What It's Not

Let's get straight to the point- this is not a "paint and sip" type of lesson, even if we do break out the bubbly. This also isn't a hoity-toity class where you're expected to know color theory and have studied at some prestigious school to be able to succeed.

Who It's For

This is a hybrid class geared toward beginners, those who need a refresh, or established artists looking to dip their toes into the magical pond of oil painting. My students are mostly beginners, some who admit they haven't painted since kindergarten, but all of my students do extremely well, and that's something I'll always boast about. Check out the Student Works page to see the evidence of my first-time painters.

Why It's Different

These classes are typically 3.5-4 hours long (yes, I know it sounds like a very long class but I promise it flies by... ask anyone who's taken one before.) Because I'm a self-taught artist, my words are simple. No fancy jargon, no expectations of what you should or shouldn't be able to do. My classroom is a no judgement zone.

In the year and some change that I've been teaching oil painting, I've taught over 1000 students in my studio in Beaufort. I've also been flown out to teach in England, Scotland, Italy and have more European painting retreats lined up for 2025. (Check out the "Travel" info at the top for upcoming painting retreats.) My classes tend to book out sometimes 3 months in advance. I've even had several people try to book a year in advance. People travel as much as 20 hours round-trip to take these classes.

Yes, they are popular for a reason.

Let's also keep this clear: I don't TOUCH your canvas (unless someone asks me to, which doesn't happen very often.) That means it's all YOU, BABY! I don't stencil on the image beforehand. I don't mix up your colors. I don't paint on your canvas.

It's very simple, the more you practice with me, the better you'll get. I fully understand my classes are pricey to some people, so I also offer a handful of online tutorials via Patreon for only $15/month. Because you can cancel at any time, you are free to sign up for a single month of $15, watch every single tutorial, then cancel immediately... all for $15. There is something to be said about practicing with me in person, though. The students who've taken my in-person classes several times (or more) are doing phenomenally well on their own.

There's no denying it, this class is difficult. Some images are more difficult than others. I pick only "beginner-friendly" images but that still doesn't mean they're easy.

It's not a "get together with your friends, drink wine and gossip" type of class (nothing wrong with those! This just isn't it.) It's more of a "I need a mental reset" or a "I want to become an artist" or a "I think I'd like to paint from time to time" type of class. Yes, it is certainly fun... and relaxing (at moments) but it is also the type of thing where you get what you put into it. If you pay attention, and follow instructions to a T, you'll paint something you'll want to hang proudly in your home.

About Your Instructor

Hi! My name is Kayla. I taught myself to paint while dealing with a chronic illness, depression and lingering effects of childhood trauma. The thoughts of ending my life were more prevalent than ever when I decided I had nothing left to lose and picked up my first oil paint brush. I had never really painted before that point, and can't draw to save my life, but had always felt called to create.

Painting saved my life.

No, really.

It showed me I had a greater purpose and a true calling. When I first began, I was pretty terrible... In fact, in only one class, my students begin about a year ahead of where I did. I kept at it though, and eventually got pretty good. I did not go to school for art. In fact, I had to drop out of college because even working full-time and making good grades, I couldn't afford tuition. I'm happy I'm self-taught though, because I really believe that's what has made me such a good teacher.

Which brings me to this- my instruction is simple, to the point, and broken down into easily digestible tidbits. I didn't learn fancy-shmancy techniques and we certainly break "rules" in class, but that's what make these classes so desirable.

I am also passionate about sharing the gift of oil painting with others because I know what it did for me. I know how it's helped me to process grief and heartache in ways therapy never has. I know I have many students who come to paint when they've recently lost a loved one. They tell me how it helps their brain shut off, because you truly have no mental capacity to focus on anything else except being there in that moment, painting.

My passion shows, and it translates into my students' incredible masterpieces. I'm here to help you, guide you and to do so with a gentle hand, a kind heart and a loving spirit.

I hope you find your peace here with me, as I find it with you when I'm teaching something so dear to me. I don't just teach art, I share a piece of my soul with my students. I can only hope that shows in how well my students perform.