How to Approach an Art Workshop

A painting workshop is something everyone approaches with a great deal of enthusiasm and maybe just a little anxiety. I think the unacknowledged expectation is one where the scales will be peeled from our eyes as secrets unfold and we will be doing our best work. At the end we’ll be abusing ourselves as idiots and certain that we’ll never learn because, after all, we just don’t “have it” (see above). Truth is that true growth in painting is really very slow. There are no “secrets” to speak of or at least any that I know of (now you tell me.) We do have the opportunity to access information that can literally take years off struggling on our own. So what’s the right attitude? You will be exposed to a lot of information during the workshop. Some of the information you’ll already know (or know but have forgotten), some will be new and some will be presented in a little different way that will clarify concepts maybe you heard about but didn’t understand. Come prepared to be in student-mode ready to take notes, ask questions, and try new ideas. Be enthusiastic; be bold and willing to take risks with your work here. We will all make mistakes including me, it’s a human condition after all, but mistakes are the painting goddess’ invitation to learn something so be attentive. Above all, be KIND to yourself. You’re here to learn and nobody is keeping score.