what some of my students have to say...
Melody G.
"I took a four week pastel course from this instructor (Mary Telfer) in February. I thoroughly enjoyed it, even though I was very sick for most of the month.
This 4 week pastel course is $100; I know that is a stretch for a lot of people, it definitely still is for me. But in my current state of health, I need this - and the course itself is well worth it. The support and connection I get from the instructor and other students is so much better - with the added benefit of also being a lot less expensive, than therapy. I consider it my art therapy.
I am engaging in an activity I love with other people who also enjoy it, and I get to learn a new art medium while receiving support. Students are at all levels within the class, and very encouraging and supportive of each other, and the instructor, in addition to being highly qualified, is very supportive of all students, at every level. It is the contact and support that I need right now. Art brings me such joy!
I have been engaging in various forms art daily for about 12 years and off and on, (more off until about age 65😬), and some of the drafting and technique skills I’ve learned from other mediums, have carried over to my venture into soft pastel. If you are at all interested in art and want to create your own, don’t let lack of experience stop you… Skills and techniques are learned.
I highly recommend this class, if you feel at all interested, for support, contact, for pleasant activity, for advancing learning, and so much more in addition to art."
- melody
"I took a four week pastel course from this instructor (Mary Telfer) in February. I thoroughly enjoyed it, even though I was very sick for most of the month.
This 4 week pastel course is $100; I know that is a stretch for a lot of people, it definitely still is for me. But in my current state of health, I need this - and the course itself is well worth it. The support and connection I get from the instructor and other students is so much better - with the added benefit of also being a lot less expensive, than therapy. I consider it my art therapy.
I am engaging in an activity I love with other people who also enjoy it, and I get to learn a new art medium while receiving support. Students are at all levels within the class, and very encouraging and supportive of each other, and the instructor, in addition to being highly qualified, is very supportive of all students, at every level. It is the contact and support that I need right now. Art brings me such joy!
I have been engaging in various forms art daily for about 12 years and off and on, (more off until about age 65😬), and some of the drafting and technique skills I’ve learned from other mediums, have carried over to my venture into soft pastel. If you are at all interested in art and want to create your own, don’t let lack of experience stop you… Skills and techniques are learned.
I highly recommend this class, if you feel at all interested, for support, contact, for pleasant activity, for advancing learning, and so much more in addition to art."
- melody
Herb J.
"What Mary has to offer is very special. It certainly has introduced me to a lot of techniques and concepts in art that I was not aware of. I believe the continual experience of having her live lessons, and then the practice makes the session each week something to look forward to, especially enjoy the positivity and the encouragement that she gives not only to me, but to all the others taking the course. It is not simply a lesson in art, but I believe it’s also one for life."
"What Mary has to offer is very special. It certainly has introduced me to a lot of techniques and concepts in art that I was not aware of. I believe the continual experience of having her live lessons, and then the practice makes the session each week something to look forward to, especially enjoy the positivity and the encouragement that she gives not only to me, but to all the others taking the course. It is not simply a lesson in art, but I believe it’s also one for life."
Jim C.
"Creator/Instructor Mary Telfer is an art teacher, yes, but so much more….. Mary cares! When I took her classes, Mary focused on my personal growth in whatever medium I was using at the time. Mary wanted me to get as much as possible out of her class. She wanted me to experiment. To be vulnerable. To open up my expectations and challenge myself. I really needed help with ‘loosening up’. Mary helped me with that which was a boost to my confidence and in turn, made it a part of my creative approach. Mary is very passionate about helping her students with their art, their approach to the blank canvas, their imagination and so on. She’s very open-minded with her students thoughts and ideas. She lets your imagination flow with energy from her input and the students themselves. Mary respects the path that her students take. Mary does not dictate or demand you follow her path. Mary is so encouraging! She sincerely wants you to be the best you can be. To stretch that talent you have inside your soul to the max. And Mary is one of the most positive-thinking/feeling people I know. An absolute delight to be around always. And Mary is patient. She is with you through the whole process. Always encouraging and guiding you. Mary is never too busy to help. Lastly, and most importantly…..Mary cares!"
"Creator/Instructor Mary Telfer is an art teacher, yes, but so much more….. Mary cares! When I took her classes, Mary focused on my personal growth in whatever medium I was using at the time. Mary wanted me to get as much as possible out of her class. She wanted me to experiment. To be vulnerable. To open up my expectations and challenge myself. I really needed help with ‘loosening up’. Mary helped me with that which was a boost to my confidence and in turn, made it a part of my creative approach. Mary is very passionate about helping her students with their art, their approach to the blank canvas, their imagination and so on. She’s very open-minded with her students thoughts and ideas. She lets your imagination flow with energy from her input and the students themselves. Mary respects the path that her students take. Mary does not dictate or demand you follow her path. Mary is so encouraging! She sincerely wants you to be the best you can be. To stretch that talent you have inside your soul to the max. And Mary is one of the most positive-thinking/feeling people I know. An absolute delight to be around always. And Mary is patient. She is with you through the whole process. Always encouraging and guiding you. Mary is never too busy to help. Lastly, and most importantly…..Mary cares!"
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Marina Drake
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Ally G. Emily Y.
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"If you don't already love pastels you will after taking Mary's class. Mary easily explains her approach to the subject work while educating us on the use of pastels. Everyone's style is different and Mary celebrates the uniqueness of each artist and their paintings." - Ally
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"I thoroughly enjoyed watching and painting along with Watercolor Painting in 20 Minutes a Day. One of the fifteen videos was created in plein air. This delightfully breezy, fun video reminds me of the ambient effects of the lakeside conditions on different days. I heartily recommend this course! I loved the free pdf’s and extra pastel video. I’m looking forward to Mary’s online pastel course!" - Emily
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Sandy F.
"I was 100% positive a Zoom art class wasn't something I'd enjoy, but I was wrong! This class has inspired me to paint again - and not just during class! I've also so enjoyed the connection with the other artists." - Sandy
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Kathryn A.
"My first class with Mary was at McHenry County College. I was so appreciative of her warm, welcoming smile. Her knowledge, skill and enthusiasm were evident. I was grateful for her clear, concise, and patient instruction. Over the years, I have enjoyed classes and one-on-one instruction. She is an inspiration!"
"My first class with Mary was at McHenry County College. I was so appreciative of her warm, welcoming smile. Her knowledge, skill and enthusiasm were evident. I was grateful for her clear, concise, and patient instruction. Over the years, I have enjoyed classes and one-on-one instruction. She is an inspiration!"
Jim M
"I have enjoyed my experience with Mary immensely. She helped me move from my business background to explore my lifelong interest in art. Mary has inspired me to develop my creative talents. Her perseverance and support in helping me along this path has resulted, against all odds, to produce art that I have been proud to hang on our walls."
"I have enjoyed my experience with Mary immensely. She helped me move from my business background to explore my lifelong interest in art. Mary has inspired me to develop my creative talents. Her perseverance and support in helping me along this path has resulted, against all odds, to produce art that I have been proud to hang on our walls."
