Training or degree
BFA in Illustration
School of Visual Arts, 2001
Self-reported
All professionals
Art lessons in Montclair
David Laurent
Art lessons: Loose watercolor and pen and ink sketching
Working illustrator who teaches watercolor at the dining table, one small painting at a time
- 5.0 from 17 reviews
- Lives in Montclair
- All five checks passed
Ask a question before you book. Contact details stay private.
Credentials
Professional experience
Freelance illustrator, 20 years
Book and magazine publishers, 2004 to present
Self-reported
About me
I have made my living as an illustrator for about twenty years, mostly book covers and magazine work, and I studied painting at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. Teaching started as a favor to a neighbor and turned into the part of my week I look forward to most.
I bring a full kit, good paper and brushes included, because cheap supplies make beginners think they are the problem. Each lesson ends with something finished, usually a postcard sized painting you can actually put on the fridge. Many of my students are in their seventies and eighties, and the ones who say they cannot draw a straight line are often the boldest painters by week four. If a hand is a little shaky, we use that. Loose lines look great in watercolor.
I live in Montclair with my wife and two teenagers, and I sketch at Van Vleck Gardens most Sunday mornings. Ask me about the time a goose ate my eraser.
What a first visit looks like
- 1
Minute 0 to 10
Look at a few paintings together and talk about what you would like to make.
- 2
Minute 10 to 25
Try the brushes and paper, mixing three colors into a whole little chart.
- 3
Minute 25 to 55
Paint a simple still life from your own kitchen, a lemon or a mug.
- 4
Minute 55 to 65
Sign it, talk about what worked, and plan next week's subject.
What to have ready
Nothing to buy before the first visit
- A table near good light
- A dish towel or paper towels
- Two jars for water
- An object you like to look at
Where David goes
- MontclairLives here
- Bloomfield
- Glen Ridge
- Millburn
- North Caldwell
- South Orange
- Verona
Where in the home
Dining tablePorch
Usual week
Mon
Off
Tue
1pm
to 5pmWed
Off
Thu
9am
to 1pmFri
Off
Sat
1pm
to 5pmSun
9am
to 1pm
What families say
“Kind, clear and never once talked down to my father.”
Steve M.
“Honest about the muddy parts and shows you how to fix them.”
Maria D.
“Dad asked me twice when the next one was. That never happens.”
Greg M.
“Patient with my dad, who can be a lot. Worth every penny.”
Raj J.
“Second month now. Still the highlight of Dad's week.”
Ellen T.
“My mom calls ahead to make sure the visit is still on. She loves it.”
Lisa K.
“Mom was nervous the first time. By the end she was laughing.”
Patrick P.
“My mother paints on her own now between visits.”
Michael R.
“My mother says it is the best part of her Tuesday.”
Mark C.
“Easy to book and even easier to have in the house.”
Kevin J.
“We were not sure Dad would go for it. He did.”
Janet P.
“We booked four weeks and just renewed.”
David N.
“Messages back fast and remembers the little things.”
Sofia L.
“Mom wore earrings for it. Enough said.”
Rachel R.
“Kind, punctual and so much fun. Dad is already asking about next week.”
Robert S.
“A real bright spot in our week. Highly recommend.”
Alex G.
“Patient and encouraging. My mother painted her first landscape!”
Chris B.
Checked and vetted
- Online search
- A real conversation with our team
- Signed provider agreement
- Criminal background check
- National sex offender registry check
$115 per hour
Plus a $2.50 booking fee and 10% service fee.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before.