Historically lots of questions come in through email and in groups asking about instruction, whether I am currently teaching and about what to look for in an art or craft education program.
Although I can't reach everyone and am not currently teaching weekly classes, I can share with you some steps that you can take when looking for instruction.
I hope the answer to the "Dear Susan" letter, which was complied from numerous emails, provides some guidance.
I'd love to hear about your experience and welcome your questions.
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Dear Susan,
My kids and I along with a neighbor and her pre-teens have been in art lessons for a few years and have done well. We had class at / with XYZ school which was fun - but we want at least some help in going beyond this.
We encouraged the teacher to transition into (insert: more advanced things, using water media, drawing, or whatever your interest is), but unsuccessfully, so we are now looking for other options or a private instructor to help us.
Do you know anyone in (insert area) area that teaches people (insert age) - I want to start with basics but advance to other levels too. What should we be looking for?
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While it is difficult to find universal truths about art, art instruction, or anything else of much importance, here are some ideas about art instruction.
Is it Really Art Class?
That's the first priority to look into. Is it a true "art" class or the kind of "creativity opportunities" which we can provide at our own kitchen tables with simple supplies and encouragement / inspiration added in some form.
Find an Artist -
By that I mean someone who is a working artist rather than an art "educator". Artists who open their studios to students often do so because they find it rewarding and inspiring.
A student who learns from a working artist will likely pick up more than technique, learning to view art as something that takes work and practice rather than just talent. These lessons are invaluable.
Some of your judgments may be based on the instructor's expectations of the class.
If the instructor takes it as a given that a beginner of whatever age can be shown some "art tricks", such as a simple change of line shape in order to make a 3 dimensional object look "real" on a 2 dimensional surface, the class has the potential to be a very positive one.
It's the instructor who makes the class, so at the end of the day trust your gut feeling when you talk with him or her.
But I can't Draw!
In my experience, what turns people off on making art begins when they reach an stage at which suddenly what they do / draw / create does not look "right" to them.
Guess what; they're right! And if they don't have some guidance they may turn out to become the people who say "I can't draw a straight line with a ruler."
What about opportunities for exhibiting student work? If a show is planned or students are represented in any local collections or public art areas you can check these out for a feel for what is being taught.
Inquire about critiques; are they done and is feedback private or public? There is always something positive in student work and that is the only comment needed from one student to another.
Forget propping art around the room so each can be publicly skewered. The student artist is better served by helpful hints to the class in general and individual suggestions or ideas one on one.
And Finally
A student of any age is wise to seek out an instructor who points out basic things like how the placement of an item in collage can lead the eye towards the focal point or how drawing a curved line instead of a flat one at the base of a glass.
These little bits of information can make a tremendous difference for a student.
In my experience it is these simple observations which turn on mental light bulbs around the room and *that* often marks just the start of the students producing some remarkable work.
Copyright © 2006 Susan Reynolds
Susan Reynolds is a working artist who first opened her studio to students in 1979. Although not currently teaching weekly classes, she does online art coaching for beginners through advanced students using attachments, online classrooms and instant messaging for interaction.
When people in one area assemble a group, class can be brought to the group for anything from a 3-hour workshop to classes over multiple days.
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Comments: 11
I have found that workshops are often great learning situations, esp. summer workshops where a long period of time can be spent with the artist. Thanks for some good pointers.
What do you think about the idea of my taking questions and answering as time goes along? I'm game - I think :^)
This is back in the burbs and small communities where people are depressed that they can't draw as well as their ten year old or maybe a 10 year old that a school refers to me because they think the kid's got talent. So my goal for each class is encouragement, which is a very much different focus than my college profs had.
Really useful article.