HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE
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Oil Study of Croggan, Scotland - 6 x 9 |
A workshop should be enjoyable, but at the same time should expand your knowledge and skills. It is after all a learning experience. Your decision to participate in a workshop means you are taking a step that will provide you with a creative thrill, but also one that could change your life. You will be surrounded by others who share your interest in painting and working under the guidance of a professional painter.
To get the most from the workshop experience here are few pointers that might help:
FINDING THE RIGHT WORKSHOP
A good place to start is where you are right now........the internet. You can also look at catalogues from art schools and individual teachers or the advertisements in art magazines Artist's Magazine and American Artist, for example, list many workshops and schools. In any case you should check out the instructor. Even if he is a famous painter, is he a good teacher that spends one-on-one time with his students or is he just trading on his reputation? If you can talk to someone who has studied with a particular instructor before ask them what they thought. In choosing an instructor, pick someone whose work you admire. Then you will already have something in common and he can relate to you vision.
ATTITUDE
You should arrive at the class with a sense of adventure, experimentation and fun. The fresh location will provide you with new subjects but you should also be open to new ideas. If the instructor asks you to try new techniques or to approach a painting differently than you normally would, try to follow these suggestions. At the conclusion of the workshop it will be up to you to accept or reject what you feel doesn't suit you artistic vision. I always tell my students that a workshop is an opportunity to grow as an artist. While it is nice to take home a great painting, an artistic breakthrough will be something that will be with you forever.
REFERENCE MATERIAL
Even if your workshop is focused on painting on location it's always a good idea to bring some reference material with you, either sketchbooks or photographs that can be used if you are forced to paint indoors. Some teachers do bring still life material or photo references but don't rely on it.
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Having the proper clothing and equipment will allow you to paint in comfort. |
PERSONAL SUPPLIES
Depending on the location of your workshop some of these will differ.
Battery operated radio
Flashlight
Bottled Water
Insect repellent
Bug bite spray/Poison Ivy Lotion
Sunscreen
Reading Material
Cell Phone
Sun Glasses
Spare Glasses
Aspirin
Antacid Tablets
Band-Aids
Spare shoes/socks
Wine or Spirits - if you partake, you might find it difficult to purchase spirits at the workshop location.
Sweaters
When you are attending a workshop in a non-wilderness setting you must also anticipate that you might be working in areas where you will encounter insects, boggy ground, or below normal temperatures. A few years ago I taught in a new venue in July. It was 90 outside and thanks to the over efficient air-conditioning it was 50 in the classroom. The first coffee break was used dashing into town to buy sweaters.
PAINTING SUPPLIES
Most instructors will give you a detailed list with specific supplies that relate to their course. Here are some items, often needed, but overlooked that I have found missing on some lists.
Paper Towels
Hand Cleaner
Brush Cleaner
Rubber Gloves or Barrier Cream
Masking Tape
Plastic Garbage Bags (2) to cover damp ground when working
Pen Knife/Craft Knife
Marking Pen
Sketchpad
Camera
Notepad
Pens/Mechanical Pencils
Apron or smock
Small folding stool
As with most experiences, planning ahead adds to the value of your workshop.
GOOD LUCK!