Spring is in the air! Our students here at the AOE Studio have been very busy finishing current projects so that they can start fresh pieces. We have students who have tried new scenes, and even have some firsts in media!

Please take some time to look at their art which they've worked so hard on, like and share! 

~Live through artistic expression

​​#fineart #charcoal #pencilart #youngartists #studentart #artshowcase #watercolor #artlessons #stilllife #technique #firstpainting #watercolorpainting #creativejourney ​#discoveryourart #learntopaint #creativelife #artmotivation  #artgoals #becreative #artstudio #FairLawn #NewJersey #art #students #privatelessons #artlessons #artofexcellence 

We have a special post in honor of Art Director Rina Goldhagen! 

Today is Rina's birthday, and in celebration of her, we are taking some time to reflect on the impact she has made through her art instruction and the passion she possesses for art. 

Throughout her life, Rina has been pursuing and practicing her passion. As a young girl, Rina enjoyed drawing and painting, which she later developed in college, earning a Bachelor's of Science in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Watercolor. Rina has been an exhibiting and accomplished artist with over 30 years of experience, and has used her expertise and passion to support, guide, and instruct art students of all ages. 

Nathan G. and Mariana J. are just two such students who have been taking art lessons at the Art of Excellence Studio for several years, and with Rina's support, have developed and navigated their ways through their respective paths in the arts. 

Natalya M. had a special contract project that she worked on at the studio, and she also had some great feedback to share about Rina! 

In their own words, please see the below testimonials and some representative art for each artist, with an afterword from the Art of Excellence's Operations Manager and Rina's son: Jared E. Patrice. 

#recommendation ​#testimonials #fineart #youngartists #studentart #artshowcase #changingleaves #nature #oil #oilpaint #watercolor #creativejourney ​#discoveryourart #learntodraw #creativelife #artmotivation  #artgoals #becreative #artstudio #FairLawn #NewJersey #art #privatelessons #artlessons #artofexcellence #birthday #artist

​For February's Spotlight, we would like to focus on an AOE🎨Beginner Level student: Gila O.

Gila completed her first watercolor still life painting!

In this piece, she explored and demonstrated several important watercolor techniques, including:
• Thoughtful composition
• Layering watercolor washes to deepen value
• Using complementary colors as underpainting to create richer, more vibrant color relationships

We are so proud of the care and focus she brought to this beautiful still life study. ​Congratulations, Gila, on a wonderful accomplishment in watercolor painting, and on such a strong first step in your art journey!

​​Live through artistic expression~

​#fineart #youngartists #studentart #artshowcase #watercolor #artlessons #stilllife #technique #firstpainting #watercolorpainting #creativejourney ​#discoveryourart #learntopaint #creativelife #artmotivation  #artgoals #becreative #artstudio #FairLawn #NewJersey #art #students #privatelessons #artlessons #artofexcellence 

Here at the Art of Excellence Studio, we love to watch our students growth and development as they learn and perfect their art techniques. This month, we are giving a special focus to Steve O. for his comprehensive work in pencil! 

Steve has been practicing and perfecting his skills, and with the advent of the winter weather we've been having, he was inspired to make several snow-themed scenes. 

Please join us in celebrating his excellent work!

​#fineart #studentart #artshowcase #artlessons #stilllife #technique #nature #pencil #creativejourney ​#discoveryourart #learntodraw #creativelife #artmotivation  #artgoals #becreative #artstudio #FairLawn #NewJersey #art #students #privatelessons #artlessons #artofexcellence ​#2026 #winter

We're starting off 2026 strong! 

With all the snow that we've gotten this winter season, the natural beauty outside has been a big inspiration for our artists! That theme can be seen in our January submissions.

Please show your support and enjoy the following highlights from our studio for January.

Live through artistic expression~


​

​#fineart #youngartists #studentart #artshowcase #watercolor #artlessons #stilllife #technique #nature #pencil #creativejourney ​#discoveryourart #learntodraw #creativelife #artmotivation  #artgoals #becreative #artstudio #FairLawn #NewJersey #art #students #privatelessons #artlessons #artofexcellence ​#2026 #winter

The Art of Excellence Studios is very proud of the works that each of our students produce. Every piece is an accomplishment and is based on their hard work, and continued effort to learn and develop as artists.

Please join us in this 2025 look-back as we prepare to go into 2026, and look forward to even more amazing works from these very talented artists.

Congratulations to all of you for everything you've done, and here's to everything you will do in the future!

​Live through artistic expression

​#fineart #youngartists #studentart #artshowcase #oilpainting #pastel #artlessons #stilllife #technique #nature #pencil #creativejourney ​#discoveryourart #learntodraw #creativelife #artmotivation  #artgoals #becreative #artstudio #FairLawn #NewJersey #art #students #privatelessons #artlessons #artofexcellence #2025wrapup #yearinreview #HappyHolidays #NewYear ​#2026

​#fineart #youngartists #studentart #artshowcase #oilpainting #pastel #artlessons #stilllife #technique #nature #pencil #creativejourney ​#discoveryourart #learntodraw #creativelife #artmotivation  #artgoals #becreative #artstudio #FairLawn #NewJersey #art #students #privatelessons #artlessons #artofexcellence

Here at the Art of Excellence Studio, we love to watch our students thrive as their artistic abilities grow!

We are so proud to display the latest work from one of our longtime students, Steve O., who has finalized a pencil drawing that really demonstrates the versatility and impact pencil artwork has:

Keep up the hard work, Steve!

We love showcasing our student's work on their creative journeys, and we are happy to welcome new students to find their passion in art!

Live through artistic expression~

​#fineart #youngartists #studentart #artshowcase #changingleaves #nature #pencil #creativejourney ​#discoveryourart #learntodraw #creativelife #artmotivation  #artgoals #becreative #artstudio #FairLawn #NewJersey #art #students #privatelessons #artlessons #artofexcellence 

“Studio Still Life” - the first oil painting, a studio still life done by observation, by young Artist Linh O. She has gained confidence in working with oils, learning the best practices of this traditional medium while developing her own expressive touch.


And so, their artistic journeys begin!

At the Art of Excellence Studio, we’re so proud to guide our students as they discover their creativity and grow in applying their artistic skills.

​Live through artistic expression~

​
#fineart #youngartists #studentart #artshowcase #changingleaves #nature #oil #oilpaint #watercolor #creativejourney ​#discoveryourart #learntodraw #creativelife #artmotivation  #artgoals #becreative #artstudio #FairLawn #NewJersey #art #students #privatelessons #artlessons #artofexcellence 

Autumn is in full display, and so is the amazing work of our students! Here is our feature piece exemplifying how the right values and accents can convey vibrant works of art full of life!

This gorgeous forestscape was created in oil paints by Anita N. and captures the transfixing beauty of the changing seasons. A truly stunning piece showing the dynamic versatility of the medium.

#fineart #Autumn #changingleaves #nature #oil #oilpaint ​#discoveryourart #learntodraw #creativelife #artmotivation  #artgoals #becreative #artstudio #FairLawn #NewJersey #art #students #privatelessons #artlessons #artofexcellence