Does anyone know artistic CPR?

Elizabeth Schott · 04-15-2003, 09:58 PM

This is such a self-centered thread of desperation. But at the last look I believe this wonderful forum had as its membership a total of 350.

At this time I am personally asking that you please say a prayer, give a kind thought, sprinkle some magic dust or pen some words of wisdom as I prepare to embark on my first ever workshop in one weeks time.

This is such a big deal for me for the simple reason that I feel like I am attending a golf clinic taught by Tiger Woods, and the other students will be Sergio Garcia, Davis Love, Nancy Lopez, Fred Couples, Phil Mickleson, Annika Sorenstam, Laura Davies, Vijay Singh, Justin Lenard, Mike Weir and yes, yours truely - Beth Schott

. (I should clearify that the workshop is taught by the master William Whitaker and is being attended by a number of highly esteemed SOG professional artists and others, plus...me)

Of course by the time Tim and Marvin's workshops come around, I will be so incredibly confident! HA!

Thank you.

Steven Sweeney · 04-15-2003, 11:22 PM

Relax. Put your brushes down and leave the studio -- or stay, if you have a resting place there. Sit comfortably, take many slow, deep breaths and listen to the difference in the sounds of each.

When that

Mari DeRuntz · 04-16-2003, 12:45 AM

Quote:

If you are physically and emotionally exhausted after a workshop, you'll know you've had your money's worth, even if it takes a while to assimilate the instruction.

I'll second that.

In addition to Steven's excellent advice, just empty your mind and show up. Then, listen to everything you can possibly listen to. Listen to everything the instructor says. Listen to what the instructor says to everyone else during critiques. As grossly oversimplified as it sounds, the people who get the most out of the workshop are those who hear what the instructor is saying. This is very basic. If the instructor says, measure 2" down from the top of the canvas, you can bet half the class will measure down 5 inches.

The first workshop I took, my hands shook on the first day, I was so self-conscious. But I've always been able to force all external (and most internal) distractions from my mind.

You're very lucky to be able to meet in person some of the voices we're all so happily familiar with on this forum. Keep in the back of your mind that each day in a workshop is very intense for all participants: not everyone will be up for social time afterwards. All I generally want to do at the end of the day is go for a very long run; I need the down time to slowly sift through all the activities of the day.

Of course, I always seem to meet one or two artists who I feel a deep bond with; I still write letters to a couple of artists from a couple of different workshops, and if we lived closer, we'd be best friends....

You won't come out of it the painter you want to be, but you'll have more of the tools you need to help you grow for the next six months. Workshops are beginnings.

Sharon Knettell · 04-16-2003, 08:00 AM

Beth,

Just think of them all standing there and painting in their underwear.

Linda Nelson · 04-16-2003, 09:01 AM

Elizabeth -

If I can add a few thoughts that hopefully can help -

1. It's natural to be nervous, and don't feel intimidated that you're the only one who is. There is a school in town here called The Atelier. It's a school with exceptional talent and an exceptional reputation. Every time I've taken an evening class there, I am amazed at how nervous I am at the beginning. My hands shake and I literally have to remind myself to breathe!

2. Your analogy to golf is a great one in that golf is one of few sports where you do it with others, but really it's just a game where you're "competing" against yourself - how well you do each time compared to the last. So don't worry about other people's "game". Just concentrate on your own.

3. The emotions are high because you love what you're doing and it means a lot to you to do a good job. There's nothing more exciting for a teacher than to have a student who is passionate.

I hear even Barbara Streisand hyperventilates before going on stage.

4. You'll do great!

Hope this helps.

Linda

Elizabeth Schott · 04-16-2003, 09:23 AM

Thanks to all of you above! This is some thoughts Tiger Woods sent me personally and gave me permission to share!

Quote:

As far as the workshop goes, simply relax and have a great time. You will be among friends who love you. All of us are human and all of us make mistakes with in our work. If it were not so, it wouldn't be art. Yes, it will be difficult, but I and everybody else there will do all we can to help each other. We plan to have a lot of fun and I intend for this to be a very stimulating positive experience. I'm personally dedicating and devoting this time to do everything I can to help you do it easier and better. There are so many things that you can't get from books, things you have to see and try out "on the job." That is what a workshop is good for.

You already know a lot of people who will be there. As nice as Chris, Michele, Linda and Michael G. are on the Internet; I can tell you they are even nicer in person. I deem it a great honor to have them, and you, in the class. You too will be able to share a great deal and teach us many things. This will be a mutual growth experience.

Don't lose any sleep over this. This is going to be fun. You will work hard, but it will be exhilarating and even refreshing.

Above all, nobody is going to think less of you or your work. The idea is not to tear down but to build up. Remember that for every painting mistake you make, I have made at least a hundred. The reason I'm happy to do this workshop is so that I can try to help you avoid all the mistakes I have made. Bill

Elizabeth Schott · 04-16-2003, 09:26 AM

Now Sharon, I don't know if you bring out the best in me or the worst! Which means I am not sure if I should apologize!

Michael Georges · 04-16-2003, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Just think of them all standing there and painting in their underwear.

Actually, I look pretty good in my underwear...

Beth: Would you prefer boxers or briefs?

Sharon Knettell · 04-16-2003, 04:58 PM

Beth,

Is this depiction of Marvin's physique from personal knowledge, wishful thinking or turpentine fumes in an enclosed environment?
If this is in fact the reality, I just might join you in Marvin's workshop myself.

Totally insincerely,

Debra Norton · 04-16-2003, 06:09 PM

Beth, I'm one of those mostly silent 350 people, but I know what you're going through! Last summer I attended one of Peggy Baumgaertner's workshops. I went in fear and trembling, and came home exhausted. I also came home with a wealth of knowledge and wondering how to put it into practice. (Bought her videos to help with that.) I went feeling very stupid; I had hardly picked up a paint brush in the last twenty years. I progressed with the "slow" half of the class, but I learned much from watching the others ahead of us. All in all it was a great experience, and I'm sure it will be the same for you.

This summer I plan on attending some of The Atelier's workshops. I'll be there in fear and trembling too - I haven't done much drawing from life, and that's what they focus on. Maybe Linda will be there and we can tremble together.

Steven's already given great advice so I won't say more except that I'm sure you'll have a great time. Just go with a teachable spirit and you'll do great.

Debra Norton

P. S. I'll pray for you.