Has the book on painting been closed?

[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