Get to Know our Artists!

Read about all of our Art Instructors and Visiting Artists:

Ruth Stewart
Valerie Stewart
Mary Carole

Rita Huscher

Rita Huscher has been painting for more than 20 years. Her interest in painting was sparked by a paint by number kit she was given-after which she began studying with Robert Warren, Bob Byerly, William Alexander, Priscilla Hauser, Mary Carole and many more respected artists. Rita has never stopped learning; she attends workshops and seminars every chance she gets and brings back new ideas for her students!

Rita opened her first shop in 1980 in Basehor, Kansas, and in 1992 she opened the Art Barn in Bonner Springs, Kansas-about 20 minutes West of Kansas City- where she teaches, sells supplies and provides a gallery for her extensive artwork. The Art Barn also sponsors visiting artists (see below). She is a certified instructor for Gary Jenkins, Grumbacher, Winsor-Newton, Bob Ross, CoArt Teachers Group and William Alexander, and a member of the Art Teachers Organization.

Rita loves everything about art and likes to share anything new with her students. She works with all ages-teaching a class for seniors in the Ozarks, Missouri, and one for teens in Bonner Springs-as well as all skill levels. No experience is necessary to produce a beautiful painting in each class by following a step by step method. For the advanced student, Rita offers helpful critique and individualized instruction that are bound to improve anyone's artwork. Her classes and workshops are not only educational, but they are guaranteed to be friendly and fun!

To contact Rita about her paintings or classes:

Email: ehuscher@aol.com
Phone (913) 441-4411

Ruth Stewart

I took art classes at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and over the years studied with some of the great teachers including Robert Warren, Brenda Harris, Valerie Stewart, Buck Paulson and Jerry Yarnell.  I've also studied wildlife taught by Carl Brenders, Rod Fredrick and Terry Isaac.  I am a certified art instructor with Alexander Art, Grumbacher and Winsor & Newton.  Previously I was a class coordinator for a large art supply Store chain.

In 1985 I started teaching at the Joan Darflinger Studio in St. Charles, Illinois.  I also started doing workshops in studios, hotels and senior centers, hence the name Vagabond Studio.  When I moved to Denver in 1996, I opened my own studio and sold it in 1999.  I am now back to traveling and showing my art work at shows in the Southwest. 

We spend the winter in Arizona and I teach several workshops there during the winter months. We have a motor home so we travel in the western U.S. during the summer, and I teach wherever I can find students who want to learn.

Ruth Stewart is the owner of the Vagabond Studio, 21598 Mountsfield Dr., Golden, CO 80401.
She can be reached:

In Colorado at (303)526-0339
In Arizona at (623)972-2144
Email: Vagabond3@aol.com

View a Sampling of Ruth's Work!

Valerie Stewart

Valerie has been specializing in portraiture since 1980 and began teaching classes shortly thereafter. She has always had the 'heart of a student' in her approach to teaching.

Valerie Stewart combines her artistic skills with her love for people and we are all blessed with her talented art work and valuable instruction. Early in her career she did much commission work but her true love is working with people. She is able to satisfy this desire through her teaching. The quality of her artwork and instruction is unparalleled and unique. Students from coast to coast have enjoyed her easy-to-follow and relaxed teaching style. She paints, and teaches from the heart.

Valerie says, "I believe that anyone can learn to paint portraits if they just bring their desire to class and their heart to the canvas."

Valerie can be reached at:
905 Scarletwood Court
Galt, CA 95632

Email: vstewartportrait@aol.com
Phone: (805) 772-1320

Learn More about Valerie and see some of her paintings!

Mary Carole

Mary Carole was born in Oregon, raised in Washington and has lived in California for many years. She began painting in 1969 and has taught oil painting classes and seminars since 1975. Traveling nationally she has taught in 15 states and has 13 videotapes on oil painting instruction distributed by Jenkins Vision.

Her early training was at Santa Ana College and Laguna Beach School of Art. Studying later for 5 years with the American master artist, Everett Raymond Kinstler.

Mary Carole paints a variety of subjects including portraits, seascapes, florals and landscapes or anything else that catches her interest. She believes that painting is a wonderful way to educate the eye to the beauty around us. As an instructor she feels it is her obligation to share with others everything she knows about painting. This sharing experience, she feels, has played an important role in her growth as an artist, instructor and person.

Contact Mary Carole for information on her paintings or classes at:

marycarole@marycarolearts.com
Phone (805) 772-1320

Visit Mary Carole's Website!

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