10 things to think about when taking a workshop.
- Deciding which workshops to take is the first thing. Who is the presenting artist? Is there something that they are going to teach that will help improve your art? Do you like their art?
2. Be prepared. Read all the information on supplies needed and do your research, check out the artist’s website. Come to the workshop with the supplies you need to participate.
3. Bring a sketch book and take notes. There might be information that you won’t recall if you don’t take notes. Review your notes after the conference
4. Don’t let fear stop you from painting in front of the other artists. Just go for it. It’s the only way to learn. You start where you are and journey forward.
5. If you have the opportunity to have your art critiqued by the presenter, take the chance. The presenter will see things that you don’t. Listen non defensively to the critique. Try to understand what is being said about your art and how to improve your art.
6. Learn from the other attending artists. Take the time to talk to them and check out their art.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask questions but make sure you don’t monopolize the presenters time. You’re not the only one in the workshop.
8. Sometimes it’s better to just dive in and paint don’t spend so much time thinking about what you are going to do that you never start.
9. Also take time to think about what you are going to paint. Just don’t dive in. (Wasn’t that the opposite of step 8?)
10. Take what you’ve learned from the workshop and figure out how you’re going to incorporate it into your own art. You don’t want to copy someone else’s style but make what you’ve learned, a part of your own.
I just finished a great workshop from Jennie McGuire who is a figurative watercolor painter. I learned a lot about design and spontaneous painting. We got to talk a bit of shop and about children’s book illustrating. It was a great workshop. She will be teaching at www.dillmans.com/2018 August 19-24 if you want to check that out. The workshop was sponsored by the Utah Watercolor Society.