Swapping Brush for iPad, Teaneck Artist Takes Painting Digital

At Noel Gussen’s weekly art class at the , participants never pick up a paintbrush, put ink to paper, or even get their hands dirty. But they do create art; it just comes to life on the iPad.

A Teaneck resident and painter, Gussen owns thegrassynoel, which is the name of his website but also will be the name of his future art school and gallery. Gussen hopes to open his business on Cedar Lane by the end of next year, but until then, he’s offering private and group in-home lessons.

He also began an iPad painting workshop at the Teaneck General Store on Cedar Lane. The eight-week course is open to individuals 12 years of age and older. Each $10 session runs from 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays, and people can sign up for one or more classes at a time. Gussen supplies the iPads that are preloaded with art apps.

Gussen explained that this pilot program will blossom into something more after he builds clientele and opens his retail space.

“To start an art school that would stand out, I would have to embrace the now and jump on it,” Gussen said. “And technology and the iPad was the only way to do it.”

A UNIQUE BACKGROUND

As the youngest of six children, Gussen – whose brother Adam is Teaneck’s deputy mayor – said art was the talent he developed to separate himself from the pack.

He earned certificates in painting and drawing from Project Oren in Israel and received his bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from West Virginia University.

Gussen’s paintings have been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in the United States and abroad. He’s been a substitute teacher in the Teaneck School District, art director at the Wyckoff YMCA, and was lead creative with Apple Inc. for 3-1/2 years.

“I started with Apple before the iPhone came out in 2007,” he said. “The first summer I was there was the launch of the first iPhone. It was pretty wild. Part of the interview process included asking me what I thought about the iPhone because the buzz was already out. I told them it was something that wouldn’t really interest me. I don’t really use a phone. I put my foot in my mouth because I became addicted to it.”

Gussen taught Apple software while as an employee. He admitted that he only recently purchased an iPad, but he has been using the art apps for a while on his iPhone. His background in art, education and technology also puts him in a unique position as an instructor.

“I can answer any question you have about Photoshop,” he said. “I can talk to you about Jasper Johns, or a painter from the 1800s, and at the same time I can tell you the latest graffiti artist and certain movements going on. And what I think makes the iPad so special is that it’s an icon now.”

ENRICHED BY ART AND TECHNOLOGY

During his art classes, Gussen said those unfamiliar with iPads will learn the fundamentals of the gadget, while those who already own the Apple tablet will pick up a new skill set.

“Most people with iPads look at the Internet, play games and read email,” Gussen said. “They aren’t generating something with it. Why consume when you can create? People drawing and tracing with their finger is nothing. Wait until we introduce the layering and the texture and fluidity of paint and all those things that can really mimic traditional mediums.”

More than a year ago, Gussen exhibited some of his artwork at the Teaneck General Store. It seemed only natural for him to hold his new classes there and one day open his business in the area.

“My whole family lives in Teaneck. My wife and I live in Teaneck. We’re close to New York City. All the things anyone would love about New Jersey are all here,” Gussen said. “Even though the demographics have changed since 1994 when I graduated from Teaneck High School, this place prepared me for the world. I’ve been on five continents, I’ve been around the world, and I think coming from a diverse community only helps.”

Those interested in the class are encouraged to sign up on thegrassynoel website. Only six slots are available each week, which ensures a casual, open and personalized experience, Gussen said.

 “I think art is therapy. It’s a stress release. It’s self-expression," Gussen said. "Everybody has something to say and not everybody has the vehicle for it."

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