Mike Nygren

Teaching. Coaching. Leading..

Mike Nygren: Author

The Ten Balloons. Principles of Leadership, Life and Love captures the spirit of what it means to take an intentional look at your life. This realistic approach to a balanced life is personal and practical in outlining steps for creating intentional purpose statements in ten areas of your life.

Mike’s story telling approach to life brings great inspiration and motivation in the areas of family, career, relationships, education, finances, health, and adventure. This multi-generational topic is designed for young people and adult audiences of all ages who like personal challenges.

 

Mike as an Artist

Mike’s art exists at the intersection of sketching, drawing, painting, wood carving, and historical exploration. Inspired by a passion for architecture and storytelling through art, his work sparks engaging conversations and fosters meaningful connections. Whether painting a house with teenagers, carving a nativity scene in his workshop, or drawing historical buildings, Mike’s artistry reflects a dedication to detail, excellence, and creativity. His practice blends traditional mechanical and architectural drawing, graphic design, and studio art. Traveling and experiencing the world around him provide the inspiration behind his creations. Mike holds a B.A. from Eastern Kentucky University and has over a decade of experience teaching and creating in Chestertown, Maryland, and West Milton, Ohio.

Sketching Classes

The ultimate drawing courses for beginners to advanced artists.

Whether you’re looking for a refresher course or taking your first step into sketching basic shapes, join Mike for a relaxed and inspiring journey to enhance your artistic skills. As a seasoned teacher and coach, Mike has a unique ability to meet students where they are, recognizing the strengths and creativity each individual brings to the process.

Course One: Ready. Set. Sketch.

This four-part introductory course is designed to help you build confidence in sketching. Drawing on his background in mechanical and architectural design, Mike brings his passion for creativity, exploration, and motivation to every class. While the focus is on sketching, participants are also encouraged to explore their unique gifts and passions throughout the course.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Foundations of Sketching: Develop a shared vocabulary and understanding of sketching basics.

  • Mastering the Basics: Build confidence with one- and two-dimensional drawings using the five basic shapes: square, pyramid, cone, cylinder, and sphere.

  • Perspective Drawing: Learn to create realistic one-, two-, and three-point perspectives.

  • Line and Shadow Techniques: Refine your skills in line formation, shading, and shadowing to bring depth and dimension to your art. 

Course Tw0: Advanced Sketching

Course Description: Building upon the foundations of "Ready. Set. Sketch.", the Advanced Sketching course challenges students with individual projects that integrate basic shapes, shading, shadowing, and coloring using various mediums. This four-part series allows learners to progress at their own pace, aligning with their personal goals. It's designed to be a low-pressure environment where learners can comfortably grow in their sketching skills.

Troy-Hayner Cultural Center Courses

Wood Carving Woody the Carousel Horse Architectural journey

Mike Nygren: Teacher and Coach

Mike’s high school dream of teaching and coaching has been fulfilled through the decades in a variety of venues and careers. The inspiration, motivation and passion for his work comes from traveling and experiencing the world.

Books Teaching and Coaching Journey Ten Balloons in 2025


Contact mike@tenballoons.com