Gabriel Z.

"Out of all my high school, undergrad, and graduate art instructors, Sharon is the most supportive teacher I've ever had. Just as I was discovering my interest in art Sharon was the one who recognized potential in me and exposed me to a wide range of art and artists that tremendously influenced my growth and aspirations. She was never narrow in her views of what painting and drawing 'should' be, instead she was more intently concerned in my personal development and how art could act as an expression of my growth. To that end, she would constantly introduce me to new styles of art-making and guide me through new techniques that would help me develop my skills. She did this while always validating my efforts and supporting my shifting artistic aspirations.

While many of the art teachers I've had would teach the class as a group, Sharon made an effort to really get to know me and the other students as individuals. I will always appreciate that." 

Olivia Z.

"Ms. Willcutts helped me tremendously with my art. I am an oil painter, and the style I usually gravitated towards was impressionistic, or realistic, or a mix of the two. I had been working on a portrait of my friend, in soft realism, when Ms. Willcutts showed me this contemporary artist whose portraits flowed with bright swatches of vivid color, hues floating across large canvases, details of the skin drawn over pieces of collaged metal. Looking at his pieces started a fire in my own mind, and I wanted to do something colorful and contemporary too. Thus, under Ms. Willcutts' guidance, I stepped over a threshold into unknown artistic territory as I tried painting in a style I had never done before. Where my colors were too chaotic, Ms. Willcutts suggested a calming tone. Where I didn't know how to fill in a space, Ms. Willcutts taught me how to approach background from a fresh perspective. Where I wasn't feeling confident about proportion or design, Ms. Willcutts always knew what to say to help. The result was a completely new portrait of that friend of mine, modern, color-blocked, vivacious, eye-catching. It is my favorite piece of art I have done in my nine years of painting. Without the advice and encouragement of Ms. Willcutts, I could not have approached such a new style and come out with anything as emotionally and visually satisfying

Claire F.

“Sharon Willcutts brings out the creative and visual artist in any student. I had not taken a drawing or art class in more than 20 years. By the end of her 6-week course, I had completed two oil-on-canvas paintings that I am proud to display in my home.  Ms. Willcutts teaches the basics of drawing, brushstrokes, and color--as well as a bit of art history—tools that help launch students toward their own subjects and styles. I look forward to my next course!”