tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438192782094540490.post8246915396449844162..comments2023-09-18T12:12:55.173-04:00Comments on Deborah Elmquist Fine Art: WorkshopsDeborah Elmquisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257536181296880958noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438192782094540490.post-75025573290464963742012-10-26T15:29:36.261-04:002012-10-26T15:29:36.261-04:00Bravo, Deborah! I totally agree with your post and...Bravo, Deborah! I totally agree with your post and the comments by others. I have a pleasant local painter who I enjoy taking classes from every couple years, but in addition, he is part of my local plein air group. We paint each week during the season, so he does informal critiques, at our paint-outs as a courtesy, if asked. It is nice to have a local group that you can feel comfortable with - you can learn a lot this way. I also follow a nationally known painter who organizes retreats in addition to workshops. I find I learn much more in his retreat format, than a structured workshop. I have also reined myself in with the finances, by finding DVDs of the Big Shots on ebay for reasonable prices. It is really a good way of learning both the artists' techniques, AND their personalities. Much cheaper to find out if you'd enjoy a class with them in person before making the reservations!Nancy L. Vancehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11482532327670658220noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438192782094540490.post-28908711353014718322012-10-25T18:40:32.892-04:002012-10-25T18:40:32.892-04:00With much gratitude, I want to thank the heartfelt...With much gratitude, I want to thank the heartfelt comments. This blog post sat on my draft site for two weeks not knowing whether I should post it or not. There are some fantastic instructors out there who give workshops; I can name two. Just because you can paint well doesn't necessarily make you a good instructor. Maybe we should have an "Angie's List" like they do for finding a business to hire to do a particular job. Times are hard and we all are trying to find ways to bring in extra money. I get that. The flip side to this issue is the fledgling artist who needs to have instruction on the basic skills, i.e. drawing, color theory, composition, and they show up in our class not knowing anything. Again thanks for responding and sharing your stories.Deborah Elmquisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06257536181296880958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438192782094540490.post-17270921069927392052012-10-25T15:17:57.112-04:002012-10-25T15:17:57.112-04:00Wonderful post. When I was widowed at 44, 15 years...Wonderful post. When I was widowed at 44, 15 years ago, I decided to take all the classes I could find. It was perfect to heal my heart and feed my soul. I found the late Johnnie L. in Italy. She became a close friend and my mentor. She always told me exactly what you have said. "Paint, paint and paint some more. Paint everyday". Thank you for bringing back a wonderful memory. I can't wait to take a workshop with you. Dottiebhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16401589161380945645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438192782094540490.post-51539943540221519482012-10-25T11:17:07.297-04:002012-10-25T11:17:07.297-04:00Wow… Deborah such an interesting and honest post!
...Wow… Deborah such an interesting and honest post!<br /><br />I done a handful of workshops but only one “big name” workshop. I spent a small fortune to have this guy hand me a photo to draw from and have him “talk” about site –size methods. The second day he painted in the morning for us from life and then had us paint as he milled around flirting with the young ladies asking about the good restaurants and clubs. The last day was more of a fan club day and he reminisced about his “art” experiences. One of the local artists set up a get together at her house that Friday for him and the workshop participates.<br />I can not say I did not get anything out of the experience, watching his technique was great, but I would never do it again.<br /><br />Not because of the narcissistic attitude of the “big name” but because these workshops tend to be more about playing the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon Game. That by acquaintance it will help you achieve a place in a inner circle of established artist. As representational we artist talk about the “Realist Revolution” but we are quickly watering down the movement with cronyism and nepotism. I know that with the correct workshops I can have my work recognized by a particular organization of realist institutions and groups. I know artists that have gone this route by laying out the big bucks. It is really becoming a game that you can buy into; remember when you got there based on merit or hard work. <br /><br />So I have to agree with your statement about doing your homework, find someone you respect and work with them on a regular basis. You will learn more. The goal is to better yourself as artist you do not need “bragging rights” but practice. I guess that is what confuses me about all of this, painting is hard work and it takes time to acquire the knowledge and skills. It seems most people do not want to do the hard work but just find some magic bullet and quick fix to stardom?<br /><br />Sorry about the rant, truly admire your work and blog.<br /><br /><br />jimserrettstudiohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16604574528873628463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438192782094540490.post-23258021242063795882012-10-25T11:12:28.529-04:002012-10-25T11:12:28.529-04:00A really thought provoking post. When I began pain...A really thought provoking post. When I began painting as an adult eight years ago, I knew I had to work fast! Time was a'wasting! I signed up for several workshops without, I confess, much thought as to the quality of the instruction. <br />One of my first instructors was teaching ideas I was unprepared for because I had not mastered the basics. Another was new at teaching and like you, I had to ask for instruction and guidance.<br />Lately I've had two workshop instructors who were worth every penny paid. One gave me a philosophy of paint, a roadmap to visual language that guides me still. The other gave me a few simple ideas to lead me through the morass of value (a bugaboo for me). Both of these instructors set out, like you, to provide a learning experience rather than just a good time. <br />Of course, because true learning is the most fun anyone can have, I had a great good time with them both!<br />Now I do homework before launching out for a workshop. My homework has primarily consisted of studying up on the instructor's reputation as a teacher. I think I may also incorporate your suggestion of increasing my own skills as much as possible before taking the journey. Shirley Fachillahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com