Colleen Carter, owner & instructor of The Sketch Pad

I began teaching art in 1995 when a group of home schooling families asked me to teach a drawing class for their children. Weekly lessons were held around my dining room table and I quickly discovered that I love teaching. Other groups began asking me for instruction, and since I didn’t have a studio at that time, I taught in various school classrooms, churches, community centers, and the Seattle area school for hearing impaired children.
In 1999, my family moved to Avon, Indiana. Once here, I envisioned a place where I could teach drawing and painting fundamentals, encourage exploration of artistic ideas, introduce students to great art and artists in history, and give young artists a chance to grow in their skills and display their work to the community.
That place I envisioned was The Sketch Pad Art Studio. It’s a creatively stimulating place where students come to weekly classes for instruction and inspiration. My studio is set up to accommodate the needs and learning styles of different ages and skill levels. Beginners develop their skills at the drawing tables. Intermediate and advances students work on paintings and large charcoal drawings at easels. Sometimes classes are held outside on our 10 acre site. Students are continually encouraged and challenged at The Sketch Pad Art Studio and their artistic achievements are proudly displayed each year at our annual Spring Art Show.

Some of my work

Testimonials

The Sketch Pad Art Studio Through Colleen’s instruction at the Sketch Pad, Katie’s artistic skills have flourished. The strength of Colleen’s teaching lies in her understanding of the importance of drawing skills. Her teaching methods are successful because she is able to connect with her students and communicate her passion of art. The Sketch Pad Art Studio

– mother of an advanced student

The Sketch Pad Art Studio Colleen is an excellent teacher- she is sensitive to her students’ different skill levels and she meets you where you are, and encourages you to grow from
there.

– Christin

The Sketch Pad Art Studio Megan's love of art has been fostered and encouraged through the classes at the Sketch Pad. It has been great to see how her technique and understanding of art have improved.

– mother of a 1st year student