I stumbled over Gwen and felt a very strong urge to take her class.
If you feel an impulse – now is your time! Follow through, and you will be blessed.

Judy Aveiro

For years I have admired Gwen’s work and have been fortunate to take several classes and workshops with her. Last year I was downtown and by sheer chance ran into her while grabbing a cup of coffee at a local eatery. She mentioned her coaching program to me and it got me thinking. After we met again and discussed the particulars, I was on board and eager to invest in my artistic journey.

There are two reasons I decided to participate in the coaching program. First, Gwen’s talent for painting. Her work is stellar, full of color, depth, and joy. It expresses beauty, which is important to me as an artist.

Secondly, her demeanor. Gwen is sincere, encouraging, creative, and honest. Opening up my artistic journey to her was risky. I am a private sort of person and rather new to calling myself an artist. Looking back, it has been a great investment in myself. It got me painting on a regular basis. I listened to her ideas, and suggestions for making my paintings stronger. Then I painted some more

Believe me I have a long way to go, but my creative tools are becoming sharper, my art is developing, and having Gwen as my coach has made all of the difference. In my opinion, she is a modern day master and having her as a coach has given me confidence and inspiration for continuing to make art.

Kate Hollander

Developing my personal artistic voice and speaking about it in a distinct way and I would say it is invaluable. I have put it to use even in the last two days….I sold because of it. Getting the concept of asking questions…what are they looking for letting them make the choice to buy.

Joan Moody

Before working/coaching with Gwen I was floundering for direction and in my confidence as a serious artist. I came close to quitting art, at least at a professional level. Even though I draw and paint well and am relatively prolific, I felt I was walking in circles. I have had gallery representation for many years but my art and art sales were not going in the direction that I hoped. I wondered and wandered. What next? Will I ever succeed at marketing my work? Will I ever feel successful, gaining a steady income stream? How do I work effectively with galleries? What does it take to gain entry into quality galleries? What subject and style sets me apart from the mainstream? Finally, I decided it was now or never—either I risk doing something new and seek a different outcome, or I stay in my comfort zone and expect different results (insanity, anyone?).

With Gwen’s program I received encouragement as an artist and as a person. Gwen does not offer false praise. She helps you believe in yourself. She teaches effective ways to set realistic achievable goals to move you toward success while giving you a sounding board for your fears and frustrations, enabling you to feel empowered as a person and artist. As a result, I became more confident of my abilities as an artist and came closer to believing my dreams can come true.

If you want to believe in yourself and your dreams and take a chance on making them come true, coaching with Gwen is a tremendous step in that direction.

 

Sara Chambers

Do it! Don’t wait. The experience of working alongside other students who are struggling with your same issues in such a supportive environment is very empowering….and very much worth the investment in time and dollars. This kind of work can make you feel vulnerable, and Gwen understands this. You will not only grow in skill and technique, you’ll be supported by Gwen’s true heart.

This is a safe place for the soul of the artist.

Marcia Hoeck

I am grateful for having experienced your creative passion and artistic spirit. You never cease to amaze me in your gentle, quiet and powerful responses that propel women forward!

Thank you for propelling me forward.

Nancy

Before Gwen’s Masterclass I didn’t quite take my art seriously. I wondered if I was producing the best that I had within myself My colors were bright, but not always interesting to me and my compositions were often not finished thoughtfully.

I improved over the years by practicing different styles, but didn’t always know when to stop or when and why something about my painting was bugging me. I didn’t have the questions in my head to ask what was good, why, and/or why not? I couldn’t find my groove. This usually lead to me leaving many paintings unfinished, then after reviewing them a day or two later, I would defeatedly paint over them entirely. I did this for years!

Gwen’s natural alacrity, attention to detail, ability to question the right issues and her abundant encouragement helped me to realize that I was indeed good. Having others involved in the discourse was enlightening and enjoyable. The slotted time for the class made me regard my art making more seriously. It was a real class.

Although Gwen has many, many wonderful attributes as a teacher, painter and cohort, I would say that her discussion and lessons regarding painting with neutrals had the largest benefit for me. I felt a bit of a “Eureka” moment after playing seriously with neutrals in my paintings.

I also love how positive she is regarding the fact that sometimes we all have days when we might fail in the studio. It’s all good and we just get back in there! This allowed me to not be so hard on myself when those days arise.

Since working with Gwen, my art has grown in the direction that I had hoped. I use more neutrals, I ask myself better questions (and hear her happy voice in my head) and I’ve reached a level of confidence with my art making that I didn’t have before. Gwen, you are worth every penny and more! Thank you!

Susan Welton

Gwen, through her training techniques, reinforced many things I felt but didn’t have the confidence to trust in myself. For instance, taking my own paintings seriously, giving myself credit that yes, this really is a good painting. Searching through hundreds of paintings to find what we’re most drawn to, I realized that I am on the right track, I’m painting what I should be, I know my unique inner voice but am not always listening to it. Taking a risk was brought up again and again, and making mistakes allows you to learn.

Taking the Masterclass taught me the importance of being able to talk about my art. Midwestern heritage teaches us to always be humble, however we need to be proud of our work and able to explain to our clientele what we are painting, why we chose that subject, what it means to us and what it will do for them.

I am painting with all that I learned from Gwen in mind and looking critically at my previous paintings thinking how I would do it now. I am more willing to take a chance now and more patient to keep trying when something doesn’t work. I think as far as abstract painting goes Gwen opened my eyes to endless design possibilities, however I need a few more months to generate more new work for a true comparison. I am taking a workshop this fall from Gwen as I think I have barely scratched the surface of all she has to offer.

Noel Vantol

I’ve spent the morning & much of yesterday reflecting on the amazing week I was so blessed to have with you. Your workshop experience completely blew me away! It was the safest place my artist spirit has ever been to. I took huge risks and learned to trust myself this week.

I’ve shown & sold my work in New York — and I have had much success in selling at other shows & galleries. I have collectors internationally, and I would consider myself somewhat established in my art career.

All this to say, I have come away from your workshop knowing that I am equipped to advance even more. Honestly, I kind of feel like saying “look out world…here I come!”

You are an inspiring and incredibly gifted teacher & artist. I’m so thankful that I found you.

Jenn Williamson