CLASSES

I am now located in Moscow, Idaho.  We converted the old garage at our new place into studio space and it is nearly ready. Not only do I have my own work space, but I have space to teach classes! Group classes will start in September for the 2026-2027 school year. Art Adventures and workshops will be available year round with additional workshops/camps being planned for June through August 2026. More details and start dates to be announced soon!

philosophy

I teach traditional fine art with focus on drawing, draftsmanship, and painting.  I also include history, science, and math and their relationship to art.  My goal is to give students the tools they need to be successful and enjoy a life-long love of art.  I believe art lessons should be fun and exciting, but also help build a solid foundation for whatever medium is chosen to pursue.  Students will also learn how to problem solve, overcome challenges, and find that mistakes are just learning experiences.  It is important to me to foster an environment that students feel comfortable in and where they are not afraid or inhibited to put pencil to paper or brush to canvas.  I teach small classes of no larger than 6 so that students can each receive ample instruction time, have questions answered, and receive needed help and encouragement.   I also think group classes are important and helpful as students also learn a lot from each other!

General class info

All classes, story times, and workshops are limited to 6 students at a time.  They are typically broken down into the following ages groups, but I am flexible so please feel free to discuss with me possible exceptions.

• Preschool- ages 3-5

• Kindergarten-2nd, ages 5-8

• Elementary 3rd-5th, ages 8-11

• Middle School 6th-8th, ages 11-14

• High School 9th-12th, ages 14-18

• Adult, age 18+

Group classes

Classes will meet once a week from 3:30-4:30.  Available class days will be Monday-Thursday.   Courses and age groups will be determined by interest.   Below are listed the courses to choose from for the 2026-2027 school year with more options becoming available.  Most are adaptable to different age groups, but some will be more appropriate for either younger or older students.  I have private facebook class pages for more info, tips, and class information for students.  Students can also feel free to post what they are working on or ask questions.   For those who homeschool, I can provide weekly lessons plans for those needing a HS credit (although it's up to parents to manage progress).  Contact me with your students ages and which course they would like to study!  Tuition is $65 per month plus supply fee

*Please Note*

• Supply fees are for 20 lessons.   For Art Fundamentals and Art History, the fee can be divided into two payments with one payment due at the first class and the second due March 23.

• Students in the Drawing and Fundamentals classes will work standing at an easel, however those students who are unable to do so are still very welcome!

Course Options

• Drawing From Observation  Students will be be introduced to the basic materials, tools, and mechanics of drawing.  This foundation course emphasizes training both the hand and eye with lessons taught on intuitive gesture/perspective, proportion, light/shade, perspective, other drawing methods, and composition.  Best suited for middle school and older.  $50 supply fee

• Elementary Art In this course, students will be learning about color theory along with various art styles, mediums, and artists from history to reinforce lessons.  As named, perfect for elementary ages!  $50 supply fee

• Art Fundamentals  This course is divided into four parts- drawing, color theory, composition/design, and watercolor.  In the spirit and style of the classical art ateliers, students will learn by studying and copying important works of art.  Students will also use Acrylics and oil paints.  Best suited for middle school and older.  $120 supply fee

• Art History  After a brief overview of ancient art and art of the Middle Ages, this course will dive into the study of art periods, movements, and styles from the Early Renaissance through the 20th century, ending with a brief look at post-modern trends.  This will be a hands-on course with weekly projects!  Suitable for elementary and up!  $120 supply fee

Art adventures

Fridays will have a brand-new offering for preschool through 2nd grade!   There will be a 10:00 am and a 2:00 pm story time using an art-related picture book with a corresponding project.  Please note- this is not a drop-off time and children will need to have a adult stay with them.   Tuition is $50 per month

*I realize the available times are more suited to those whose children are not yet school age or who homeschool.  However, if there is enough interest, I will see if I can work out a time for those who attend public school and cannot come during those hours.

Workshops

On the first Saturday of each month, there will be a 3-hour workshop, one at 9:00 am and one at 1:00 pm.  

COMING SOON!‍ ‍Beginning Colored Pencil-  Learn about the basic tools and techniques for drawing with colored pencil.  This workshop will also include instruction in draftsmanship, color theory, and making drawings more realistic.  Faber-Castell Polychromos colored pencils will be used and all supplies purchased are yours to keep!  Available forelementary through adult.  If interested, please contact me!  Tuition- $50  Supply fee- $50

Tuition/policy

Classes- $65 per month plus supply fee
Story Time- $50 per month plus supply fee
Workshops- TBD

Tuition is due at the first class/story time of the month.  Workshops must be paid same day.   *With some exceptions, students keep supplies purchased with fees.

The following are paid holidays-

• Spring Break- March 2027 TBD

• Thanksgiving- November 23-27, 2026

• Christmas- December 21, 2026-January 1, 2027

Make-up Policies:  If I am unable to teach as planned, a make-up time will be scheduled.  In the case of a student missing class due to illness, family emergency, inclement weather, transportation issues, or if I am given 48 hour notice, a make-up time can be arranged.   Other options may be made available in certain cases.

Contact me via the contact page or email me at wendi@simpejoysfineart.com to find out about enrolling!  And I am always happy to answer any questions!

About the Instructor

I am a professional, self-taught artist who uses graphite and colored pencil as my main medium. Over the years, I have taught private lessons, in public school, and community classes.  This includes grades pre-K  through HS students, as well as adults.  Read more on the About page!

Don't hesitate to ask questions! My email is wendi@simplejoysfineart.com

Simple Joys Fine Art
wendi@simplejoysfineart.com
www.simplejoysfineart.com

Current Course Offerings

24-Week Courses

• Drawing From Observation

• Learning Drawing Atelier-Style

• Elementary Art (color theory using study of different art styles/artists)

• Art Fundamentals (1Q-Drawing, 2Q-Color Theory, 3Q-Composition/Design, 4Q-Watercolor)

• Art Medium Exploration (1Q-Dry Mediums, 2Q-Wet Mediums, 3Q-Sculpture, 4Q-Mixed Media)

• Art History

• UPCOMING- Integrated Art (1Q-Psychology, 2Q, Geometry, 3Q-Chemistry, 4Q-Physics)

Half-Day Workshop

• *NEW Beginning Colored Pencil