As a retired school principal, I knew after my first class that Johanna was a natural-born teacher. First of all, with Johanna, it’s not a class in a traditional sense with everyone doing the same thing, but a gathering of aspiring artists, people working on pieces of their choice and interest. Johanna’s talent as a teacher and her depth of artistic knowledge allow her to guide and support each individual at their level so they are comfortable, yet always growing. Remarkably, she’s each person’s tutor, coach and cheerleader no matter how many people attend. And the bottom line is - her work pays off.  I’ve seen complete novice painters blossom beyond what they ever thought possible and more experienced people shine. Personally, Johanna has enabled me to finally realize my potential as an artist after many decades of self-taught frustration and limitations. Johanna celebrates your successes with you - from those moments when colors and brushstrokes go right to completed paintings while also nudging you with just what you need to grow. I wholeheartedly recommend this supportive, enriching and fun art experience. 

Michael

Johanna Furst is an exceptional art teacher who taught me so much more than how to paint abstractly. She helped me understand composition, line, texture, and color, but her greatest gift was teaching me to get out of my head and into my heart. Whenever I felt stuck, she knew how to challenge and encourage me in just the right way. Through her class, I became less critical of myself, more trusting of the creative process, and much more free in my work. I’m incredibly grateful for her guidance and the lasting impact she’s had on both my art and my confidence as an artist.

Kealan

I was an occasional doodler for years, but on a whim I signed up for one of Johanna's one-night classes. That single class changed everything.

Johanna's creativity, encouragement, and exceptional teaching, combined with the supportive community of fellow artists, gave me the confidence to discover that I really am an artist after all.

I highly recommend Johanna's classes to anyone looking to explore their creativity, build new skills, and experience the joy of creating.

Ian

Johanna Furst's classes are transformative. She is an excellent teacher! Her knowledge of color, composition and creativity helps steer you in the right direction on your own creative journey.  I highly recommend taking just one of her classes to immerse yourself in her world of great art.

Georgie

Johanna was one of the best art teachers I ever had. She brings a lot of energy and care to her art classes. She is great with feedback and is very active in all of her classes. If you enjoy exploring themes of nature and the environment in your art, then Johanna will be a great teacher. She shows great care when painting, expressing the importance of each brushstroke and how each color in a painting relates to one another. Overall, I enjoyed my time having Johanna as a teacher and definitely recommend anyone interested to take one of her classes. 

Yana

I attended a one night abstract painting class and fell in love with Johanna’s teaching style. She has a way of guiding everyone and teaching skills, while allowing each individual to go their own way. It was my favorite one night class ever and I took some oil painting classes as a result which helped me develop more as an artist.

Johanna’s own work is bright and fantastical. A joy to spend time looking at!

Alison

You’ve opened up such a new and beautiful world for me to experience. 

BM

When I first sought out classes, I had two goals: I wanted to learn oil painting from an instructor who provided technical guidance without a rigorous academic feel, and I wanted to meet like-minded people as a new resident in the area. I received all of that and more.

The classes are small and intimate, allowing everyone to work on their own projects at their own pace. The beauty of Johanna’s teaching style is how much we all benefit from the individual instruction she provided to each student. Her low-ego method of redirecting and improving my technique has given me the confidence to push myself in my work.

I am forever grateful for the skills I have gained and for the new social connections I’ve made.

JoAnne

Johanna created a very safe set and setting. The musical arrangement, guidance and gentle reminders to drop 'down and in' to fully access all emotions was paramount. At one point, I welled up in tears and allowed that transmission to flow seamlessly while being fully expressed right on to the canvas. What a release! Thank you Johanna!

Darryn (Creative Expression Class)

“I took this class on a whim and I am very glad I did. For me, it turned into an art therapy class which I didn’t realize I very much needed. Johanna got me out of my comfort zone and asked me to challenge myself creatively. I left the class with beautiful art and a feeling of joy. Thank you, Johanna!”

Rachel (Creative Expression Class)

Johanna is very skilled at facilitating the process rather than just the product of the creative “State of Flow” . She invited us to get curious about what color felt like and the result was a new found freedom of expression without letting the Inner Critic lead as I experienced her workshops. I so appreciated how Johanna so gently invited me to move beyond the boundaries of “mind” to express some emotions I did not even know I had repressed deep inside, some I was holding for my clients and some for myself that percolated quickly to the surface as they had a safe way to express themselves through the painting. She also guided me to notice how colors synchronistically held keys to feelings and messages in the corresponding chakras of the body which was fascinating.

Johanna truly has a gift for unleashing the “Universe Within” through the exploration of both color and intuition, so much so that I keep coming back for more of this amazing experience of ever expanding inner awareness.

Marcelle (Creative Expression Class)

Entering Johanna’s studio, one is surrounded by beauty. Each painting seems to be part of holding the space for diving into feeling and color. Johanna’s trust in the creative process makes a perfect launching pad for discovery of what’s inside. I was certainly surprised and equally delighted. A thoroughly immersive experience of sensual pleasure and insight. I highly recommend.

Nancy (Creative Expression Class)

There were a few things I loved about taking Johanna's abstract painting class. Johanna had lots acrylic paints in beautiful colors to choose from. Her brushes were a good quality. I enjoyed being in the presence of her gorgeous artwork. Best of all was Johanna's loving guidance and the sharing of her skillful knowledge. My painting is hanging over my table giving me inspiration while I eat.

Lucy

This class is so enriching… just like exercise, it’s challenging, but I’m always glad when I leave.

Maygirl

Johanna brings something more to the classroom. She brings her keen and understanding eye for people and their needs, with an ability to create a safe, warm, and creative community. With her enthusiasm, ideas, and rich experience of life, her lucky students leave her class knowing a lot about art - more importantly, they find ways to discover essential parts of themselves through her guidance, wisdom, and love.

Shu Shu

It’s always a pleasure to work with Johanna. Her personal vision, dedication, and sheer ability to turn complex ideas into clear, focused, and surprising art is inspiring, but what is truly extraordinary is her talent at applying her abilities to the task of bringing other’s visions into form. This ability is the core skill necessary for any strong teacher, and Johanna has it in spades.

Rebekah

Working with Johanna is like working with an Oracle. She just knows---how to move a group into well-being. I especially enjoyed her Mandala-making and dance workshop; inspiring and oh-so-calming, all in one session! I'm ready for more! 

Dana

PS: I've also hired her to create masterful book covers!

Working with Johanna learning oil painting has been encouraging. I find that she shows me how to paint and draw freely tapping into my own creative expression, intuitively unlocking and discovering my inherent skills while providing traditional methods, color theory and perspective.

Casey

Johanna has been the leader of my art class for 10 years.  Our group is comprised of trained and new students of  various physical abilities.  Johanna has helped each person grow. Her thoughtful and generous ability enables her to work with every individual.    Her natural warmth and considerable talent make it possible to help everyone  develop her own ability.  I very much recommend her as a teacher and mentor for any situation.

Helen F.

My many years as one of your students have been wonderful. You started me on oil painting, which I had never done. You were so encouraging, so very helpful. I looked forward to every weekly class with  you.

Helen D.

Last Jan/Feb I took one of Johanna's classes.  I've never painted with oils, but always was curious to try.  My experiences with watercolors were fleeting and many years ago.  She is amazing.   I learned a lot.   Then - Covid and I was unable to continue with another class.   Johanna has helped me over the phone with new paintings I have started since, and I am still learning!  I am so grateful!  I can see a real difference in my efforts from when our classes ended and my work today.   She is a wonderful, super dedicated teacher!

Liz

Johanna's greatest talent is her ability to inspire each student to do their very best.  I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to study with her, and the difference is obvious in my artwork!

Hope

Johanna,  You Are The Best!!  Not only are you a wonderful artist but you are a wonderful teacher.   You are patient, encouraging and make us all feel comfortable at whatever stage of ability or advancement we have accomplished. I am a brand new beginner and find it exciting to bring home my very own paintings. 

Rosalie