Teaching & Workshop Experience

For more than 15 years, Katy has taught painting, illustration, and visual storytelling at the college level and in independent workshops. Her approach combines practical skills with a focus on observation and creativity, helping students gain confidence while discovering new ways of seeing.

College-Level Courses Taught

Institutions include:

Ringling College of Art & Design | Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design | California State University, Fullerton | Studio Arts College International, Florence | University of California, Riverside Extension Program

Drawing:

  • Freshman Drawing Portfolio

  • Life Drawing III - Human Anatomy

  • Drawing II for Illustration

  • Figure Drawing I

  • Figure Drawing II for Computer Animation

  • Animal Anatomy & Drawing

Painting:

  • Beginning Painting

  • Painting II

  • Landscape Painting

  • Still Life Painting

  • Figure Painting I

Illustration:

  • Two-Dimensional Design

  • Illustration I, II, & III

  • Advanced Illustration Portfolio

  • Traditional Illustration

  • Computer Illustration

  • Children’s Book Illustration

Workshops

Building on years of classroom teaching, Katy has developed workshops that bring those same skills into studio and community settings. Her hands-on sessions include special topic lectures, demos, and guided exercises allowing students of all levels time to practice, experiment, and grow in both skill and confidence. Rooted in her philosophy of creating space for imagination, her workshops encourage curiosity and observation to foster a sense of wonder in the creative process.

  • Painting Nature in Gouache hosted by:

    • Colorado Arts Education Association

    • Women’s Caucus for Art

  • Introduction to Drawing hosted by:

    • Inspired Arts Movement

  • Demo Night hosted by:

    • Ringling College of Art & Design

    • Valkarie Gallery

“I recently attended the Painting Nature in Gouache workshop with Katy Betz and came away feeling inspired and like I really understood gouache. Katy did an excellent job of breaking down the unique qualities that make gouache such a fun and versatile medium to work with.

Throughout the workshop, we explored techniques to create texture and depth. I especially appreciated the hands-on demonstrations and personalized feedback, which helped me understand how to control the medium more confidently.

Whether you're new to gouache or looking to refine your skills, this workshop was a fantastic experience and a great investment in growing as an artist. It inspired me to make gouache part of my artwork.”

- McCory J.

Let’s Collaborate!

Katy is always excited to partner with studios, art centers, and organizations to bring creative learning experiences to new communities.

Whether you’re interested in hosting one of her existing workshops or designing something unique for your group, she welcomes the opportunity to collaborate.

Contact Katy to start the conversation.