MORE Online Learning

Just found another place offering video/online classes thanks to Ken Auster posting his upcoming class on Facebook. Tuscon Art Academy
I wish I had known of it sooner. Its an interesting concept and I would like to hear if anyone out there has taken any classes online like this. Can you share with us? V....Vaughan and I have been considering this idea also. Maybe we can share some of our cafe sessions through this media.
James Gurney is using an interesting format too with Concert Window.


Share your comments below.

 -- AND - don't forget to visit the offerings at Craftsy.com --

They have been kind enough to create a landing page for followers here to sign up to win a free online class! Deadline to enter is Sept. 30 and Melissa will randomly choose a winner from people who sign up through this link!

ENTER HERE

Online Learning - Craftsy.com

Melissa at Craftsy.com recently introduced me to their website which has instructional classes for just about any art or craft. Have you wanted to branch out from painting and learn to crochet in the evenings? Maybe you'd like to learn more about container gardening. Or maybe you feel you need some more instruction in color mixing. This site has much to offer!

She has been kind enough to create a landing page for followers here to sign up to win a free online class! Deadline to enter is Sept. 30 and Melissa will randomly choose a winner from people who sign up through this link!

ENTER HERE

Wicki's Top Ten Ways to Put the Fun Back in Painting

Really great ideas to start the new year off from the wonderful Vicki Ross at MyArtTutor.com

10. Select a few books from your art library and then stack by your favorite relaxing chair. When TV drones through endless advertisements, pick one book to absorb. Try to read it all the way through and understand what the author is telling you...remember why you bought it in the first place. Use little post-it notes on pages you want to review later...or to actually PRACTICE :)

9. Avoid social media for a day...the world won't spin off its axis. Unless you are using your computer as photo reference for a painting, don't allow it in your studio area. Even turn off email. 'Oh, no, say it ain't so, Wicki'!

8. Try a new medium...even if you are 'known for your oils', nothing says you can't try soft pastel or watercolor. OR encaustics, acrylics, charcoal. You don't have to show anyone, and you will learn new skills that will help freshen your chosen medium. Mastering two mediums is very common for artists.

7. If you paint tight, paint ten small (8x10) with the largest brush you own. If you paint loose, paint ten pictures detailed. If you paint fast, execute a few paintings slowly and enjoy the process. Too slow? Set a timer for 30 minutes and do ten 8x10's, ten 11x14's, ten 16x20's (Lyn Diefenbach's suggestion). You'll learn how to capture the essence of your subject and your work will have a painterly quality.

6. Buy something totally out of the ordinary for YOU, the artist. A new pochade box, a few new tubes of pigment or brushes, or some new equipment...easel, roll of canvas, or an out-of-print coffee table art book!

5. Browse your art books for artwork you love. Copy it as closely as you can...pretend you are Anders Zorn or John Singer Sargent, duplicate the color, the brush strokes, the composition. Be sure to sign it 'after Zorn' so there will be no confusion in the future ... :)

4. Put together a mini-painting kit for 5x7, 3x4-ish. Make or buy a pochade box (my new fav is the 5x7 Pocket Box by Guerrilla Painter), with a lid that works as a support. A small jar can rest in the bottom of the box for turps or medium or water. Go all the way and get some short handled brushes that will live in your box. A small palette can rest on top of your mini-supplies (pigments, board, etc.). NOW, sit in your favorite chair and PAINT...PLAY. I have a small 7x8 Masterson Sta-Wet palette, cut a lightweight piece of acrylic for the bottom for easy cleanup...it had been in the freezer for months and the pigment was still usable! It fit perfectly in my box...in my chair!

3. Canvas by the Roll (or Wallis for pastel or watercolor paper roll) is an excellent investment. You can pre-cut your favorite sizes (leaving 3" border for stretching/framing). Now tape the canvas to a support board. If it turns out to be a 'keeper', you can stretch or mount on a panel. Gives you permission to 'play' because you are not using up expensive supports!

2. Electronic devices (smartphones, tablets) have drawing apps for a few dollars (or free)! Learn to fingerpaint again...if you don't like it, just erase it. If you do like it, forward it to your computer. Work out compositions, make quick sketches. Digital art is still ART!

AND THE NUMBER ONE WAY TO PUT THE FUN BACK IN PAINTING...

1. Treat yourself to one of MyArtTutor's workshops...select a new medium, style, or tutor. (Computer allowed in studio for this purpose :) Study in Scotland, France, Australia, or the US. Meet other students and participate...everyone is learning new techniques for the first time, so the playing field is even! Start NOW, and complete at your leisure...your class is always available on your schedule. (You can be anonymous if you are afraid your collectors will find out!)

The Art World at Your Fingertips

I recently discovered the Virtual Art Academy site and have subscribed to Barry John Raybould's free newsletter.

I can't stress enough how important it is to keep learning and trying new things. Perhaps when we get stuck in a rut or have a block its because we're bored. I forget to try other things - new methods, new ways to start, other materials, etc. I tend to think that any and all my time at the easel must be focused on a gallery worthy painting. In essence, I forget to play and enjoy the process as much as the outcome.

Going "back to school" is excellent way to revive your creative spirit, to push yourself to grow and to try new things just for the sake of play and experimentation. Even if you don't have teachers locally, there is a world of quality mentoring and lessons online. Check out the list we've begun in the right column and treat yourself in the new year.

Education at Home

I've noticed recently that a number of artists are offering online classes, workshops and even mentoring online. It seems like a logical next step in our computer savvy world.

Today, I had a note from Vicki Ross who has been working very hard with some very talented people to offer just such an educational outlet. What better way to stretch yourself when you are in a rut!? Work at your own studio, in your jammies if you like, and save on travel expenses. I think its brilliant.

Check out MyArtTutor.com and also see our growing list of instructors who offer online classes and videos in the right column.

-- Robin