Join my list! Keep up with class offerings, new releases and studio news.

My Teaching Philosophy

I’ve been teaching art for over thirty years and I’ve learned the most valuable thing I can do for my students is give them the tools they need to develop their own style. Depending on the class, I teach them how to use the materials, the basics of composition, how to see.

I encourage them to experiment, to go beyond what I’ve taught and find their own artistic voice.

It’s about developing confidence. And playfulness. And discovering how much fun mark making can be.

Where I Teach

Most of my larger workshops, (6-10) people, are taught at Artists Studios in the Foothills. This facility is centrally located between Grass Valley and Nevada City. It’s easy to get to, has plenty of street parking and, most important of all, a large classroom with lots of windows providing natural light.

I also teach small group and private lessons in my studio located in the forest just outside Nevada City.

Unless otherwise noted in the course description, I provide the materials for my workshops. I do this to give you the opportunity to learn a new media or technique without having to commit to what could be a costly investment in paint and tools.

A few student comments from some of my recent classes:

“This is the most relaxed I’ve ever been learning a new technique.”

“I get it–it’s all about LIGHT!!!”

“This is better than therapy, and not nearly as expensive!”

“Susan Lobb-Porter’s Weekend Cold Wax workshop was fantastic. She had plenty of materials for us to experiment and play with and also provided enough freedom to explore the medium and just the right amount of support if we got stuck or needed feedback. Overall a lovely weekend filled with discovery and delight. Thank you Susan!”

“Susan is very generous not only with necessary supplies and even her own tools, but more importantly, with her extensive knowledge and experience, her “try everything” constructive attitude toward questions and critiques, and most especially her infectious enthusiasm.”

“I came away from this workshop thinking that cold wax and oil may be the most exciting medium of expression ever. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to try it, and I would heartily encourage others to try it as well.”

How to register for any of my workshops.

Shoot me an email via the contact button to arrange payment and reserve your space for the workshop(s) you’re interested in. Workshops are fully refundable with 48 hours notice.

Save Your Spot

2025 Workshops

I’m leaving Nevada County, moving to the Olympic Peninsula in the spring of 2025. At this time I only have one local workshop scheduled, Oil & Cold Wax. Depending on circumstances I may schedule more. If you’re interested in learning from me before I leave please sign up for my email list or contact me about private lessons.

Jan 27, 10 AM-2PM & January 28, 1-3PM

Cold wax is FUN. It’s also totally different than anything you’ve ever done with paint. Think ‘deconstruction’. Think ‘excavation’. Think ‘spontaneity’. Think all of the above and you might come close to understanding what it’s all about. In this workshop you’ll create multiple small studies while learning how to incorporate cold wax medium with oils and mixed media. People often think of cold wax with oil paint but that’s only part of it. Cold wax is truly a mixed media medium.

This workshop is for all levels, as long as you have a basic understanding of composition and color and want to learn a new medium. If you’ve already studied Cold Wax with me this is an opportunity to take it even further.

January 27 from 10AM-3PM at ASiF Studios, 940 Idaho-Maryland Rd, Grass Valley. There will be a follow up Zoom session, date & time TBD

$350, all materials included. $100 deposit will hold your place, balance due at the start of the first class

To register contact me at susan@slporter.com