What is art, where is art, and how to create original art is revealed as artists define their world, movement in space, shape and form, shading techniques (value), negative and positive space, perspective, foreshortening, and more. As artists grow conceptually and creatively, they apply these techniques with increasing challenges.
I love teaching art!
For over 44 years teaching I am fortunate to have the great joy of seeing thousands of students grow and proudly present their artwork into society. My art students have been accepted into the finest art colleges in the world with portfolios they created from Marilyn Benkler Art Studio, including Pratt Institute, Fashion Institute, Parsons The New School of Design.
During my 44 years teaching and as owner and C.E.O. of Marilyn Benkler Art Studios and Ziegler/ Benkler Art Studios, I was Director of Art for five years Moriah Day School in Englewood, New Jersey, and 11 years at Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School in Teaneck, New Jersey, where I was the creator and teacher of ninth through twelfth grade art classes, advanced classes and college portfolio courses. This included organizing and displaying yearly art shows, coordinating school art projects and after school classes. I ordered and managed supplies and curriculum. I ran the private at home art study programs.
It is the development of your growth that interests me, your willingness to make adjustments, take chances, and explore new territory to build a foundation for your safety and security.
In Marilyn Benkler Art Studios, cooperation, respect of peers and good work habits are an outgrowth of the process of creating. The completion of the art work is significant, but the process of exploration and commitment is where growth occurs.
Being an artist is having a gift of expression and a heightened way of experiencing our world. I offer you a simple approach to being an artist.
How I Teach
I have developed and refined a sequence of art from early childhood through adult. It is essential to begin each student at their comfortable level and continue their growth eliminating frustration. One of my objectives is to give you a vocabulary of art that will enable you to communicate as an artist and apply it into your artwork.
If you excel in any school of art (ex. realism) I encourage you to explore others (ex. abstract, cubism, surrealism). This expands confidence in areas that may seem new and scary. I work with you individually, step by step, in a private or group class to eliminate any frustration or obstacles.
You will learn how to evaluate your artwork. I emphasize that there is no right or wrong way in art, no mistakes, only a way to achieve a particular goal or explore possibilities. We create and discuss the masters and contemporary artists styles.
You may see a style that feels natural to create and be inspired by another. Seeing and the production of art is primary but the development of a critical and analytical thought process is essential. A foundation for a lifetime!
What’s in the classes?
A full and complete comprehensive art program and art supplies including realism, abstract, impressionism, surrealism, modern, op art, collage, sculpture and anything your creative heart desires, with art history and art portfolios.
Individual Personalized Art Lessons
One to one personal attention in a comfortable, creative, comprehensive, welcoming and supportive art studio or in your comfort on Zoom with a simple approach to learning art.
Group Personalized Art Classes
A small class with personal attention for each student in a welcoming, accepting, creative, comprehensive and supportive in art studio environment or in your comfortable place on Zoom with a simple approach to learning.