Instructors

A NATIVE OF WEST VIRGINIA, Robert H. Garden graduated from the Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, Florida, with an MBA in Art. His distinguished 30 plus year career in commercial and fine art has afforded Mr. Garden commissions ranging from museum dioramas to convention center murals. A PREMIER GALLERY ARTIST, author, lecturer and teacher, Garden is accomplished in both oils and watercolor. Because of limited availability of competent art instruction, either in or out of college, the “Robert Garden Method” of painting was developed and perfected. Robert has been highly successful during the more than 30 years of teaching beginning students and accomplished artists to paint with confidence and to complete a painting in only three hours or less. He has won the Silver Cup Art Award (the highest award given), two consecutive years from the Corpus Christi Art Association. He is a lifetime member of the Rockport, Texas Art Association. One of a small and select group of artists entrusted in the restoration and repair of paintings, Robert was commissioned by a Florida gallery to restore a painting, which was valued at Three Million Dollars, demonstrating his competence and credibility.

THE AUTHOR of two books, a video series and CO-host of an instructional painting pilot filmed for public television, Mr. Garden has been featured on national television and prestigious newspapers through the U.S. As a farm boy in West Virginia, Robert began painting at the age of seven. He used his mother’s cosmetics and colorful berry juices for paint. His canvases were window shades and scrap materials. His first brushes were made from the hair of his cat and dog’s tails. His first painting was sold at a sidewalk art show in Wheeling, West Virginia, for $80.00 when he was eight years old. Robert Garden has since continued to conduct painting workshops, touring throughout the United States and many foreign countries.

Hi, I’m Christen, the daughter of master artists and teachers Robert & Susan Garden. I was essentially born with a paint brush in my hand. From a young age I could see what art did for the soul and I wanted to share that gift with others too. Following in my parents footsteps, I have been a teaching instructor since 2007. I create and design the youth curriculum used by the Robert Garden School of Art. I instruct and assist on our Painting at Sea Cruises and I teach many students privately in their homes and institutions.  I play and active roll in art supply fulfillment shipping, receiving and stocking. I have had the pleasure of teaching thousands of children and adults all across the Dallas Ft. Worth metroplex. I’m currently working on my degree in Elementary Education specializing in special needs. I teach a variety of mediums to a range of ages!