Ross Sheehan is an artist and educator specializing in painting, printmaking, and mixed media 2D techniques. His approach to teaching art initially starts with conceptual sketching, drawing and design, ultimately leading to experimental processes and intuitive art-making based on the students’ personal interests.

Ross earned a BFA from Syracuse University and an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. He studied painting and art history in Florence, Italy. In addition to having a background in art handling and museum preparation, Ross has worked as a teaching artist at Burlington City Arts, Davis Studio, and the Organization of Youth Artists (OYA) studio, all located in Burlington Vermont. In 2021, Ross founded the School of Psychogeographic Arts. Today, the school operates out of his Seascape Village studio in Aptos.

Ross and his family live in Aptos where he teaches. He is a member of the California Society of Printmakers, and his work has been exhibited and collected internationally.

Classes

$50 Hour plus material fee

K-12

Program 1: Graffiti Art

Outdoor space required

Make your mark with Graffiti Art! Students will create their ‘Street Art’ identity and experiment with different spray painting techniques. I can travel to onsite locations (outdoor areas required). We will create stencils, and spray paint on canvases mounted on easels. Open to painting on designated outdoor walls, buildings, fences, and other structures if agreed upon by school or property owner. We will use acrylic paint and water-based spray paint as safer alternatives. All materials provided (access to running water a plus but not necessary).

Program 2: Relief Printmaking

Outdoor space preferred

Get your fingers inky with Relief Printmaking! Students will create designs of personal interest and experiment with printmaking by hand. I can travel to onsite locations (both indoors and outdoors pending weather and class size). I have portable tables, chairs, drying line, and a tent for outdoor printing. We will primarily use printing matrixes ranging from foam plates to (carving) soft linoleum pending class age, size, allotted time, and experience. All printmaking inks are water soluble. All materials provided (access to running water preferred but not necessary).

Program 3: Mosaics

Piece it together with Mosaic Art & Design! Students will design and execute a personalized mini-mosaic of their choice. We will embed shells, glass, tile pieces, and more, into individual frames with wet mortar (students are also welcome to bring in small pieces of their own). Open to installing permanent mosaics on larger walls and other surfaces as group projects if agreed by school or property owner. I can travel to onsite locations (both indoor and outdoor locations pending weather and class size). *Limited folding tables and chairs may be provided for outdoor classes. All materials provided (access to running water preferred but not necessary).

Program 4: Murals

Broaden your horizons with Mural Painting! Working collaboratively as a group onsite, students will draw and paint a mural on a designated area agreed upon between school or property owner (indoor or outdoor building wall is best) using charcoal, inks, and latex/acrylic paints. We will work on initial sketch/concept to finished mural using a grid transfer method. *Alternatively, students could work side by side drawing and painting on large sections of unstretched raw canvas attached to a wall (each student’s section will be cut out at end of project for student to keep, or keep working on…). Both methods will require multiple days to complete and an estimate would be provided prior to mural starting. Limited folding tables available. All materials provided (access to running water preferred).