for one child. (that includes 45 minutes teaching plus set up and cleanup). I need to discuss time with you as I am very booked just now.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Our first endeavor is to learn to see. The pathway to our hands is eye to brain to hands. Breaking down the world of images into a shape language simplifies our task. Just as writing depends on the alphabet, so drawing and painting depend on the shape and line building blocks. My primary goal is to open the eyes. We also work on stimulating the imagination. And very importantly we work on overcoming the blocks that keep us from creating freely. We learn to defeat the inner critic whose voice can cripple any attempts we make to express ourselves. These lessons can find application in life as well. Art is life. What we learn when we make art, is nothing short of learning to live better.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My education was at Parsons School of Design. In the years to follow I studied with many fine art teachers. My studies include Intuitive Process Painting which process is applicable to all creative expression. I studied watercolor painting which technique I now use with fluid acrylic paint on canvas and board. This allow me to avoid heavy, fragile and expensive framing. At Parsons we drew everything all the time. In later years I studied the shape language technique which enables us to have a shape and line vocabulary applicable to all visual art.