'Paint pour': School field trip turns into private art lesson with Monroe artist

MONROE — As aspiring artists gathered around, each took turns pouring paint onto a canvas before Monroe artist Michael James Alexander rotated the board allowing the colors to blend.

Art teacher Betzi Lievens and six of her students from Meadow Montessori School were recently treated to a private art lesson at Alexander's downtown studio, 27 W. Front St.

Alexander, an artist and actor, specializes in custom jewelry design and watch repair along with commissioned art.

As part of their school field trip, students selected a paint color and took turns creating what Alexander calls "paint pour" artwork.

“You add the layers of paint and look for patterns or images as the paints mix and blend together,” Michael Alexander said. “I was really surprised they all stayed with the same color palette and chose blues. As they took turns adding paint, they suggested adding a sea turtle. I did that while the paint was still wet. It turned out really well. When it’s fully dry, I’m taking it to the school so they can hang it in their room.”

Lievens said she thought the opportunity to have the students meet Alexander and learn about his different talents would be a good experience.

As they walked throughout the studio, they learned about wax molds for making jewelry and some of the artwork he designed for motorcycles.

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“He is an jeweler, an artist and an actor,” Betzi Leivens said. “I thought it would be a great fit for them to explore what a working artist really does in his studio and seeing it in real life.”

In addition to learning about Alexander’s creative side, the students were able to find out about his life as an actor. They even watched one of the movie trailers he is in.

Alexander said he had them watch “Werewolf Island,” a film he wrote and directed in 2020.

The students are currently in the process of writing a play and listened to sage advice from Alexander.

“We talked about my acting experience and about the importance of timing when it comes to comedy,” Alexander said.

For example, tempo and pausing can help guide the audience’s laughter.

“They are writing their own play and performing it at the end of the year, and he gave some fabulous advice,” Lievens said. “Because he has worked in so many different genres, he was able to talk about comedy and timing. When we arrived back at school, they watched the trailer again. They are really excited about him coming to school and watching them.”

Alexander said based on the students’ response to the painting project, he is considering offering art lessons this summer. Information will be posted on Alexander's Facebook page and Instagram at alexandermichaelj.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: School field trip turns into private art lesson with Monroe artist