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PERSONAL BACKGROUND

Life and Artistic Practice

Melody has pursued a variety of creative avenues from caricature and sign art to ceramics and painting. Her work is inspired by her travels, the magic of childhood, and the warmth of friendship. She has exhibited in Huntington Beach, CA, and Florence, Italy.

QUICK FACTS

Location

Huntington Beach, CA

Years Teaching

10+

Specialties

Painting, Drawing, Ceramics, Caricature

Education Summary

BA in Studio Art with Emphasis in Education, CSU Long Beach; Multiple Associate of Arts degrees; Studied in Florence, Italy

Experience Summary

10+ years working with private clientele; experience as caricature artist, Disney sketch artist, sign artist, and ceramics instructor

TEACHING PHILOSPHY

Melody’s Teaching Philosophy

I teach to inspire creativity in seeing the world through an artistic eye. By fostering independence in every decision students make through their work, it will help them become an all around more confident person by being able to naturally observe the world around them in a more detailed and intentional way. I achieve this by teaching the classical methods of painting and drawing and breaking things down into simple terms, allowing students to see and understand things for themselves through observation and curiosity.

Through teaching traditional techniques, I give students a strong foundation in every medium they partake in. I work one on one with students and give feedback by asking questions in where they are struggling to help them see how to improve. I aim to always encourage personal growth and confidence in students work and applaud the process and skills they are learning over perfection.

Through my studies as a Studio Arts major with an emphasis in Education, I was able to receive a wonderful education in how to teach a variety of art. Through my Art History studies and learning hands on traditional methods in Italy, I am able to bring a traditional aspect to the classroom. This, combined with nannying for over ten years, has given me the experience to be able to create a rich, hands on teaching environment at HAA.

TEACHING APPROACH

Melody Garisek

Instructor

ENROLL TODAY

BACKGROUND & JOURNEY

Early Years

Born in Tokyo, Japan; raised in Southern California as the daughter of a caricature artist.

Formal Education

BA in Studio Art with Emphasis in Education from CSU Long Beach (2024); Multiple AAs in Art, Art History, Education, Humanities, Social & Behavioral Sciences from Golden West College; Studied traditional drawing and painting in Florence, Italy.

Professional Development

Caricature artist for private parties; Disney seasonal sketch artist; sign art for restaurants and weddings; mural and portrait commissions; ceramics instructor.

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ONLINE ACADEMY

Self-Paced learning for artists of any age and at any skill level.

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IN-PERSON ACADEMY

Year-round classes in OC, California - perfect for hands-on learning.

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