Computer Arts Classes and Students

Here are photos of some of my classes in computer graphics and crafts, and comments from students.

Click here for listings of currently scheduled classes and workshops and downloadable workshop outlines.

Contact Janet Ashford at jashford@jashford.com or call 707/937-4555.

Past Workshops on Computer Graphics

Computer Arts and Crafts in Mendocino

In July, 2002, I taught “The Arts and Crafts Computer,” a 5-day workshop in the computer arts studio at the Mendocino Art Center, in beautiful Mendocino, California. With only three adults in the class, we had plenty of time for individual attention. Computer classes at the art center enroll a maximum of 6 students, so it's a great, individualized learning envirionment.

Above is a photo of the four of us at our last day's breakfast out at the Raven's vegetarian restaurant in Mendocino, a great place with their own certified organic garden. From left, Kathy, Janet, Carol and Joan.

Joan Carlson made a handbound coloring book for one of her nieces.

Kathy Silva scanned Chinese joss paper and fit it into my template for a 4-petal folded box. This not only made a very decorative small box but an interesting flat graphic as well. A template for this box is included in The Arts and Crafts Computer.
Carol Pulizter made a hand-drawing based on scan of nasturiums picked from the art center's garden and placed directly on the scanner. Carol drew over the printed scan with pencil on tracing paper, then started adding color in Photoshop. Click here for more on this photo drawing technique see "From Photo to Drawing."

Teens at Zeum

In June, 2002, I taught a 6-unit workshop in Photoshop image-editing and computer crafts for 16 teenagers at Zeum, an art and technology museum for kids in downtown San Francisco. The workshops were part of their Teen Collaboration with Technology Artists program. Click to download an outline of the teen workshop contents. Notice the looks of concentration on the teenagers below! They were a very smart and engaged group of young people.

Regina cutting out a computer printed window decal

Teanna working on a design for refrigerator magnets featuring the names of her family.

Tony working on an elaborate piece of dragon art.

Praise from students!

These comments were submitted anonymously by some of my computer arts students at the Mendocino Art Center in Mendocino, California.

"Hours went by in minutes because I was so engrossed in creating art! This was a wonderful weekend. Janet was perfect!"

"I liked the flexibility of the instructor, the creative ideas that were shared in class, the interaction with the other students."

"I got all my questions answered and solutions to all my problems. I only wish there was more time."

"Janet is wonderful!"

"Janet really knows her material; very practical and immediately useful knowledge."

"I enjoyed most the teacher's direct style and inclusive manner."

"The teacher has a vast knowledge - approachable and gracious about sharing knowledge."

Janet has a wonderful way about her - very soothing, helpful and informative."

"Janet was so patient. Her handouts were helpful to explain and to keep the class on track. I have taken three other classes with great frustration. Janet put it all rogether for me."

"Janet's information goes deep. She understands how these systems work and can explain clearly and easily what we want to know. the class exceeded my expectations - love it!!"

"She said it was fun and it was fun! She presented a lot of technical information in a warm, enjoyable, personal way."

"Janet is very patient and attentive to her students. I hope she hits it big on one of her books one of these days, but keeps giving classes."

"A clear introduction to the basics of Photo Elements with good ideas for future projects."

"Igot all my questions answered and solutions to all my problems. I only wish there was more time."

"An excellent class and instructor. I'm looking forward to more classes with Janet."

Students in various Photoshop classes

Janet really did a beautiful job of covering her very complete and clear class. She is a great teacher - inspiring, sharing, patient and ery well informed. She is very adaptable to all students and their different needs. I felt I learned a great deal and gain in confidence in using the art form. I hope to take more classes from Janet in the future."

" I enjoyed the help, the instructor's knowledge and skill in instruction, her course outline. Janet was good and very competent, so I will look at other classes by Janet. I got my money's worth."

Students in "Creating Computer Crafts."

"Janet always has inspirational ideas. This is my third or fourth class with her. I take back so much information that I then share with my high school students. So her ideas end up impacting hundreds of others. Janet delights in the challenges student's provide with their questions and "mistakes." She works to resolve the problems and is just as thrilled with the results as the student. She's patient, linear yet original, and just a terrific instructor."

"I'm not knowledgeable in computer arts and much of what was taught went over my head, but I learned so much that I'm very glad that I took the class. Janet's enthusiasm is contagious."

"I was able to begin using Photoshop in a very enjoyable way."

"Thank you so much for dropping off my zip drive. When the woman at the B&B said I'd left it I thought I'd just left a disk. When she delivered my zip drive I was shocked that I had overlooked it. So, again, as tired as I'm sure you were, that was so sweet of you to drop it off. It was just a wonderful week- I learned a lot about a lot of things and about my own need to make art. You are so talented and so dear." - CP

Students in "The Arts and Crafts Computer"

"Janet's a jewel! I've been an educator for 29 years and I thought Janet did a wonderful job. Janet's knowledge of programs is phenomenal and her skill as an instructor superb! Just make the weekends longer!"

"Great experience. Janet is very knowledgeable and helpful. Recommended class!"

Students in "Your Name Goes Here"

"Our instructor was super-knowledgeable and spent one on one time with each of us. I loved the small class size and I enjoyed the teacher's knowledge, help and recognition of beginning levels. This was an amazing experience and I look forward to more courses here."

"Janet is such a thorough and patient instructor with incredible knowledge. I just couldn't begin to list how much I learned that will be useful in my profession as an art teacher for high school students. Keep hiring Janet. She's so creative. She makes the use of computers a creative experience."

"Janet is a wonderful instructor. The discussion of different color types was enlightening [RGB vs. CMYK]. Thank you Janet. I am looking forward to your next class."

"Loved it! Enjoyed demystifying the program [Adobe Illustrator] by using the tools other than the pen tool. Just great!"

"Excellent introduction to Illustrator."

"I enjoyed the easy contact to a knowledgeable instructor, small class size, good room layout. I'm a repeat student because I feel I really learn a lot."

Students in "Fun with Illustrator"