"Your workshop was excellent! Your relaxed teaching style, and the environment you create, fosters creativity and learning. I learned not only from you, but also through the valuable interaction with classmates. 

"Kit, you interact with each student, gauge their skill, and tailor the projects to provide individual challenges that specifically suit each student. The group critiques were valuable in providing immediate feedback on works created in class, and in allowing students to develop a dialogue about their own art, and the art of others. You even gave me pointers on how to improve some paintings that I made outside of your classroom. Overall, the workshop was well worth the money.

"You are a great teacher, Kit, and a NICE person. The world needs more teachers like you... Keep up the great work."

- David S., Belmont, CA

"I feel that I made real progress in your workshop! I have been  utilizing several concepts that I learned from you - implementing your idea of placing muted colors next to pure colors to create vibrancy. This technique goes a long way to creating paintings that are more dynamic and evocative.

"I could never take a workshop from an artist whose paintings I did not admire, and I very much admire yours. Your skill and knowledge are obvious. Another bonus was your ability to convey that knowledge in a tailored way to your students and your ability to create a positive tone and atmosphere. I appreciated the way that you encouraged us to venture out of our comfort zones. You demonstrated a clear commitment to helping us along the path to becoming more accomplished painters, and yet find our own creative voice (rather than encouraging us to imitate you).

"The venue was great, along with your organizational skills, that made it possible for all of us to make the best use of our time. (As a former chief of operations for an accounting/data processing firm, I really appreciated that!) 

"I felt that the workshop was a great value both in lessons learned and economically. I have referred repeatedly to the handouts that you gave us on color and composition and try to ask those questions several times during the painting process.

"I really enjoyed working with you. I appreciate your encouragement. Thank you again for the great workshop and inspiration!" 

- Peggy G., Auburn, CA

"Just a note to thank you, again, for the marvelous workshop. This was my second tour with you and it was just as enjoyable and educational as the first time around. Your enthusiasm, talent and nonjudgmental approach make for a great three days of painting and learning. Thanks". 

- Bob R, Sacramento, CA

"Loved your workshop. It was just what I needed to get me started again. Your paintings delight my eye."

- Bets B., Fair Oaks, CA

"Thank you for the great workshop, I appreciated all your efforts to make it a learning experience for all. I appreciate the concern that went into the still lifes and your teaching. I am going to have more interesting compositions and better understanding of setting up still lifes and painting shadows. I do hope I can take another workshop in the future.

"So great to have met you and have your energy and inspiration in my life."

- Rita F, Auburn, CA

"Thanks again for a great weekend of painting and discovery. It was wonderful to be around so many talented painters with such a wide variety of styles.

"The concepts you shared with us regarding designing with light and shadow, especially during the daily critiques, were very helpful. And, your mix of "light touch" diplomacy and encouragement set the perfect stage for creative juices to flow. I'm looking forward to applying your insights to my future paintings and hope to attend more of your workshops in the future."

- Dick M, Davis, CA

"I had such an awesome time at the November workshop! Kit creates a supportive and fun painting environment with great insight into every painting. She offers help and guidance with focused and detailed attention for every skill level and medium. Having three days to do nothing but paint is a luxury in itself - being able to paint with Kit in your corner is a privilege." 

- Abby G., Tahoma, CA

"I feel very fortunate to be able to join your workshop. I learned a lot about bright, fresh color and making interesting paintings using everyday things (and a few odd pieces), and using new color combinations.. You provided so many great set-ups it was hard to choose. Your planning and your positive energy encouraged some fine painting, making for some good critique times.

"Thanks for a really busy and productive three days. It was the most I have learned in one workshop, leaving me looking forward to attending another."            

"In an email, with a new painting, sent months after a workshop: "Learning more about my paints and how to "see" shadows. You have inspired me. Thank you." 

– Teresa M., Fair Oaks, CA

"I was very excited to take your workshop last weekend after I had seen a few of your beautiful paintings. The workshop was excellent. I was amazed at the hours you spent putting together the setups for the students. They were beautiful and extremely well planned for our benefit. I have never taken a workshop where the teacher spent as much time and freely gave away  their "secrets." It was a wonderful experience. I learned a lot that will specifically help me with my paintings.

"I feel the workshop was superior and quite a BARGAIN. Looking forward to your next workshop!!"

 - Sandie N., Sacramento, CA

"We all know how wonderfully and in what style you paint already, from your website and "Art in the Morning" paintings. When I've been in classes before where the instructor does a demo I am usually in awe and unsure how to begin in my own style. It can be daunting and comparison constraining.

"I liked it better that you came around and helped us by demonstrating, right where we were in our own personal development, as needed. That proved very helpful.

"I find that, because of the weekend painting with you, I see the whole world through different eyes. How can that be possible in two and a half days? I did a painting of plums on this Monday, which seemed effortless and joyous. Several days later I got around to a bouquet of flowers. I was able to capture them as the afternoon sun was waning and as they went quickly into shadow from left to right.

"I feel 'free' in a way I didn't feel before the workshop! At first I was afraid I'd lose it as time went on. But since it is a new way of looking, including observing the "hierarchy of light and color in shadows", I don't think I can lose anything - as long as I can see, if you know what I mean."

- Morgan W., Davis, CA

"Thanks for giving us all so much thoughtful feedback and encouragement on our artwork. Your skill is awesome and your positive attitude made the workshop a fun experience as well as an intense learning experience. It is amazing to me that you are able to pinpoint problem areas and so quickly suggest solutions. Your workshops offer a great opportunity to get away from everyday life and really focus on painting." 

- Gloria H., South Lake Tahoe, CA 

"I enjoyed the workshop very much. You emphasized many of the points that I need to see and address in my painting. I appreciated all of your help.

"It was mind boggling, all the still life props and the many lights you brought and set up. I thoroughly appreciate your doing all of that because painting from life is the way to go.

"I would really benefit from working with you again. Your teaching, patience and explanations suit me well."

- Sally S., Carson City, NV

"Your teaching skills and personality blend very nicely in enabling me, the student, to move into unfamiliar territory with my painting. I liked the way you can look at a composition and immediately spot areas for considering changes so congenially. You like to make "suggestions" and let us decide how or if they feel right - a nice touch. Your focus and energy are infectious and, I think, added positively to the group dynamic. (And it was a good group, with positive and supportive responses to the work we shared.)

"Chiefly, you provided a setting and environment in which the student is only limited by his/her own personal makeup from enjoying the acquisition of new skills. It was a real benefit to feel that I could take the work "not quite finished" home and have a good idea of what to do to complete it.

"Your students - to maximize the benefits - should know to 1) be prepared to listen and experiment even when it feels uncomfortable; 2) apply themselves for 6 hours each day; and 3) take advantage of this intense opportunity to grow in understanding color diversity and the impact of color relationships. Good job!" 

- Ken M., Lake Tahoe, CA

"I thoroughly enjoyed your workshop. It infused me with excitement to paint everyday since I had lost the joy. I learned how to make color pop and improve my perspective with line and color and value. I found the other artists generous, warm and open, just as you are. Thank you for all of the hard work you put in to making the workshop not only interesting, but challenging, to any degree that I chose."

- Pamela L., Phoenix, AZ

"Not having much experience in the particular medium I chose to paint with (oils), you were extremely helpful in teaching and guiding. I really appreciated that the first day you taught some fundamentals and then taught us how to really apply them the following two days. As a "novice" this was a great approach to learning to paint. This is a class for every skill level and I could tell that your knowledge and experience was so beneficial to every one of those individual skill levels that were in our workshop. Your emphasis on values, shadows, and color have already made me start looking at objects around me in a whole different way. Thanks again! I would highly recommend this workshop and hope to see you in March."

-Mike F., Carmichael, CA

"Kit, I like that you don't do lengthy demonstrations but that you do your teaching mostly individually at the easel allowing me plenty of painting time. I know some people like demos so I wanted you to know that a lot of people prefer the way you do it. 

I really enjoyed the jazz you brought to paint to." 

– Jacqueline K., Rocklin, CA

"Your emphasis on seeing all the colors in light and shadows was one of the techniques I had been looking for to improve my art work. Thanks so much." 

- Ann T., Davis, CA

"Kit, what a wonderful combination of talent you have. I felt the participants come alive with each encounter you made to provide personal guidance and instruction. When someone felt inadequate before a blank canvas you dissolved those feelings and made the painting a "do-able" challenge. I was wowed by your ability to create the most inspiring setups. I hope to be able to do it again!" 

- Sally S., Richmond, CA

"Kit, Just a note to thank you for the still life workshop this weekend. 1. You are a wonderful, enthusiastic instructor. 2. I learned a good deal. 3. (Perhaps most important) it was fun!" 

-Robert R., Sacramento

"Dear Kit, Thank you again for a wonderful workshop. You were so wonderful with one on one direction and support. I found your critique invaluable. The next day I went right out to my workshop and worked each painting for adjustments or additions that you suggested. I am very pleased and learned a lot."

You helped me understand how I could capture the beauty in each object and integrate the whole painting." 

- Kathryn A., Corning, CA

"I really enjoyed the class - really got my artistic juices moving. The still life set-ups were wonderful. Loved your discussions and critique of our paintings. You were positive with suggestions."     

- Evelyn Y., Markleeville, CA

- Darlene B., Shingle Springs, CA

"All of your pearls of wisdom have helped me so much. When you said, "In order to gray down a color, add the complementary color to it" – a light bulb went on… I have always tried to gray down a color by using Black, and that did not work.

I am looking forward to attending another of your classes in the future."

- Linda S., El Dorado Hills, CA

"Great workshop! I enjoyed working with the other artists and getting to know them, loved the space and most of all I learned a ton about composition and color. Thanks very much." 

- Dave A., Antelope, CA

"I can only imagine how tired you were when you got home last night. I was exhausted but happy! As I was going to sleep I kept seeing all of these vivid colors and wonderful color combinations in my head. I didn’t want it to end.

You opened my eyes regarding composition and shadow. I learned so much and your handouts were very succinct and valuable to me.

Your positive teaching style kept me focused and striving to improve." 

- Jeanne T., Penn Valley, CA

"I came away from your workshop energized. I enjoy your enthusiasm, knowledge and insights. Your color concepts create such interesting compositions. Thank you for sharing your expertise in such a comfortable, accepting manner."  

- Barbara L. B., Shingle Springs, CA

Back for more... "Hi Kit, I loved your workshop… my favorite ever."    

-Lori A., Folsom, CA

"I very much enjoyed your class and your positive and encouraging teaching methods. I came home all inspired to redo part of my office – into a painting studio.

What I learned mostly from your teaching is how to use color to make the shadows brighter as well as pay attention to the edges, all things that draw the eye to the painting to make it more interesting to the viewer. AND learning how to stop sooner to keep from making "mud". Thank you so much for your time and energy." 

– Barb B., Folsom, CA

"I learned a lot in your workshop: how to stand to do a still life and not turn my body, just my eyes - a small thing, but very important. How to map the values and trust your intuition. I'm adding that because my intuition says I can change the plan or painting to whatever I like, and it just might work! Also, check all the shapes.

I really enjoyed your class and hopefully will do it again in the future."

                               - Merriel T., Plymouth, CA

"Your workshop inspired me to pick up my paintbrushes again after several years. As a beginning painter, I was amazed how comfortable I felt next to advanced and even some professional artists in the class. We had a terrific time and learned a lot not only from you, but from each other. You are a positive motivator and explain things so clearly. Not only did I leave with some new skills, I made some new friends. I am looking forward to your next workshop!" 

- Lisa B., Sacramento, CA

"I learned about object placement within my paintings, how to gauge scale and perspective, and how to really look at shadows and discern the subtle color variations within them. Shadows add a wonderful depth to each object and help define its dimensions. Best of all, I learned to place complimentary colors next to each other to really bring out the highlights and the true shape of each object. I’m constantly gazing at some of the fruit I painted because I can’t believe how well I captured their shapes and form.

Thanks again for being such a great teacher and most of all for being so generous in sharing your skills and knowledge. The workshop was truly inspirational."

Bonita G., Folsom, CA

"This workshop really helped me with setting up still life compositions. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to paint with others for much of the weekend. Thanks a lot." 

-Laurie P., Fair Oaks, CA