The main focus of the teaching programs is learning to see better, the basis for good realistic drawing and painting.


Students work on their own project at their own speed. Drafting tables are separated to promote better focus. The choice of media includes watercolors, pencil, colored pencils, pastels, oil pastels, pen and ink and acrylics. A large photo reference file is available with everything from animals, landscapes, people to cartoons. Reference material from home is encouraged. Students should draw and paint what is of interest to them. From here, guidance towards better drawing and color theory, is a more enjoyable adventure.


Karen Jerome Skillins has been in her Needham, studio for over twenty two years. She is the illustrator of numerous children’s books, winner of major art awards and an exhibitor in national and international exhibitions. Teaching is also a passion and the studio has been a place for creative minds to expand for over twelve years.


The art programs are for ages 9 to 16. The class size is between five and eight students. In good weather, bikes can be locked to the railing out front.

Art Supplies

I put this page together for those who are interested in buying supplies for their artists who want to paint and draw at home. I supply the art materials for classes.
All the supplies should be at the Art Emporium in the center of Needham. If not, there is www.dickdlick.com  with a store on Brookline Ave near Kenmore Square. The prices are higher in the store than on the web, but it's like Christmas for an artist to visit the Dick Blick store. Very fun to look at aisles and aisle of art supplies!Parking is free (most times during the year),in the parking lot behind the store.  Just validate your ticket. 
are also options if you are buying a lot.
For All MediumsThe plastic that the artists to ‘grid’ their artwork can be bought at Staples
It's overhead projector film. Buy the cheapest,
about $14 for 100 sheets. While you're at Staples
pick up an extra thin Sharpie marker or a China marker,
and Scotch removable tape, but lately this can only be bought on line.
Pen and Ink
Make sure the ink is in a low heavy mug, like a soup mug. 
If it spills it will only spill into the mug. 
Once india ink gets in the carpet, 
there is no turning back! If you get non-waterproof
india ink, watercolor cannot be applied afterwards
or the ink will spread, otherwise it is fine to use.
Artist pencils, one of each, 2H, HB and 2B should be fine
Erasers, a small kneaded eraser, and a Pink Pearl
9" x 12" pad of bristol paper or sketching paper. We use Stathmore Bristol 300, vellum finish,  in the studio. Sometimes the plate finish will smudge the ink after watercolor is added.  It's surface is  coated.  
Ink pen holder and nib (the tip part).
A standard thin nib is fine.
A small bottle of ink. Higgins brand comes
in a small neck bottle. I like it because if it
does spill it spills at a slower pace.
Watercolors
Artist pencils, 2H, HB, 2B and 4B should be fine.
Erasers, a small kneaded eraser, and a Pink Pearl.
Paint: I buy either Cotman brand, a student grade
of Windsor Newton watercolors. Small tubes are fine.
A little goes a long way. The professional brand, 
Winsor Newton, have more of a color "punch', 
but they are more expensive.
Reds: Permanent Rose, Cadmium Red Scarlet
(or it may be called Cadmium Red Pale), Burnt Sienna
Yellows: Raw Sienna, Cadmium Yellow Pale, 
Blues: Cobalt Blue, Ultramarine, and Cerulean Blue.
A cheap round plastic palette about $1 to $5.
Brushes: Round watercolor brushes, probably a
size 6, 2.  A step above the student
quality should be fine. Sometimes you can buy a
group of different sizes in a package for less money.
Make sure you don't buy a oil brushes. They are stiffer 
and are made to push heavier paint.
Watercolor paper: I buy 140lb. cold press.
Arches. They can be bought in pads, blocks or sheets.
Blocks can be fun.  They keep the paper flat while working.
Once the painting is done a small knife will detach it 
from the block. 
Craypas
Artist pencils, 2H, HB, 2B and 4B should be fine.
Erasers, a small kneaded eraser, and a Pink Pearl.
9" x 12" pad of bristol paper and a box of craypas. 
Craypas do come in a more expensive quality. 
Sennelier brand is very well respected and the 
students who use them can tell a difference.
but you may not be able to get them at the Art Emporium.
If your student likes craypas the best, you've got
the cheapest art supply list! 
Pastels
Nupastels is one brand and Rembrandt is another, 
Conte pencils are yet another option. 
The Nupastels are the thin, square sticks. 
Rembrandts are more expensive, better colors, 
fat and hard to use in smaller areas. 
Conti pencils are pastel in a wood like a pencil.  
They are more expensive but easier to use, 
but the color doesn't have the same punch 
as the Rembrandts.  
The Conti pencils are very popular.
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)