Your Tutor
My name is Ann-Marie Drinkell and I teach acrylic painting techniquesto children, youth and adults.
Ann-Marie Drinkell (Annie)
Hi I’m Annie and I’m an Artist and tutor based in Christchurch & the West Coast of New Zealand.
Like most of us our art starts out as a hobby. It’s something we like to do to pass the time. What I didn’t expect to find from this was the sense of peace I discovered when creating. To me its like a form of meditation.
I prefer to paint from the heart and over the years I have found I don’t have a distinct style. I actually have four different styles and it all depends on my mood at the time to what I may paint. I’m still learning and experimenting but the major thing I have learned is how art can be used as a tool towards healing. I’ve seen so many powerful life changes in people who have attending my art classes and the transformations they go through. I guess this is a starting place. Friendships are formed and a sense of community and belonging begins.
This is the major reason I offer my art classes. I’m a creative nurturer. I started out studying psychology and achieved a Bachelor of Arts Degree but majored in Psychology. All my elective papers were psychology or human development papers. I was so fascinated on how the brain works and what makes us tick.
I worked with neuro diverse children doing one on one ABA Therapy sessions for a year for the Centre for Autism and Related Disorders in Auckland. It was one of my most precious experiences. After that I delved into Art Therapy and I was also intrigued in Forensic Psychology too so I studied that through to the end of my degree.
At the time I really thought I was going to do my Master’s Degree in clinical psychology, however, when it came to it I realized it was far too sterile for me.
That’s when I decided to attend a few art therapy sessions and discovered how powerful art can be for healing.
I also volunteered as an Art Teacher at the maximum security prison in Auckland giving art classes to inmates over a few months.
I have taught art classes in New Zealand for the last 20 years. When I moved to Christchurch in December 2018 I worked as an Art Teacher for Evolve education working with pre-schooler's for 2 years whilst I setup my studio and now I work full time as a self employed Artist / Teacher. I now operate out of the West Coast of New Zealand and travel to Christchurch to teach my paint pouring classes at the Arts Centre.
There is so much more I can tell you, however, please feel free to join one of my art classes and experience for yourself the healing/creative nature art can give to you.
Testimonials.
Check out a few video testimonials from some of Annie’s previous students.