Owner & Founder of Beech Tree Studio
Fine Art in Colored Pencil
When Andie’s husband, Steve, planted a small beech tree in the front yard of
their new Geneva home several years ago, neither had any idea that it would
someday branch into something far greater than just a lovely tree.
Fifteen years later, Beech Tree Studio, has blossomed into an art school staple in
the Fox Valley area and beyond. Andie teaches not only at her home studio in
Geneva, but also in downtown Geneva on Third Street. She has teachers
instructing from their home-based studios in Elgin, Streamwood and
Montgomery. Sessions are 5-weeks long interspersed with various specialty
workshops throughout the year such as portraiture or Christmas card design.
“Working with colored pencils takes patience – it’s not a fast process,” Andie says
who has used them exclusively since 1990 and is a signature member of the
Colored Pencil Society of America. “As a teacher, I find it so rewarding to work
with someone first starting out and see them express amazement at the quality of
their finished piece – that joy and surprise never gets old for me!”
Andie’s students – all adults -- seem to fall into a few common categories. They
are individuals who always wanted to explore drawing but because of family or
professional constraints couldn’t previously find the time. Still others actually
have degrees in fine art and embrace the discipline of weekly classes to complete
their projects. And finally, there are those who are simply, literally drawn to learn
more about working with colored pencils.
“Drawing with colored pencils is not searching to match a color to just one
pencil,” Andie explains. “It’s more complicated than that. I compare the process
to looking into a stream – where its layers become clearer the longer you look –
from leaves at the top to rocks at the bottom. Layering and blending colors
effectively are what creates visual depth and realism in the final piece.”
Andie’s inviting studios offer artists comfortable chairs positioned at clean work
tables with individual lighting and electric sharpeners per student. Hot and cold
beverages along with soft background music add to the welcoming atmosphere.
And since classes are three hours in length, students often bring treats to share.
Although Andie orchestrates smaller art shows for her students throughout the
year at various locations, the highlight is her annual year-end art celebration held
each November at Chapelstreet Church in Geneva. It showcases student artwork
from all her studios. Open to the public, live music, catered food, and a separate
Christmas section spotlights the students’ designs from the Christmas card
workshop where students will see their framed artwork displayed next to its
printed Christmas card for the first time. Christmas card sales have benefitted
local charities selected by Andie and her family.,
“Each week, I enjoy watching the connections my students make on so many
levels,” Andie sums up. “From learning new techniques that expand how they
approach their latest projects, to the laughter, fun and friendships formed – it’s
gratifying to see how the art experience lifts spirits and enriches our lives.”
For more information about Beech Tree Studios, visit: beechtreestudio.com
