“Tell me and I forget, teach me I may remember, involve me and I learn” — Benjamin Franklin
Introduction to Drawing Workshop ~ A foundational-level class, for all ages, that uses graphite and charcoal to introduce methods and techniques needed in developing drawing skills through the understanding of line, volume and form.
Introduction to Mosaics Workshop ~ A foundational-level class, for all ages, that introduces basic techniques, tools and materials (adhesives, beads, tiles, broken china, stones, shells, rhinestones...) used in creating mosaic pieces.
Children/Youth Art Classes* Drawing and Painting: Inspiration from the past ~ Ages 5-15 (6-8 weeks, 2 hour sessions)
* Developed for municiple community centres, libraries and galleries where art classes are offered *
Take an artistic journey into the past and discover how key artists including Leonardo da Vinci, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Frida Kahlo and Georgia O'Keeffe transformed the world of art with their awe-inspiring artistic acheivements and the movements they were a part of.
Students explore a variety of materials, styles and techniques while working in painting genres such as Landscape, Portraiture and Still Life. Classes focus on fundamental drawing skills, basic colour theory and the elements of art through discussions, exercises and projects.
For more information please contact me.
WORKSHOP TESTIMONIALS & KIND WORDS
“In addition to being a talented artist, Karen Johnston is an attentive, patient and generous teacher. I attended and thoroughly enjoyed her beginners mosaic workshop. Within the span of two hours, she covered all the basic techniques, a short visual history of mosaic master artists, and participants had time to complete a piece. Amazing! I’m hoping to take more art lessons with her soon - mosaic and drawing too. Karen also has a beautiful children's book called Six Owls and a Party that features her mosaic art. I'm going to use it to introduce mosaics to my young students. Karen even offered some simple, mosaic-inspired art activities that they would really enjoy. I'm enthusiastically recommending Karen to my educator colleagues and all of my art-loving friends.” — Rita Del Cotto (Teacher, TDSB)
“Thank you so much for coming to our school today. Your artwork is stunning. What a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn about mosaic art and the process of designing and publishing your beautiful book. We hope you will visit us again” — Staff and Students (Selwyn PS, Toronto).
“Our grade 1s and grade 2s were fortunate to have artist/author Karen Johnston visit over a two day span. She captured their attention with a reading of her book, Six Owls and a Party, and engaged them with her mosaic pieces. They loved seeing how she made the pages in the book - the tools, the glass pieces, the buttons and jewels, and the process from beginning to end. Karen then encouraged the students to give mosaics a try using coloured paper. Each student attempted this challenge differently and the results were so unique. When we returned to the classroom, all the students were motivated to continue their art. They wanted to quickly complete their other work in order to get back to their owls. Thank you, Karen, for introducing a new form of art to our students that showcases creativity.”
— Joyce Tam (Grade 2 teacher, Sawmill Valley PS, Mississauga)
“Karen Johnston inspired our kindergarten and grade 1 classes with her Magic of Mosaics presentation. Students enjoyed listening to Six Owls and A Party while gazing first hand at the mosaics used in her book. Students loved the experience of looking at Karen’s artwork, the highlight however was learning about mosaics through touch. The ability for students to touch Karen's designs and feel the various textures created by the many types of tesserae used in her creations provided students with a truly unique and memorable experience. Thank you Karen for making the long drive and sharing your talents with us; we had a wonderful time!”
— Patty Horack (teacher, John McCrae PS, Guelph)
“My small upper elementary class were delighted to meet a "real artist and author". Karen used her children's book, Six Owls and A Party, to invite the children into the world of mosaics. My students really enjoyed seeing some of Karen's mosaic pieces firsthand. It inspired the children to work on a collaborative piece using mosaics. Karen lead the work with patience and clarity. Afterwards many of my students remarked that they would like to author children's books someday. I would highly recommend Karen Johnston's "Magic of Mosaics" workshop for your class.”— Erika Lacey (teacher, Children's House Montessori School, Port Perry)
“I was thrilled to have Karen Johnston join my busy Kindergarten class. Karen read her children's book Six Owls and a Party as a read aloud and inspiration for the children to make their own mosaic art. The students were engaged and worked to develop new skills as artists that Karen had demonstrated to them. Karen was organized and lead the students through every step as they completed their mosaics. The students can't wait to get their own copy of "Artist Karen's" book.”— Cheryl Corby (FDK Teacher, Dr. S. J. Phillips PS, Oshawa)
Questions and Comments — Children unfiltered (Kindergarten - grade 5) during the Magic of Mosaics Workshop:)
"Author, can you help me?"
"I love you"
"What colour is your car?"
"Ms. Johnston's mosaic art is magical"
"WOW!!!, did you make that?"
"BYE Carol!"
