“What’s Your Story?” Featuring Lisa Guckelberg

Colored Pencil Dog Portrait

We are back with “What’s Your Story?”, Featuring artist and teacher Lisa Guckelberg.  I am blessed to know Lisa personally, as a friend and running partner, and am plain giddy to have her here at SBLC.  Lisa gifted me with the above work when I moved an hour away and we were no longer going to be running together daily.  She drew this beautiful portrait of my Jack Russell from a photo she pulled up on Facebook.  Is that amazing or what?!  I have not had the opportunity to take a class with her yet, but… yeah, I could learn a lot from her!

Thank you for being here, Lisa!

I hope you enjoy this insightful interview as much as I did.  If you are in the Indianapolis area, take advantage of your proximity and sign up for a class with Lisa.  Click here to go to her website (after you read the interview, of course).

Where are you located?

Greenwood, IN

 

How many years have you been teaching art?

27 years

 

What type of art do you teach?

Pencil, colored pencil, watercolor, pen and ink, and acrylics.

 

How do your classes progress?

I start my students with basic drawing techniques, then work into other mediums.

 

What ages do you teach?

Ages 7 through adult.

 

When you are not teaching, what do you like to draw and paint?

A favorite subject of mine has always been horses. If I am at will to choose my subject, that is usually what I end up doing. I also enjoy drawing other animals. I enjoy working in colored pencil, watercolor, and pen an ink.

 

What is your must have tool for creating?

A quiet environment and a pencil, and I am happy.

 

When and why did you set up your website?

I have had my website www.lisaguckelbergart.com for nearly two years now. It was important to get that up and running because the internet is a valuable business tool. It is the way that many people search for classes. I have watched my classes grow by leaps and bounds recently. Without it, I would be missing out on a lot of business.

 

Do you have any tips for beginning artists?

Observation is key to rendering a realistic subject, and remember your drawing will never be perfect. You will increase your ability with every drawing or painting that you render. Take what you learn from each piece of artwork that you create and apply that to your next drawing or painting. The process of creating should be enjoyable and not filled with unrealistic expectations of perfection. If you have unrealistic expectations you are setting yourself up for failure.

 

Do your students show their work?

I encourage my students to enter local contests, and fairs. I also sponsor an annual student art exhibit that is held on the first Friday in December at the Greenwood Community Center. It is open to the public. Every attendee recieves a ballot so they can place their votes for the people’s choice awards. The event is usually attended by 500 people or more.

 

What good books have you read lately?

I have read several great books recently! Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand. It is a story about Louis Zamperini, an olympic runner, and his incredible story of survival during the second world war. I just couldn’t put this book down!! The Grace to Race, by Sister Madonna Buder with Karin Evans. The story of a running nun, who is still running, now in her 80’s! Run! 26.2 Stories of Blisters and Bliss, by Dean Karnazas. The Long Run, by Matt Long with Charles Butler. This is a story of survival, and overcoming extreme injuries, and adversities to run a marathon.

 

Where was your last vacation?

Paris, France. I went to the Louvre for the first time and I was completely overcome with emotion at the sight of some of the works of art that were on display there.

 

What is your favorite pastime outside of your artistic endeavors?

I would have to say running. It is so cleansing, in so many ways. In addition, I love anything that involves being around horses. As Sir Winston Churchill said, “The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.” I also enjoy hiking, gardening, and reading.

 

Who is your favorite artist?

I love the work of so many it is hard to choose. Monet, Davinci, and Dali, to name a few.

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