Art Instruction Offerings

I believe that art is a practice of curiosity, not perfection. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your established style, my goal is simple: I create a supportive space where you can let go of self-criticism. We focus on embracing the messy process so you can truly find your unique artistic voice. We'll concentrate on skill development right alongside creative freedom, making sure every session is productive and genuinely joyful.

Private In-Home Workshops

Imagine hosting a creative retreat right in your own living room! These private workshops are designed to be a deeply personal and fun experience for you and your chosen group. Maybe you've always wanted to try watercolor with your best friends, or perhaps your family needs a fun afternoon painting together. I will come to you and tailor the entire session to exactly what you want to explore. We’ll take our time, dive into the medium, and simply enjoy the creative flow without the pressure of a formal classroom. This is all about gathering, making art, and connecting with each other.

Lee Schauer Plein Air watercolor June 3rd 2025

Live Virtual Zoom Classes

If you're looking for a consistent way to build your skills from home, my four-week Zoom classes are the perfect solution. We meet live, which means you get real-time demonstrations and personalized feedback on your work every single week. These sessions are perfect for slowing down and diving into a specific technique or subject. You will get into a good rhythm with your art practice. It’s a wonderful way to join a supportive community, ask questions as they come up, and make steady progress.

cellulose paper with watercolor  Lee Schauer  september 30 2025
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Madison College Continuing Education Classes (Spring 2027 Semester)

I am proud to teach courses through Madison College, offering a chance to explore art in a more structured, academic setting. These classes are fantastic if you appreciate a formal curriculum that helps lay down strong foundational knowledge. They are also great for pushing you into advanced concepts. While the environment is professional, my teaching approach remains supportive and hands-on. I focus on helping you understand the 'why' behind the techniques. Keep an eye out for my specific class listings for the upcoming Spring 2027 semester on the Continuing Education schedule!

Weeklong Retreat Workshops at The Clearing (Summer 2027 TBA)

Join me for a truly immersive and restorative week of art in the beautiful, natural setting of The Clearing in Door County. These retreat workshops are designed for deep focus. You can dedicate a full week to transforming your art practice and finding inspiration in the quiet landscape. It’s an ideal opportunity to escape daily distractions and connect with a dedicated group of fellow artists. You will experience profound growth in your work. Enrollment details and dates for Summer 2027 are TBA.

Plein air painting restored Brisbane house 2024

Plein Air Watercolor Painting Sessions (Starting May 2027)

There is nothing quite like painting outdoors. It brings wonderful energy and challenge to your work! These sessions are an invitation to get out into the beautiful Madison landscape. You will capture the light and mood of the moment with fast, expressive watercolor techniques. It’s a great way to escape the studio, sharpen your observation skills, and learn how to work quickly and confidently. We'll meet at beautiful locations around the city starting up again in May 2027. Come join us—all we need is a minimum of four joyful people to start painting!

Private Art Lessons

If you feel stuck on a particular skill, are working through an artistic block, or just need a mentor to guide your next steps, a private lesson is designed just for you. These three-hour sessions are a deep dive into your goals. We can focus on anything you need, from mastering a challenging color mix to brainstorming ideas for your next big project. This is a dedicated space for one-on-one attention. We'll gently unpack areas of perfectionism and address your specific challenges. We can then custom-design a path forward that feels exciting and achievable.

painting of woman with sunglasses by lee schauer 2024

Paint and Sip Events

Sometimes, the best way to approach art is with a paintbrush in one hand and a relaxed mindset. My paint and sip events are all about having a low-pressure, fun, and social time while creating something wonderful. These are lighthearted, guided sessions where the emphasis is simply on enjoying the process. You get to be present with friends or meet new people. No experience is required! While none are currently scheduled, check back here soon or join my mailing list to be the first to know when a new date pops up!

urban sketchers madison wisconsin capitol building by lee schauer 2024

Creative Team Workshops for Companies

Bring the invigorating power of art creation to your team! These custom-designed workshops are a unique way to invest in your employees’ well-being. We tap into the creative side—the side that solves problems non-linearly and embraces risk. This translates directly into better teamwork and innovative thinking back in the office. In a relaxed, hands-on session, employees get a chance to destress and move away from screens. They will also build a strong sense of camaraderie through shared experience. It’s an empathetic way to support your staff. We help them break down the fear of "getting it wrong" (a great lesson for perfectionists!) and leave feeling refreshed, connected, and ready to approach their work with a renewed sense of possibility.

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Mediums and Areas of Focus

I can guide you whether you are curious about the luminous qualities of watercolor (my specialty!), the versatility of acrylics, or the rich texture of pastels. I can also help you build strong drawing fundamentals. Within every medium, we touch on core principles like color theory and composition. My aim is not just to show you a technique. It is to help you understand why it works and how you can adapt it to fit your own developing style. We can explore any of these mediums, from the very first strokes to advanced application.

The Circus with Dad, 4'x3' by lee schauer 2025