Many benefits of art classes
Many people who feel attracted to art, sign up for art and painting classes in the fall. Certainly, days are getting shorter and the weather gradually changes from very pleasant to quite nasty, rainy and chilly. I will not list all advantages of joining an art class or painting group this time because I’ve been mentioning them multiple times, and there are so many: from building your confidence and self-esteem and finding a great thing to fill up the long nights to effects similar to meditation which allow one floating away from daily troubles and problems, to mental fitness and rejuvenation of brain cells. The created art becomes just another gain along the way.
Choosing an art class that suits your preferences
When choosing an art class, you should first check out what art instructor does. What are his or her favorite subjects, style, colors, approach? If you generally do not like such art as instructor is doing, you most likely will not enjoy it. For instance, if instructor is insisting on copying photos, you most likely will not be learning how to paint abstracts; or if she or he never do portrait painting, it is unlikely the class will provide with portrait painting skills.
Size matters
Make sure the size of group somewhat works with you. I hear people complaining that they signed up for an art class and never got any attention, therefore, never learned anything. Well, if a weekly art class is 2 hours long and there are 20 or even more students in the classroom, how would you get a lot of attention? You can count on about 5 minutes of individual instruction in the best case because no instructor can run around the class while they are demonstrating technique. It is obvious that you have to choose a small art class if you require much advice or want very individual approach.
Level class is designed for
Find out what level this art class is for. If class is intended for advanced painters, , but you are just starting out, you will not be able to catch up with others. Beginner is somebody, who hasn’t done at least 200 small size paintings or 150 larger paintings.
Realistic expectations
Next thing is: be realistic in expectations. That is probably the most overlooked aspect of any art class or studies of creative things. Learning how to use tools takes time. Although, everybody has seen a painting brush and quite frequently people have tried using it, it does not mean that you know what correct brushstroke is. Any brush (they come in very many sizes, shapes and are made from all kinds of materials) can be used for very specific things and also for very general approaches. That depends also on your personal preferences, medium and subject.
Art supplies
Materials are an extremely important thing for an art class, so, the best results will definitely be achieved using good quality materials straight from the beginning. I have heard this often: I’m just learning, so I will use the cheapest materials for now. Well, that might not work at all because using bad materials can easily become a torture and nuisance. Sometimes students struggle with bad watercolor paper and they think they are doing something wrong, but, in fact, it is the paper which prevents from getting acceptable results.
Your own art supplies
Equally important is also having your own materials. It might seem: what’s the difference? The answer is: there is a huge difference between paints, brushes, canvas, papers, pencils and even erasers, not to mention that is one of the most important aspects of learning. Tools matter, surface matters, paints and brands matter. There is no other way to become familiar with some materials in particular as using them.
Be motivated
The most important part is to sign up for something that you feel interested in. One should also be prepared to learn, practice and memorize things, be spontaneous, courageous, daring and fearless, as well as have enough personal time for not feeling rushed.
Fall nature and still life
I always work harder on pictures than actual paintings.
Colors in context images are much more like in reality.
I loved them, I hope it becomes a source of pleasure for you, too.
This is the updated painting
Clear white apples, available
Art classes, schedule and registration
Enjoy!
I’ve always believed that good brushes, paint and quality paper make a huge difference to the painting experience.
They undeniably do. I hear too often that somebody doesn’t want to damage good materials, so, they practically never get to that point when painting becomes pleasure and stops being struggle.
Some good things to know when or if I can find a class that may help me with certain aspects of painting… Diane
There is a lot to consider. I quite frequently get calls and the first question is not about medium, not about subject, not about the type of paintings we do, but how much it is. It’s tough to answer because I don’t feel like reading the entire schedule, but it also indicates that interest is very superficial and the caller is not interested to learn acrylic, drawing or watercolor, but generally attend some class.
Diane, you are very artistic already, I have no doubt you’ll find something. It is simply nice to be in a group, sort of cheers up.
Thanks Inese… I looked and saw a class starting November just for 4 classes .. 1 a week 2 hrs each. I thought I might pick up some useful tips or techniques… Diane
That sounds just right!
You are extremely talented, Inese. Congratulations.
Thanks, Cynthia!
I am somebody who was born with the ability to draw and paint, so, I could start as early as I found the first pencil. However, one still has to work hard in order to develop every skill. I also did not use any cameras and photos practically ever, and that developed the ability to see. I was earning money during University studies by drawing portraits of my fellow students. It was like a new portrait every half an hour. Basically, it really helped me always and if there is something one can take away from drawing real life subjects, I must say that is extraordinary good visual memory.
I’m actually working on a program to prevent memory losses and possibly reverse damage done by aging. I am looking for sponsors and I will keep looking for them because cognitive function decrease is what nobody should experience.
Thanks a lot for stopping by!