How do you Prepare for Workshops?

[Patricia Joyce]

I will be attending Marvin's workshop in Atlanta next week (and find myself also in the middle of a chaotic move to the new townhouse). So I am working at mentally preparing myself for an intense week of learning. I'm trying daily visualization, meditation/prayer and sketching (since my paints are not available).

I am curious how you prepare for major workshops. Do you have special exercises you do? Books you review? Spells you cast? Self-hypnosis?

I am so pumped and so eager to learn, but my days have been soooo harried!!!

[Chris Saper]

Hi Pat ,

There is a fairly comprehensive discussion about preparing for workshops here

Get lots of sleep.

[Kimberly Dow]

Pat -

You dont have to prepare - why stress yourself out? Just go and learn. There will be no kids (grown or young) of yours there - no work, no cooking or cleaning - what's there to stress over?

I drove 12 hours to the only workshop that I have attended so far. I got to unwind on the way there. I have 3 children at home - so to me - it was a vacation! Got to eat when I wanted, no dishes, etc...it was marvelous!

I did get a phone call during the day once in the middle of class - my daughter was upset because my husband was violently sick. Turns out he got food poisoning the day I left! (beware of Wendy's chilli). There was nothing I could do about it and they managed without me. I turned the cell phone off after that.

[Janel Maples]

Patricia,

I can feel your excitement. You should be excited, you are in for a real treat.

I agree with Chris. Be well rested.

But I would like to add a helpful tip to you to use during the workshop.......SURRENDER!!
Give in COMPLETELY to Marvin's method while you are there and watch him as much as you can.

In addition to the valuable information I brought home with me, the biggest benefit I received from Marvin's workshop was being able to look over his shoulder so I could see what he was looking at, then watch him mix his paint and apply it to the canvas. I can paint in my own studio any day, but I don't have the opportunity to watch a great artist each step of the way from start to finish. Have you ever watched a demonstration video where steps were missing? Don't they always seem like the most important steps when you are following along?

So my best advice, Pat, is this:

"If Marvin has a paint brush in his hand, put yours down and watch."

Oh, I guess I have one more.........keep your paint brushes in the right spot when you do paint.

Have a great time and keep us posted.

Janel

[Linda Brandon]

Pat, I think one of the best things you can do for a workshop in advance is to draw and paint from life, over and over and over again. Importantly, it will boost your confidence, and that means a lot. I meet people in workshops who confess sheepishly that they never or seldom work from life and the performance stress on them is enormous.

Remember that a lot of painters work solely from tracing and rendering photos. I've seen many well-known and successful artists stress out in workshop situtations just because they don't have enough practice with working from life.

I'm looking forward to your review of Marvin's workshop!

[Sharon Knettell]

I had one really well known portrait artist admit that to me at last years portrait convention in Boston. It was a real eye opener. He was scoffing at the artists doing demos. He said that they should teach him how it is really done, shoot, trace and paint. I am not a big fan of this artist. It is all product to him.

I think that is why there is so much similarity in the business.

[Marvin Mattelson]

Sharon, your private message quota is full here on the forum. You have to delete some things if you want replies.

Here's my reply to the one you sent me:

Look out Thomas Kinkade!

Have a healthy, prosperous and Happy New Year!

MM

As for you Patty, take a nice hot and relaxing bubble bath and envision the National Lampoon version of a portrait workshop. Then conjure up what you would consider to be the perfect workshop. Don't dwell on either or your toes will prune up.

The truth is, if you handled my supply list, you're more than prepared.

[Sharon Knettell]

Marvin,

I housecleaned.

[Patricia Joyce]

I was home sick today with the worst head cold. But in spite of itI drew t his AWFUL self portrait that just made me laugh - I got a good likeness of me - ILL ! ! ! And Jack still wants to marry me!! I am really trying to visualize myself in the workshop, National Lampoon, huh, Marvin? OK - I'm more than ready then!!!

You are right Kim about enjoying being away from family obligations. I do leave everything at the door before entering a classroom and I expect the same will happen in Atlanta. I can not wait to observe Marvin.

I keep remembering Steven Sweeney's fabulous quote,

"Just show up and pay attention"

I cannot fall flat on my face, I am already coming in verry verry verry green!!!!! Sometimes this is the best place to be. Originally I was going to be attending as a non participant but all of you convinced me to do the full monty. I have never painted a portrait from life

Well, my bubble bath is almost drawn

and a hot toddy awaits!! We closed on our new townhouse and got the keys today.

Thanks for your input, I enjoyed it and it relaxes me.

[Steven Sweeney]

Originally Posted by Kimberly Dow

(beware of Wendy's chilli)

Must protest. I LOVE the stuff. Even if it keeps loving you in return for a few hours.

But I like that, too.