Has the book on painting been closed?

[Patricia Joyce]

Quote: "...drop the class and spend those 15 hours a week painting from life and good reference photos when I do not have a model in front of me "

Encouraging update!

We started on the next project in my oil painting class. I convinced the instructor and enough students were interested that we hired a model, one I have drawn in the sorely missed life drawing classes dropped by CIA!

Last night was the first class with the model and again we were given an option. With a majority of votes (by only one) the model is posing nude. Now I have nine class hours to paint from life!

I'm pumped!!

[Michele Rushworth]

in the sorely missed life drawing classes dropped by CIA!

Ha! So the CIA is behind the conspiracy to undermine all serious art education. I knew it!

[Tom Edgerton]

Patricia--

Don't worry so much about painting well in a workshop setting. I generally don't paint very well in workshops, as I am paying the instructor to challenge all of my (many) bad habits and shortsightedness, and to take me out of my comfort zone. Sometimes I leave a week's seminar wondering exactly what I've learned.

Later, however, much of what I've been shown comes out in the work. I'll be working, the bulb will light, and I'll realize, "THAT'S what they meant!" Whatever you do gets in there, and contributes to the whole.

It's about the process. Workshops are an opportunity to learn, not a venue for performance. All of the students will be struggling beside you. You'll learn more from large failures than small successes.

Best--TE

[Patricia Joyce]

Michele - you make me laugh out loud!!!

I am going to go, willing to appear foolhardy, but very hungry to learn. To read of your experiences is VERY encouraging as I so respect your work a great deal. Your words are taken to heart. Thank you.