Fun in the Sun 6 x 6 Oil Painting by Pat Fiorello $100 |
If you've been following my posts the past few days, we covered how to get the most out of your art workshop experience before deciding to go and as you prepare for the workshop. Today we'll focus on how to maximize your learning experience while you are in the workshop.
During the workshop:
Arrive on time, be prepared and be open to things that might
not fit into the way you already know or do things. That’s the whole point of
doing this. An attitude of “ I
already know this” is the fastest thing to kill the possibility of growth. Take on what’s sometimes referred to as
a “beginner’s mind”. That’s how master’s grow. They take on that they know nothing
and are a sponge to wonder and soak in all sorts of new contributions. Kind of
like a child seeing something for the first time.
Take notes on tips and aha’s. Now with an ipad it’s easy to
take notes and have them ready to print- no need to try and decipher your
handwriting a year from now. I also take photos of various steps along the way
during a demo so I can be reminded of the process used.
Get to know other participants in the workshop. Sometimes
you can learn as much from them as you do from the instructor. And I have
developed friendships that go back 15 years with people I met at workshops. The
experience can often be a bonding one between kindred spirits. Often emails are
shared at the end of the workshop and in this time of social media, you can
stay connected via Facebook and other on-line communications.
Keep a positive attitude. Don’t expect to do any
masterpieces or even anything of your usual caliber. You are in a new place
with lots of distractions and trying new methods and materials, possibly even new subject matter. The first time you tried to drive
a car it didn’t go that smoothly did it?So cut yourself some slack. Just go to learn and have fun and it will be worthwhile. You will probably see most of your growth after the workshop,
In the next and final post in this series, I'll share some tips for how to keep the learning going once you get home.
Feel free to share any other tips that have been helpful to you and might be useful to others reading this blog. Thank you!
Feel free to share any other tips that have been helpful to you and might be useful to others reading this blog. Thank you!
The beauty of this painting shows how important play is. I love the touches of color and honestly white roses are the most beautiful when painted.
ReplyDeleteI love this flower painting Pat- it's wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Bruce, Appreciate the comment. I am painting every day this month and it really helps ( no tot mention, lots f fun!) Hope you are well and settling into your new home and studio.
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