Last
month, OutdoorPainting.com asked its readers about their
personal experiences at painting workshops: What
did they like and not like about workshops they attended.
Our thanks to all the artists who responded.
Here’s what are readers had to say…
CLASS SIZE
By far, the number one complaint was….too many students!
The majority of our readers thought that 15 students should
be the maximum allowed in a workshop.
INSTRUCTOR DEMONSTRATIONS
Most of you thought that seeing the teacher finish a painting
was one of the most helpful aspects of taking a workshop.
Our readers complained about workshops where the teacher
did not demonstrate. Many teachers don’t demo in their
classes, much to the frustration and detriment of their
students’ education.
TEACH TO THE LEVEL OF THE INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS
Most of our readers were pleased when the teacher took the
time to teach to their specific level. Readers complained
when the teacher took a blanket approach…teaching
the same thing to everyone….whether the student was
a novice or an accomplished artist.
TEACH FACTS, NOT FEELINGS
Many readers said they learned more from teachers who stayed
with objectivity and facts and stayed away from feelings
and intuition. Concrete information translates more effectively
to practical application and better painting.
CRITIQUES
Critiques are a big part of the learning process. Most of
you said hearing the teacher critique the students’
work was key. The teachers who didn’t offer critiques
left the students confused about many aspects of painting.
EQUAL ATTENTION FOR ALL STUDENTS
Our readers appreciated teachers who kept control of their
class and didn’t allow any student to monopolize the
teacher’s time. Readers complained about the overly
needy student who, without fail, used their class time as
a private therapy session. Our readers appreciated the teachers
who knew how to quickly and effectively deal with these
challenging students. |
Stefan Baumann is the host of The Grand View, a PBS TV outdoor
painting show that travels through America's national parks.
He will give a free painting demonstration that's open to
the public on Wednesday January 10, 2007, 7:00 PM. Baumann
will discuss "The Power To Create", which entails
some of his views on art and his experiences behind the
scenes of his popular television series. Baumann will also
showcase his oil painting techniques followed by a question
and answer session. Baumann committed to making sure that
all attendees will leave with valuable and useful insights.
Maurice
Braun 
