Teaching and Demonstrations

Michèle J. Kenna is an artist based on the North Shore of Massachusetts who also teaches soft pastel painting to adults, from beginners to experienced artists. Her indoor classes are held at Porter Mill Studios, 95 Rantoul Street, Beverly, MA. She also takes students out for days "en plein air" to paint outdoors, taking in the beautiful sights and colors of the summer and fall seasons in New England.

Testimonials

Pastel Class by Michèle Kenna

"My wife and I met Michèle years ago at one of the Open Studios at the Porter Mill Studios in Beverly. We found her abstract landscapes very impressive and Michèle was always friendly and approachable. In 2021, we started taking lessons in pastel with Michèle and have continued to do so. Michèle is a congenial, practical, and encouraging teacher who brings a wealth of experience to every class." – Bob and Pat Murphy

"I have found myself more relaxed in Michèle’s classes than in other classes I’ve taken. This has helped me to work more freely, loosen up and create work that I've been very pleased with. The length of the class is perfect followed by a short critique, and again, it has pushed me to try and complete what I’m working on. I've picked up excellent new tips along the way. Michèle’s classes are nice small groups of hard-working people who are very serious about pastel painting." – Barbara N.

"I've been studying the art of pastels with Michèle since 2020. She has tutored, instructed, coaxed and inspired pastel paintings from a class of 3 to 8 students during six-week sessions throughout the year. Photos on a variety of subjects are sent weekly for inspiration with a theme for the class to paint. She gives us pointers on composition, painting techniques and color. A very relaxed critique is held at the end of class with Michèle as well as the other students giving encouragement and ideas for completing our paintings. Michèle is always positive, upbeat and gentle in her critiques. We have completed some admirable pastel paintings in those sessions. In addition, Michèle is very knowledgable about other artists and their particular style and skill which may relate to our individual painting style. She also has a vast collection of books which she generously loans to her students. I am looking forward to many more classes with Michèle and fellow students." – Chris Dougherty, Manchester by the Sea, MA

I recently took a wonderful pastel class with Michèle Kenna. The class was held in a light-filled open space at Porter Mill studios with a small (masked) group. Michèle ensured our work areas were socially distanced but close enough to be inspired by each other’s work. Michèle really has a painterly eye to her pastels and as a teacher she is enthusiastic and encouraging as we each explore this medium. It is a very supportive environment and Michele gives us guidelines and demonstrates techniques and then she lets us loose! I would definitely recommend taking a class from this accomplished and imaginative artist. – Linda Ashley, Wenham, MA

Michèle is just the type of teacher every new pastel artist needs: encouraging, relaxed and fun. I came to her with very little experience and she taught me how to really see and observe the beauty in the landscape before us while we painted outside. Michèle is especially good at suggesting new ideas or a new direction in those moments when you feel stuck. My classes with Michele were the highlight of the summer and I wholeheartedly recommend her. – Nancy Mann, Beverly, MA

I first met Michèle Kenna while attending an Open House at Porter Mill Studios in Beverly, Massachusetts. It was during this tour of the open studios that I was immediately attracted to not only Michèle’s outgoing and upbeat personality but to her phenomenal art displayed in her studio/gallery. I highly recommend Michèle, a seasoned and accomplished pastel artist and great teacher who is very engaging, energetic and just plain fun to spend time with. – Susan Egan, Beverly, MA

Michèle is everything you would want in an art teacher: patient, non-judgmental, full of encouragement and suggestions to improve your work. She explains different concepts very clearly and provides lots of wonderful demonstrations. I always enjoyed my classes with Michèle. I come away feeling positive about my work and excited about the new challenges to come in the next class. – Kathleen McBourne, Toronto, Canada

Private Lessons for Adults

It is never too early or too late to begin. Whether you are a beginner or someone who wants to refresh your artistic skills, Michèle will get you back on track. You will learn how to apply pastel sticks of pure color to paper and create a rich, dramatic and successful painting. Michèle will do demonstrations and offer constructive critiques which are all part of the learning process. Private lessons are tailored to your individual needs along with knowledgeable instruction in color, composition and technique. Michèle encourages creative experimentation to increase confidence. For outdoor "en plein air" classes, you will complete a landscape painting depicting the natural setting around you. For indoor classes in the studio, you will create a painting from a favorite photograph or from your imagination.

Age: Adult
Six 2-1/2 hour lessons: $275

Please call 978-335-3999 or email mjkpainterlypastels@gmail.com for more information or to make a reservation.

Outdoor Lessons "En Plein Air"

In good weather, you and Michèle might explore one of the North Shore's expansive marshes, rocky Atlantic shores, majestic country estates or quiet apple orchards to capture your experience in soft pastels. You choose the day and time. In the event of inclement weather, lessons take place in the Porter Mill Studios, 95 Rantoul Street, Beverly, MA. Some materials are provided.

Age: Adult
Six 2-1/2 hour lessons: $275
One 3-hour private lesson: $75 for one person, $135 for two people

Please call 978-335-3999 or email mjkpainterlypastels@gmail.com for more information or to make a reservation.

Demonstrations

One of my favorite things to do is to share my love of pastels and to teach people how to create a loose semi-abstract landscape full of color, movement and feeling. Having done many demos at different art associations and private gatherings, I have learned that many artists strive to get away from strict realism and explore the endless possibilities in semi-abstract painting.

If you are interested in having me do a demonstration, please contact me at mjkpainterlypastels@gmail.com.

Teaching Events

Check back soon for upcoming teaching events.

Gift Certificates are Available Too

If you'd like to give the gift of lessons to someone special, please call 978-335-3999 or email mjkpainterlypastels@gmail.com to request a custom gift certificate.