Art Classes

Putting Student's Needs First

I've been teaching art for almost ten years now, and when I'm teaching, it's all about you. My goal as an art teacher is not to get lost in my own art and process, but to communicate with you about how you can improve your own skills. 

Most importantly, I believe in personal attention.  I believe that each person is different, and because of this, the kind of instruction that may work for one person may not work for another. So, my approach to teaching is always to adapt my methods to each person's unique needs.

Let Me Help You

I have been teaching art to adults and children since 2000. I love teaching, not only to convey the skills and knowledge I have learned, but also to inspire and give something to my students that they will be able to use and enjoy for the rest of their lives.

I  learn a great deal from my students as well, and enjoy every opportunity to exchange skills and ideas with them. We inspire each other.

I have been fortunate to have many loyal students who have studied with me for some time. I also accept new students of all levels in my classes, workshops and for private lessons in Portland and the Gorge.

Though my own work is mostly in a traditional style, I teach students with many varied interests and styles.

If you are interested in opportunities to learn, please feel free to contact me via email or phone 360-907-1660.

 

Student Testimonials:

I have taken oil painting lessons from Ardis DeFreece for the past year. Ardis is a wonderful artist and a very patient and helpful teacher. I have learned so much technique from her.

— Nancy Zieg, Portland, Oregon

I have been taking classes and workshops with Ardis over the past 3 years and I feel that her knowledge, nurturing, and positive attitude have helped me to grow immensely both in my painting skills and in my ability to see color, texture, and form in the world around me. I feel very fortunate to have had such a giving and talented teacher and I highly recommend her teaching for either a beginning student or a practiced artist who wants to refine their skills. When I first came to her class I knew nothing about color and was embarrassed by my lack of knowledge. She made me feel very comfortable with my own process and this allowed me to keep working with my skills and to learn and grow. To me, this is a sign of a great teacher.

—Debra Shaffer, Portland, Oregon

It has been nearly thirty years since I have done any kind of painting and that was in high school. I was reticent to learn after so much time but Ardis has made this process a joyful one. She is a positive teacher and allows me my own painting style and subject matter but always with great suggestions regarding technique and developing a more refined eye. Ardis is also a wonderful listener who takes my concerns and viewpoints seriously. Besides being a great teacher, Ardis is a wonderful, thoughtful, and interesting person. I feel blessed to have found her.

—Pamela Hickman, Portland, Oregon

 

Contact Info

If you're interested in learning about my classes or taking private lessons, please contact me as follows:

Click to email me: ardisdefreece@hotmail.com

Phone me: 360-907-1660