How To Get the Most Out Of Your Art Workshop Experience- Part II

Sun Kissed
6 x 8 Oil on Panel
by Pat Fiorello

$100

In yesterday's post I shared what to consider before selecting an art workshop. Today we'll look at a few things to keep in mind as you get ready for the workshop.

Before going to the workshop:

Set an intention for what you want to work on in the workshop. Instructors will have many things to offer from technique, to materials, to work habits to composition to inspiration to career advice and more. Sometimes the sheer volume of new concepts and tools is overwhelming, but if you pick one or 2 areas that you really want to focus on, you will get those and anything beyond that will be gravy.

Look over the instructors workshop supply list closely. Often the specific brushes and paint colors are only a suggestion, but sometimes what seems like a new supply may actually be critical to the approach this instructor uses. so see if you can determine what is essential vs. suggested. This way you won't spend more than you need to, but also won't miss out on experiencing any new approaches or colors that are integral to the instructors method. That's part of what you are there for. To go outside of your comfort zone and try new things, so be prepared with what you need to be able to do that. 

 If budget is a concern. perhaps there is another artist you know who is going to the same workshop and you can share some supplies. For example, if there are 4 unusual paint colors that you don't have, perhaps you and a friend can each buy 2 of them, then share during the workshop. You may find that you don't connect with those new colors enough to include them in your painting repertoire after the workshop, so you may be glad you didn't invest in a full tube of everything. I have often shared gamsol or other solvent, mediums with other students while traveling. If there are things you can't take on the plane with you, you hate to buy it at your destination, only to use a small bit and then toss the rest. Often other students are happy to chip in so that you don't have to toss a lot of expensive materials that you can't bring home with you.

In the next post, I'll share some suggestions for making the most of your experience during the workshop