Book a workshop, class or demo
Due to the current pandemic, Helen will not be conducting classes again until early 2021. For information about booking Helen for any of these events next year, EMAIL her at: [email protected]. Please browse below to learn more about her past experiences leading the way in artistic education.
Book a Workshop, Class, or Demo
Helen on her past classes, workshops and Demos:
Sharing my love of art also means sharing my knowledge of how I create my artworks and how I use my chosen mediums. Conducting demonstrations, workshops, and classes in printmaking, pastel, drawing, and watercolor allow me to do this. These have always been rewarding times for me. I continue to be wowed, amazed, and grateful for all the dedicated and innovative students of art.
PASTEL CLASSES
From 2011 through 2014 I gave classes in Pastel at Reddi-Arts. I enjoyed working with my students individually to help each develop and grow in their use of the medium and art. The intense interests, skills and different approaches of my students were a welcome source of inspiration for me.
PASTEL DEMONSTRATIONS
I demonstrated pastel painting to members of the Cypress Village Art League in July of 2016. An enthusiastic group of more than twenty artists attended. We enjoyed a lively morning filled with interesting questions, observations, fun and laughter.
Another fun pastel demonstration was one I did for the Jacksonville Artists Guild’s Riverside Home Tour-Art House in Spring 2019.
DRAWING DEMONSTRATION
Sponsored by the Art League of Cypress Village in 2017 I returned to a larger audience of some 30 residents to demonstrate three drawing styles using three different mediums on three different surfaces. I finished none of the drawings, the point being to demonstrate the materials and the possibilities. A gentleman complimented me on this approach, saying this stood out for him as most enjoyable.
PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP
I love the process of linoleum block prints, and I have been thrilled to give a workshop and a demonstration using this process. In 2009 Cookie Davis invited me to conduct a workshop in Linoleum Printmaking, “Not Your Grandmother’s Linoleum”, for the Women’s Center of Jacksonville. Using one block for a multiple colored print, I taught the reduction process to an eager group of 18 artists. A catered lunch was provided and our group had a great time.
PRINTMAKING DEMONSTRATION
At Francesca Tabor-Miolla’s invitation I gave a demonstration of linoleum printmaking for the Society of Mixed Media Artists (SOMMA) at the Jacksonville Library’s Southeast Branch on Deerwood Park Boulevard in March 2011. Francesca, president of the society, reserved a large room and publicized the event so well that the room was packed to capacity of about 40 people.
Demonstrating the reduction process required that I have multiple lino blocks already carved and printed in different stages to show how the process would progress along each step. Also, as a handout I had prepared a detailed outline of the stages needed to complete a print, including how to properly sign the limited edition.
After my presentation one of the members asked me if I was a “Virgo” because my manner of demonstrating the process was so “Virgoan”, she said. In other words, methodical. We shared a laugh because I know I can be very anal at times in my approaches to my work.
WATERCOLOR CLASSES
Several years ago, at the request of a friend I gave watercolor painting instruction to a small group of 5 to 7 neighbors. We met on Saturday mornings and tried different techniques. The winning technique was when I showed them how to make nature prints by painting on the backs of leaves and ferns with a soapy watercolor solution then printing it onto watercolor paper. Our get together classes were always fun and lively!
Sharing my love of art also means sharing my knowledge of how I create my artworks and how I use my chosen mediums. Conducting demonstrations, workshops, and classes in printmaking, pastel, drawing, and watercolor allow me to do this. These have always been rewarding times for me. I continue to be wowed, amazed, and grateful for all the dedicated and innovative students of art.
PASTEL CLASSES
From 2011 through 2014 I gave classes in Pastel at Reddi-Arts. I enjoyed working with my students individually to help each develop and grow in their use of the medium and art. The intense interests, skills and different approaches of my students were a welcome source of inspiration for me.
PASTEL DEMONSTRATIONS
I demonstrated pastel painting to members of the Cypress Village Art League in July of 2016. An enthusiastic group of more than twenty artists attended. We enjoyed a lively morning filled with interesting questions, observations, fun and laughter.
Another fun pastel demonstration was one I did for the Jacksonville Artists Guild’s Riverside Home Tour-Art House in Spring 2019.
DRAWING DEMONSTRATION
Sponsored by the Art League of Cypress Village in 2017 I returned to a larger audience of some 30 residents to demonstrate three drawing styles using three different mediums on three different surfaces. I finished none of the drawings, the point being to demonstrate the materials and the possibilities. A gentleman complimented me on this approach, saying this stood out for him as most enjoyable.
PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP
I love the process of linoleum block prints, and I have been thrilled to give a workshop and a demonstration using this process. In 2009 Cookie Davis invited me to conduct a workshop in Linoleum Printmaking, “Not Your Grandmother’s Linoleum”, for the Women’s Center of Jacksonville. Using one block for a multiple colored print, I taught the reduction process to an eager group of 18 artists. A catered lunch was provided and our group had a great time.
PRINTMAKING DEMONSTRATION
At Francesca Tabor-Miolla’s invitation I gave a demonstration of linoleum printmaking for the Society of Mixed Media Artists (SOMMA) at the Jacksonville Library’s Southeast Branch on Deerwood Park Boulevard in March 2011. Francesca, president of the society, reserved a large room and publicized the event so well that the room was packed to capacity of about 40 people.
Demonstrating the reduction process required that I have multiple lino blocks already carved and printed in different stages to show how the process would progress along each step. Also, as a handout I had prepared a detailed outline of the stages needed to complete a print, including how to properly sign the limited edition.
After my presentation one of the members asked me if I was a “Virgo” because my manner of demonstrating the process was so “Virgoan”, she said. In other words, methodical. We shared a laugh because I know I can be very anal at times in my approaches to my work.
WATERCOLOR CLASSES
Several years ago, at the request of a friend I gave watercolor painting instruction to a small group of 5 to 7 neighbors. We met on Saturday mornings and tried different techniques. The winning technique was when I showed them how to make nature prints by painting on the backs of leaves and ferns with a soapy watercolor solution then printing it onto watercolor paper. Our get together classes were always fun and lively!
HELEN S. ASHMEAD - Experience
- Pastel Classes, Reddi-Arts, 2011-2014, Class sizes ranged from 4 to 8 student
- Pastel Demonstration, Cypress Village Art League, 2016, 20+ attendees
- Pastel Demonstration, Riverside Home Tour-Art House, 2019 numerous visitors
- Drawing Demonstration, Cypress Village Art League, 2017, 30+ attendees
- Printmaking Workshop, Women’s Center of Jacksonville, 2009, 18 students
- Printmaking Demonstration, Society of Mixed Media Artists, 2011, 40 attendees
- Watercolor Classes, Neighborhood friends, 2014, 5 - 7 students
