Nora Sherwood
Portraying Nature to Educate and Inspire
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"In the end we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand,
and we will understand only what we are taught." – Baba Dioum
Meet Nora and learn a little about her approach.
Nice things said by nice people...Â
“Studying with Nora continues to increase my observational skills. She is very generous with sharing techniques.”
– Mary Jo
“Nora is extremely knowledgeable and also fun! She is well prepared and responsive to the students in her classes. She can cater to a wide range of skill levels, from beginner to advanced. I highly recommend her!”
– Bernadette
“Nora classes are packed with creative skills that she shares with enthusiasm and skill. We learn specific skills and then she enhances each class with wonderful tips and artist tricks. She has a way of encouraging us as artists, and finding all the best features of our work. Motivating”
– Ginevra
“I absolutely loved Nora's class. She was well prepared and enthusiastically shared her knowledge. I cannot wait to do another class with her.”
– Ria
“I have taken a number of classes from Nora, some in person and some on Zoom. Her zoom classes were so inspirational during lockdown of Covid. Not only did we learn new skills, but she incorporated the social aspect of in-person classes. I’m looking forward to more of her classes on Zoom this winter and classes at Sitka next summer.”
– Cathy
Nora’s workshops are for everyone; beginner and pro alike. No matter if you’ve never held a paintbrush, or if you’ve been an artist for 40 years, there is always something new to learn from each class. She makes it fun and easy for everyone!
– Lorrie
“I have been extremely fortunate to be able to take many workshops from Nora in person and by zoom. I always learn such interesting information and skills. Nora is a skilled teacher and provides great materials and clear instruction. It is just a delight to learn from Nora.”
– Debbie
(Materials will vary for different workshops, but this is a comprehensive list of most of the materials I use.
Upcoming workshops
"Put a Little Science in Your Art" series
Every now and then I offer a series of classes meant to cover the very basic skills I found helpful as I was becoming an artist/illustrator. I call them the "Put a Little Science in Your Art" classes because they are technical building blocks to help you get past those frustrating sticking points – your drawing is inaccurate, your shape looks inside out, your colors aren't working, your composition turned out weird, etc. Just a little bit of practical knowledge can really help!
These workshops are all offered via Zoom on Saturday afternoons (Pacific time). Sign up for individual workshops, or sign up for all four. Sessions will be recorded so you can catch up on any you miss. I'm available to answer registrants' questions via email, and all registrants are welcome to attend the free office hours/open studio sessions held most Wednesday evenings of the year to get help and support
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1. Basic Drawing and Pencil Skills – Feb. 15, Feb. 22
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2. Shading / 3D Form Bootcamp – Mar. 1, Mar. 8
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3. Color Theory Bootcamp – Mar. 29, Apr. 5
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4. Composition and Visual Storytelling – Apr. 19
Sign up for all four (saves $40)
Sitka Center for Art and Ecology - Bird Illustration: Anatomy and Movement
Sept. 17-19 at the Sitka Center on the Central Oregon coast. Member sign-up starts on Feb. 20, others can register starting on Mar. 6.
Many people benefit from personalized help in their learning journey. Here is a basic package that includes one-on-one instruction (most likely via Zoom as we probably live in different places), feedback, coaching, etc. that I think provides enough flexibility and structure that offers the opportunity to level up your technical abilities. Includes:
1. Meeting to discuss your goals and challenges
2. A customized program of exercises and projects based on your needs
3. Five subsequent weekly meetings that will include working together on your projects, critiquing your work, and giving technical assistance to help you level up
4. Email help through the week while you work on your projects
5. Open studio/drop in group session every Wednesday, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Pacific most weeks of the year
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In order to manage my own bandwidth challenges and make sure quality remains high, I only take on two people for 1:1 coaching at a time. Each of you will be on your own, individual track, and I will be meeting with you separately. You can sign up at any time, but we'll work together to schedule your sessions to accommodate everyone's schedule. Cost is $360.
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