Jason is that rare embodiment of both a gifted artist and teacher. I had the pleasure of working with him in his faculty role for nearly 10 years. His passion for excellence in both his art and teaching leaves students inspired by their newfound confidence and skill.

I personally saw many students bloom in their artistic expression under his tutelage. Jason is a multi-talented individual with great heart, humility and a sense of humor . . . and just a cool guy to know.

Nancy Dick, Director, Workforce Education, Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges; former dean and faculty member at Lake Washington Institute of Technology

 

I’ve had the opportunity to observe Sobottka and his students in painting, printmaking and drawing classrooms over a span of many years. As a teaching colleague and artistic peer of Sobottka, I’ve always been impressed with the welcoming, structured classroom culture he creates for his students. Whether it’s an introductory figure drawing class with a timid new group of students learning proportion and anatomy, or a blended painting course of beginners and emerging artists delving into color theory, his well-structured classroom activities and friendly (sometimes hilarious) demeanor help make intimidating new mediums and processes approachable and meaningful.

Sobottka’s open-mindedness for combining digital and nontraditional materials, combined with expertise in traditional 2D media and visual theory, make his teaching style advantageous to any new creative minds looking to begin, grow and experiment within their artistic repertoire.

Anonymous Feedback from Teaching Artist Colleague

 

Jason was one of my teachers during my time in the Bachelor of Technology in Applied Design (BTAD) program at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. He quickly became not only one of my favorite teachers of all time but one of my favorite people.

Jason has a great way of connecting with his students and finding what’s special about them. He then nurtures those traits through creativity and discovery. His assignments were always purposeful and deeper then they first appeared. I always left class with a creative mindset and a sense of self-discovery. I would wholeheartedly recommend a class by Jason Sobottka to anyone looking for an engaging, thought provoking, and creative lesson.

Madison Angus, artist and designer https://madisonangus.myportfolio.com/ https://www.instagram.com/prismaticplum/

 

I took my first college-level art classes with Jason and he had a huge impact on my artistic development. His instruction encouraged me to continue to pursue my artistic talents and career. I am now an assistant professor of art at a University in Southern California, and I am represented by an art gallery in Los Angeles.

Joe Lloyd: joelloydstudio.com Adjunct Professor, Biola University

 

Jason has an incredible amount of patience and compassion with students. Jason uses his own creativity in teaching by asking questions of a student who is stuck on a problem. This lets the student learn to try creative solutions on a problem. This approach also helps the student not be afraid to try new ways of working to solve a problem.

Jason often addresses his students as “artists.” I will never forget the first time someone addressed me as such…it was Jason! While studying with Jason I truly began discovering my “inner artist.” I am now on an exciting new path as I learn and develop as a practicing artist.

Kelly Terrell, artist and illustrator

 

I first met Jason Sobottka as a young student working towards an Associate’s Degree at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. I later enrolled in LWTECH’s Bachelor of Technology in Applied Design program (BTAD), where I once again enjoyed the opportunity to take classes led by Jason. 

While I am no longer a student, he has remained an amazing advocate for my endeavors. Jason brings an an incredible amount of his own personal knowledge, a remarkable ability to spark thoughtful discussion, and genuine encouragement to his students. As a young adult with plenty of talent but somewhat lacking in confidence, I feel fortunate to have been taught by him.

There are many moments where I was unsure of my ability to execute a project I had envisioned, and Jason observed the accomplishments I had already made that provided knowledge I could use to reach my goal. That level of insight led me to make huge leaps in the quality of my work, and is something he excels at providing to all his students. You will thrive in his classes, I guarantee it.

Joel Pasek,  Illustrator/Designer https://www.behance.net/joelpasek Assistant Exhibit Fabricator Amazement Square, Lynchburg Virginia

 

I believe the first class I took with Jason was in 2011. That class, and future classes gave me confidence and a skillset to pursue painting as an ambition into the future, and it was something I never really looked back from.

I hadn’t painted much, only drawn under my own direction at the time, and the input, criticism and encouragement to pursue painting has ended up pushing me along to take the craft seriously and as a future.

I’ve been showing since 2013 and been seeing more consistent interest in my work since 2014. And I can say that without the guidance of a good teacher, I wouldn’t have thought to pursue it.

Kent Haley, visual artist https://www.behance.net/kenthaley

 

I took a few classes with Jason during my undergraduate study at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. I found one of the most unique features of Jason classes was the feeling of confidence he conveyed. No matter how shy you are or how low your self-esteem, during and after his classes you feel pumped and energized–ready to do more research or draw more. I always felt that I could freely share my opinions in his class. In fact I remember in one of his classes during a pinup session, after seeing all of the other student’s work, I felt that my work was not worth as much. So I pinned my work a little further away than the other students. Surprisingly, Jason moved my work next to the other students’ projects and started talking about it as if it was a unique work. All of a sudden my perspective changed and I started believing in myself and my work. He believes in every one of his students and no matter where you came from he treats every student equally.

Salman Afsari, Designer

 

Jason was one of the finest teachers I’ve had the fortune to take a few classes from. The first one was Design Theory. I fell in love with his classes and teaching style immediately. He explained things in a way that made the subject of study engaging and stimulating.

His classes introduced me to ideas that have influenced me for years, for instance: Anthony Goldsworthy’s work. I have him to thank for how full of marvel that period of my life was. His classes kept me inspired and kept me motivated to grow my love for art and new ideas.

Pamela Waters, http://www.pamelawaters.com

 

Jason is not only an Artist and an Educator, but a Mentor to many. Parallel to effortlessly providing his vast knowledge of art history, technique, and step-by-step guidance for students of all levels, Jason helps you look within yourself. Whether a student comes in looking to become a professional painter, or feels obligated to take the class due to not enough art credits, Jason has a way of making everyone feel included. He communicates through action that art is boundless, serving an important role to each of us in an individual way, regardless of background or intention.

My work as a Dancer has been heavily influenced by Jason’s instruction, and my personality as a Human – specifically the part that looks for beauty in the little things, every day – can attribute to his impact on me during developmental stages of my art and self.

Natalya Zrazhevskaya, professional dancer, instructor and artist

 

Any class I took from Jason created a safe place for me to be vulnerable in my art. I learned more about theory, technique, and myself as an artist where other classes lacked. If given the opportunity I would take his instruction over any other.

Chelsea Allio, graphic designer

 

Jason Sobottka has been a great mentor for me as I continue to grow my oil painting techniques and skills. I began painting in 2012 with very little instruction and in late 2013 I signed up for Jason’s painting class to fill credits at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into an atmosphere of positivity, creativity, and acceptance. Jason utilized his knowledge and enthusiasm to help a room full of artists progress no matter their skill level or background. He helped me craft my paintings with great input without feeling like he was taking control of my artwork. Jason valued the opinions of the students and often asked for advice and critique for his own work.

I continued signing up for many of Jason’s painting and life drawing classes over the two years I attended LWIT and I credit much of my progression as an artist to his instruction. I recommend Jason to any aspiring artist looking to improve their skills and I value him as a great artist, instructor, and friend.

Robert Rowe http://www.rowebot.com

 

I’ve had the privilege of taking several of Professor Jason Sobottka’s classes at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. His passion for and knowledge of art is motivating and infectious.

The things I learned more than exceeded my expectations in every class. I look forward to taking more classes from Jason as soon as my schedule allows.

Gail Lawnicki, artist and designer