On the question of teaching art...

 

 

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For a long time, both here (quietly, in some comments) and in my head and heart, the question has come up as to whether, during the next part of my life, I might do some teaching. What I'm most interested in are the people who, for whatever reason, loved to draw and paint when they were younger, and then gave it up. Far too often that was because of a teacher making disparaging remarks, or it may be because life -- and other paths and responsibilities -- simply intervened. But now, later in life, the call to do that once-loved creative activity is resurfacing. How to begin? How to get over those nagging insecurities -- that voice in the head that says "you aren't any good" or "it's too late?" -- and enjoy the process, have fun, and stay with it? 

I'm also interested in drawing and other forms of art as a meditative practice, which involves setting aside one's internal judging voice, and learning to become immersed in the act of creating for its own sake, and for the good it does to our spirits. In both of these areas, then, there's a psychological aspect which is often missing in traditional instruction but which actually forms a stumbling block for all creative pursuits and must be overcome, not just once, but repeatedly. However, once we understand it, it gets easier.

The possibilities for art instruction have changed so much in my lifetime -- when I was young there were correspondence courses for would-be cartoonists or illustrators, but anyone serious about fine art went to "art school". Personally, I'm glad I didn't, because I never got slotted into a particular style or type of work, and so I've remained quite open to all types of art and ways of approaching it. Now there are so many ways for people to learn, and to teach: from online courses to in-person workshops to one-on-one live zoom classes. 

I have a lot of work to do, myself, to figure out what I might want to do and how to do it. This past week I made a narrated video of myself making a charcoal drawing, in order to observe my own process and make myself talk about it. Of course, this isn't a "beginner" video, and as such it doesn't fit into either of the categories I've mentioned above. But I learned a lot of technical things doing it, and it suggests other subjects that might be addressed in a series of videos -- like a deeper look at materials, for instance. I thought you might be interested in seeing it.

Any comments you may have are welcome! Next time, I'll try to set the camera up so that it's more over my shoulder, and the work is parallel to the camera frame -- no need for the viewers to get a stiff neck! It feels to me like introductory videos should be short, from 5-8 minutes perhaps, while a demo like this -- which shows an hour-long process condensed to 16 minutes -- can't really be much shorter. If you get bored at any point, you can skip forward!

Thanks for watching, and for any thoughts you may have.

 

 

Comments

[Laura Howes]

I like this a lot— your comments about drawing trees (trunks first) and the metaphor of pearls on a string were great. Having the camera looking down over your shoulder would help (watching it on my iPad I could tilt it, instead of my neck!) and your comments about materials are very helpful.

I was also interested to hear when you were looking closely at the photo and when you were doing what you wanted and what felt / looked right to you, and why. Thank you for sharing this, Beth!

[Liz Nestler]

I really enjoyed watching. Since I've never taken an art class, and haven't really tried to draw with charcoal, I didn't know you could use your hands to smudge/soften, or an eraser to lighten (or that erasers worked at all for charcoal).

As you may know AVA has a Friday morning Zoom program where you can watch an artist in their studio. I've only watched once.

But I liked this better, perhaps because knowing the artist makes it more interesting.

[am]

As an artist, I found that watching you draw and listening to you describe your drawing process put me in a meditative state.

My guess is that there are many people who could learn to draw by watching videos rather than taking drawing classes in person because of the stress some people experience in classroom settings. I have a friend in her 60s who has always wanted to draw and paint and has greatly benefitted from Zoom classes that were developed during the pandemic by a local community college.

Looking forward to seeing more of your videos.

I think I've mentioned that two years ago I began drawing with my non-dominant left hand and find that relaxing and meditative.

[Peter]

I liked this, too. I did find that I couldn't see detail until I expanded the video in YouTube and turned my iPad in its side, but I think most users might have figured it out before me. You made the process very clear, too, working from general masses and tones to details and back to front. Thanks!

[Peter]

I forwarded the link to my sister, who has done a great deal of illustration but less of formal art, and got a ringing endorsement: “I have now watched it three times — great teacher and I loved how she did the deciduous trees. Maybe someone could suggest that she do a demo of conifers which flummox me daily. “

[Julia]

an online course?
yes, please

[Jumpringer]

I recently began a in person course in watercolor. The instructor gave recommendations about paper, brushes, and watercolors and brands. Other wise, we are on our own. My instructor is well versed and educated in watercolor. Finally I learned that her teaching method is to visit each student several times during the day two hour class. She cycles around several times during the two hour class. She is positive, helpful, and inspiring. I believe I will not get from this class what I expected, but more than I hoped for. I am writing this to express what a teacher is doing for me, a beginning watercolor-ist. I am very comfortable in her class and do not feel judged. I’m sharing this only because you are thinking about teaching. It can’t be easy; on the other hand, teachers can guide students to enjoy ”doing art”.