3.5
Quality3.5
Difficulty55%
Would Retake93
Reviews55%
Would Retake
93
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
35
4
22
3
11
2
11
1
14
What Students Say
“She's a hypocritical E Coast snob”
ART4 - 2.0 rating“I have never experienced a classroom dynamic like this, and it was awful”
ART3 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
97%
Textbook Required
72%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.28 avg changeRatings by Course
ART
5.0
(1)ART3ANDART4
5.0
(4)ARTSECT
5.0
(1)ARTTDOAH
5.0
(1)ART0138
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ENG4
5.0
ART420
5.0
ART
4.0
OILPAINTING
4.0
ARTSECT
4.0
Reviews (93)
She's a really fun art teacher. She always has fun art projects assigned.
Quite possibly one of the WORST teachers I have EVER had (Fall 2003).She took my love for art,and made it the equivalent of pulling teeth for 3 hours a day.A poor representation of a fine arts. I do not recommend to anyone,and especially not to beginners!
She was a great teacher. She showed different ways of looking at things and to look at things that are usually nothing more then a glance.
She was one of the worst art teachers i have ever had. She was super moody all the time, and she favored students over others. She made art a horrible experiance, I loved when there was a sick note on the door.
Super great art instructor. She expects alot from her students. Dedication counts. Very helpful and positive.
Donna is on the tough side. But she was one of my most memorable teachers from junior college. I had her about 6 years ago. Wish I had kept in contact with her. She loves to expose her students to new ideas such as listening to cajun music while drawing. That was hilarious.
She is a great teacher. Very passionate and shemade me look at light and reflections deeper then what I normally did.
She is by far one of the most entertaining and knowledgable teachers I've ever had.
She actually held up my work in class and announced " This is how NOT to do your home work". The worst teacher ive ever had.
i really enjoyed her as a teacher. i've taken her for multiple subjects. she IS moody sometimes but she's gotten better since she got the puppy. if you show up and do your homework you can do well in her class. she has a sarcastic east-coast personality... so be warned.
be perpared to spend well over 200 dollars in materials. She has that "East-coast" attitude going on, she knows her colors, but I think she has spent a little too much time in the paint fumes
While having teachers give you a chance to work on your own is a good thing, having a teacher that is barely in class while you're there for the entire class period every day is not helpful. There's a lot you can learn from her, but you have to work really hard and expect to be frustrated alot, which is not good in a fundimentals class.
She is very rude, moody, and unclear. Leaves the room for most of the class, snaps at you to be in her line of sight, seems slightly neurotic, gives "fill in" compositions, harsh unhelpful criticisms to those who dont do Exactly what she wants, demands "Yes MZZ Larsen" Waste of time lectures that make no clear sense, favoring students, total snob!
Welcome to Color Bootcamp! Ms. Larsen expects a lot from her students; plan to spend a lot of time on your projects in this class if you want to do well. She is tough, but witty (dry wit, not everyone gets it) and a true color expert. If you pay attention and work hard you will learn a ton! I worked really hard for a "A" in this class.
She told me in front on the class that my project was not working. I was embarrassed but I took it home and made it better and turned it in for a better grade. She is an awesome teacher, random, a bit crazy, but really cool. She really knows what she is talking about. If you care about creating a good product, take her, even if she is a hard ass.
awesome teacher, and smarter than most. if youre an idiot then obviously she wont like you, but if youre humble and willing to work for your grade, she's totaly got your back. a lot of time you have to be smart to get her jokes, which a lot of kids at the jc arent, so theyd probably say she's soooo mean, boo hoo wah. her berating kids was awesome
she changed my life!!
I've had Donna for a few classes and absolutely love her. She really knows what she's talking about and expects the best from her students. She is a bit eccentric, but in a good way I think. If you are an art major, I highly recommend her. She preps you for art college and the real world. Basically, she's a badass. I love her.
I loved her class! I learned so much from her. She is more than an art teacher she gave us a new perspective on how to see the color of our world. If you really want to learn about art take her class. But be prepared to work really hard.
Very east-coast personality, has a unique sense of humor that is either funny to u or not at all (i enjoyed it). shes very sarcastic and likes to make fun of kids, so stay on her good side. is OBSESSED with "Bright Eyes"...good teacher, shes just into the art history more than the basic "intro to art" itself. If u are gunna major in art, take her.
Best art teacher i have ever had! She is tough but you will gain much more from it!!!!!!!
Larsen is--interesting, in the best way. I was in no form or shape interested in art and was told this would be an easy course--WRONG!! MZZ.Larsen makes you work,work,work but she truely makes you see colors in a whole new perspective. The class was fun EXCEPT for the fact that she chooses favorites and it sucks not being that person!
She is a great teacher. And she will definitely let you know about her "east-coast personality." She has a very dry sense of humor, but if your into that shes hilarious. If you are a type of person who doesnt smile for some reason she will pick on you until you smile. I loved her
Horrible teacher. I am truly disgusted with her teaching method. I am a design major and I enjoy art tremendously. She makes her students feel immature and uncultured. To speak up in her class is an opportunity to be sighed at or shut-down. A constant negative mood and morose attitude that is exhausting. Worst art teacher I've had
I think Ms. Larsen is a fabulous teacher! she will change yor opinion of art, and life in general! Just remember; bright eyes, and never, ever, yawn.
She is an interesting character. If you are not good at art or have some trouble with self confidence then I would not recommend this class. The projects themselves are straight forward but she expects a lot from you. She does give some helpful comments about your work but I would write them down because she will not repeat herself. I personally d
She is cool in the class, but has a very strict attendance demand which, she believes, is pretty important for final grade.
i have always had an interest in art but this teacher did not motivate me at all shes extremely rude to her students and doesnt treat people with respect. hated the class. tones of homework
rude, tones of homework, has favorites who have As
She is a good teacher. She has a very different perspective than the others. She is real big on cubism. As long as you actually try, you'll get the grade. I didnt try, so obviously i got a D. im gonna take the class again, and hopefully its with her. she's funny too, in her own new yorkean way thou.
All of these people whining about homework- IT'S COLLEGE! What did you expect?! She makes you work really hard, and YES, there is homework, but in the end if you stick it out and actually try, she treats you with the utmost respect and rewards you for it. Her class was the absolute best.
Mzz Larsen is eccentric and has an abrasive personality which can turn off people who take themselves too seriously. You MUST be able to get over yourself and take criticism well for her classes. If you can, you will be rewarded with a fantastic education--able to create things you didn't know you could. HIGHLY recommended for SERIOUS art majors!
Mz. Larsen is totally full of herself! She speaks endlessly about her ridiculous street art that she flies 3000 miles away to 'create', but little does she know NOBODY CARES! Dont get me wrong, I did enjoy her class and learned a lot from her, she is extremely intelligent and motivational, yet I believe she's going through a kind of midlife crisis
If you don't have a mind of your own and are good at kissing a** take her class. She will favor you if you laugh at all her stupid jokes, and like all the same artists as her (esp. the ones who paint canvases blue...thats it just BLUE!) She will teach you a lot, but is your sanity worth it?
Listen up sports fans...if you're thinking that "Intro to design" sounds like an easy A, you are sadly mistaken. No Textbook is needed, but supplies are expensive, about $7.00 per paint tube and you'll need about 7. You have to show up to class, unless you get swine flu and she develops a soft spot for you. Look up Piet Mondrian, that sort of thing
She is very sarcastic and tries to be funny. She is a nice teacher and cares about her students. Just don't put on a shirt with a skull on it or she might freak out on you! Also, what is up with Matisse anyway? I MEAN THAT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE A SNAIL TO ME AT ALL! It's just a bunch of cut out boxes in a circle...
I LOVE MZ LARSEN!!! she has changed my perspective on a lot of things (art related). she's very sarcastic and makes odd ball jokes you'll either laugh at or won't (i did). she's a hard grader but her critiques are useful. she wants you to succeed. TAKE HER if you're an ART MAJOR, she'll do wonders for your creativity. not a "coast through" class.
I was treated pretty bad one day by Mz. Larzen when my project didn't fit the criteria (she was awful, must've been jetlag or something). She has favorites (most were kiss-a**es). In all fairness, she's an eccentric lady who is likeable when she feels like it, and gave me a B for effort + dealing with her. What can I say? I learned a FEW things..
Mz. Larsen is a wonderful teacher! She has a dry sense of humor but she's human like everyone else and thinks laughing makes things a little bit more bearable. She's a very interesting person and helps her students in and out of the classroom...she expects you to pay attention and be interested in art...favorite teacher yet!!
Mz. Larsen is certainly not boring or lenient. So if you want to take a rigorous, entertaining art class, she's the dame for you! If you are not a fan of sports, you will soon become one. Also, expect some friendly banter.She won't mind if you dish it back. If you have a real interest in the arts, she's more than happy to share.
Mrs. Larson is really a great teacher, she is UC material at the JC, i really liked taking her class alot, shes a nice lady if you get to know her, if your a punk she will take a bite out of you, which I LOVE. You will earn your grade in this class, you have to show motavation or you wont do well, a great teacher will actually learn something! A+
How could you not like Mz. Larsen? Shes hilarious. I enjoyed going to her class mostly because of her dry sarcastic behavior. I honestly feel that I have learned a lot about art being in this class. Her slide shows are ridiculously boring, so you have to go get HIGHLY caffeinated!
Mz Larsen is my absolute favorite teacher at the JC. She has the most amazing sarcastic personality with all sorts of quirky jokes..you have to just not be a screw up, be respectful and have a passion or drive for learning. She is very helpful and we continue to have coffee even now. Don't let her first impression scare you away..
She has a very dry sense of humor and a sarcastic attitude. Still, her passion for the subject is extremely evident, and because of that I feel I developed a greater appreciation for art. She can be harsh, but stand up for yourself. She'll respect you for it. Be prepared to do the work, and pay for materials. My favorite class of the semester!
Mrs. Larson, your great, thanks for being a good teacher, shes an odd bird but if you can appreciate her for who she is and if you try and really try and show her your trying you will do well, a quality teacher, very professional
I don't recommend art 4 if you want a fun art class because its not. Its kind of expensive and at times gets hard. However if you really want to learn how to paint and your a art major i would take it. This class is a good building block and will be fun for you
From an art major:Donna knows her stuff,but the dry sarcasm described here is really condescension/narcissism.She's a hypocritical E Coast snob.She arrived unprepared 20+ min late regularly,spent most of class time talking about herself/her caffeine needs/her art,used opinion as fact, and punished students for behavior identical to her own. Lame.
if you are looking for a professor that loves the subject they teach take her courses. in the beginning she comes across hard and mean but that is just to wean the class down to those that really want to be there and she is all for her students. one of the best on campus
She pushed me to my limits but it's amazing how much I learned in her class. If anyone seriously wants to learn about art and design, take her class. She's a master at art and will teach you a ton. She is a bit intimidating, but it's because she really cares about her students' success. It's a hands-on class, no textbook, just ~$100 in supplies.
I loved this class, and would take it again. Ms Larsen is a very interestving teacher but she knows a lot about art and color, she has cool stories about Her street art. Be respectful toward her and do your work and she will be nice to you. don't take this class only iff you need it, its expensive, take it if love painting and are interested
WARNING: Harasses student's. Blames students for her being unclear. If you feel like you need some harassment this semester, please take this. If you want to keep your sanity, steer clear!
Mz Larsen is very passionate about art and cares about her students and wants them to make work to their full potential. She's a little scattered but hilarious. Great professor.
Show her your passion and effort. She's the one who you need. I came to her class with nothing. Finally I've got more than I thought I would learn form her, an A grade is not the only thing I receive. Good luck!
I knew nothing about art before this class, but ended up walking away with much appreciation, knowledge and understanding. Ms. Larsen gives you a grade based on effort not on ability. If you're someone who wants a easy A with no effort, don't take this class. But if you are someone who wants to learn and understand art TAKE THIS CLASS!
She can tell when you're trying or not, but it shouldn't be too hard as long as you pay attention and do the homework. She's quirky and truly has a passion for what she does. I learned a ton from her and love art so much more now, she's my favorite teacher!!!
Larsen is a great teacher but can never give a straight instruction for homework. She is always talking about herself, her day old coffee, and New York. Calls her students "sports fans" which gets very annoying. Assigns homework nightly but you do most of the work in class. Learned a lot and enjoyed the class but long demos that suck your life away
If you respect Donna, she will respect you. She intimidated me at first, but if you approach her and ask nicely, she will help you. Definately a difficult class, but you will learn SO much from her about color. I loved her and this class. Take her if you're an art freak :)
Mizz Larsen.... Great artist; Great sense of humor. When I first met her I couldn't decide if I loved her or hated her. Demands your attention and respect or she will throw you out. Respect her, she will respect you and your work. Try not to miss class; she wants you learn & listen to her and your classmates. Requires group participation & effort!
I loved Ms. Larsen to death. I was scared because I heard she can be intimidating, and she was. But if you show her respect and pay attention to her during class discussions, she will be the best teacher you ever had. I didn't want to leave. Expect a lot of homework, and she will critique all work which is very helpful, especially for projects.
Listen up sports fans. Ms Larsen can be very abrasive. I found her draining, it was discouraging to see the way she talked down to and flat out insulted students work. She will demand you be on time (which is reasonable), and then show up late herself. Treats her own opinions and preferences as fact and if you have a different opinion? too bad.
she's awsome
I LOVED Mz. Larsen! This isn't the class to take if you want an easy A, but if you do the work well, you'll get one. She assigns (enjoyable) homework. The people who speak critically of her were probably the ones who slacked off or gave her attitude. Be respectful to her, she'll be respectful back. She's hilarious. I was so sad to leave!
SO FUNNY. Loved her. As long as you try your best in her class, you'll receive a passing grade. Follow grading criteria carefully, she looks for every requirement in your piece.
One of the best teachers I have had at the JC. She grades fair, projects are fun, lectures inspiring & interesting. She is organized & timely. Yes, she's quirky, even ecentric but I loved her sense of humor. Not having any art experience before I have learned a tremendous amount from her & would definately take another class of hers.
Mz. Larson, is not a bad teacher, I loved her class. She grades fairly, gives feedback on honing your art skills and loves talking about New York. She's kind of hard to get along with at first and her humor is for a select crowd. She will draw on your work in chalk to show you things. if that's something you can't handle then don't take the class.
One of the best Professors I've ever had, and I've had a lot! Mz Larsen is very organized and develops students' artistic skill and appreciation in a step by step fashion which worked very well for me. Basically, you must do the work or you won't learn, same as any math class! Take her class if you want to work hard with a great Professor!
Mz Larsen is a kooky, quirky artist who will share her vast knowledge with anyone who wants to learn. She is not a hand-holder but rather sort of pushes you to the foot of the stairs and makes you figure out how to climb. I learned a lot and I, personally, liked how she insisted on good manners in the classroom. It's only civilized, after all.
Fast pace East Coast mentality, do what she says the first time, attendance is a must. NO PHONES! We students are all adults now so we need to act like it. She is very direct and can come off harsh but she is a truly great teacher and artist, her constructive criticism will push you to be a better artist if you have the back bone for it. Good Luck!
Never taken art class. Surprisingly not difficult to learn the concepts/techniques, projects were fun. Not insanely hard or time consuming, plenty in-class time to work. Conflicted feelings about Larsen. Incredibly difficult to approach and often refuses to answer questions or makes it very clear how much she hates doing so. $100+ for art supplies
She is very abstract style and modern art. No realism whatsoever. She talks about Hillary Clinton a lot, which is annoying.
Never in my life have I had such respect for a professor. I barely made it through color theory but I loved her so much I took her again for art 3. Intense homework but incredibly rewarding. An Incredibly distinguished woman, actually made me care about the fine arts for the first time in my life.
Ms. Larsen is a real gem. Definitely one of the best professors I've had at the JC. Likewise she is tough and really strict on attendance. DO NOT take her if you're looking for an easy A, because she won't give it to you unless you earn it. If you're an art major/minor I highly recommend her though. She always gives good feedback
She is so odd! Her lectures are unclear. once she gives she leaves the class, so you can't ask your questions. Don't send her an email because she doesn't answer. So regret to take her.
Mz. Larsen is an unforgettable instructor that anyone interested in color theory would be lucky to have. If you are alright with an eccentric art teacher, she's an amazing pick. Some tips: Address her as Mz. Larsen Pay attention to demos/lectures ALWAYS write what's on the board Everything is expressed in relationship (9/10 is the right answer)
She is very straightforward so if you are a sensitive person don't take her. You might walk out of her class crying. I've seen it. She gives very honest feedback but since she goes to New York a lot she has that personality, she doesn't mean it. I like and respect instructors like that that is why I've taken her twice. You must show up to class.
She values having a smaller class and giving one on one feedback with students. She DOES NOT/RARELY answer email. I really think she can be a hit or miss professor. Became lecture heavy with zoom but had lots of good demonstrations before. Gives good feedback and cares about boundaries but can have a short temper.
MiZZ Larsen is a firecracker. Such a great lady who truly has the best interest for her students. She values respect more than anything else. She has a blunt and sarcastic sense of humor and will joke with you. I felt invited to joke in her "studio", with her and classmates because of her playful nature. She controls the classroom 90% of the time.
Mz Larsen gives 100% to her students and she expects you to do the same. She gives clear instructions and shows clear examples, so as long as you dont zone out or try to phone it in you should be fine. She does an excellent job helping each student grow based on their own skill level, so you can learn a lot from her no matter how good you are.
I can't say enough good things about Mz Larsen, I love her! She has such a personality and sense of humor, just don't be offended because she can be very blunt for good reason - listen to what she has to say and you'll learn a lot. Take this class if you're willing to workkkk and learn a lot about art with a great role-model professor. Love her!
Mizz Larsen was a super nice teacher. She had a lot of difficulty over zoom this semester and got frustrated by lack of participation, but if you're taking her class in person those aren't really a big problem. She likes to get to know you on a personal level and gives great feedback on compositions. Class is really difficult if you don't show up.
Assighnments weren't hard if you have background in arts. She regularly gaslit students after she did something offensive. She would hit some students as a "joke" but it made everyone uncomfotable. She said a few racist remarks to classmates and is highly tone deaf with her white fragility. Would never take her again, she just needs to retire.
Donna made me believe that being an artist is something that is possible in this lifetime. She imbues her teaching with grace and precision, and knows how to pick out hardwork and to have her students rise to the occasion on most of her projects.
Mz Larsen, so many wonderful things about her and her class. I went in expecting to know most of the things that would be covered in the class, which was true but I learned even more. Mz Larsen was a delight, and so informative about color and color theory. These skills as she predicted have truly changed my life. Thank you Mz Larsen!
Unprofessional and hypocritical. She talks about students behind their backs expecting sympathy from the class, treats the class like elementary schoolers yet demands respect, and makes racist remarks but boasts about loving diversity. She needs students to help with lectures and gets upset when the class doesn't respond exactly the way she wants.
Larsen is definitely writing some of these reviews. She often made the classroom dynamic very uncomfortable and felt entitled to our respect while standing her ground in being disrespectful to us. I have never experienced a classroom dynamic like this, and it was awful. There were times I just got up and had to leave.
DO NOT TAKE!!!!!!!!
Most mentally draining class I've had. Mz. Larsen is deeply insecure, always searching for validation and attention. She lashes out at students for no reason, but won't take accountability for her own rude behavior. Getting clear instructions from her was like pulling teeth. Curriculum was a good foundation, but nothing mind-blowing. Do not take!
This teacher is rude and then claims she's just an East Coaster. She has a problem when students ask clarifying questions, it's seriously a terrible learning environment. She demands respect but is incredibly disrespectful to students and projects all her problems on others. It's a basic art class, take it from someone who is kind, she is troubled.
She is definitely getting some negative reviews deleted. Larsen has some serious self esteem issues that she projects onto her students. Her racist and borderline abusive behavior is ridiculous and makes a horrible learning environment. The school needs to step in and do something or she needs to just retire.
Very disrespectful to students. Will take everything personally, including speaking Spanish, not asking for help, asking for help, answering questions, laughing, yawning, and already knowing how to do anything. Will call out students on these things in front of the entire class. Only take if you want a personal soap opera or low self esteem
I had to drop after the first class due to Mz. Larsen's unprofessional behavior. Her policies and attitude was very disrespectful, while demanding students respect her. Her lecture was hard to follow (it was only going over the syllabus!) it was mostly an off topic rant. She writes off being unkind as "east coast" humor that we don't understand
This class was the most interesting class I have ever taken not because of the material or the class itself but because of this teacher. If you have a friend in the class and are willing to be respectful and actually listen the class isn't that bad. The class was harder than it needed to be. but I actually learned so much.
Mz.Larsen is and probably always will be one of my favorite art teachers! She was unconventional and unapologetic. Her lectures were very engaging and I looked forward to going to class. She allowed for you to express yourself through your art and that was something that I always love to do. I would definitely take this class with her again!
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
97%
Textbook Required
72%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.28 avg changeRatings by Course
ART
5.0
(1)ART3ANDART4
5.0
(4)ARTSECT
5.0
(1)ARTTDOAH
5.0
(1)ART0138
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ENG4
5.0
ART420
5.0
ART
4.0
OILPAINTING
4.0
ARTSECT
4.0