Does anyone know artistic CPR?
 

This is such a self-centered thread of desperation. But at the last look I believe this wonderful forum had as its membership a total of 350.

At this time I am personally asking that you please say a prayer, give a kind thought, sprinkle some magic dust or pen some words of wisdom as I prepare to embark on my first ever workshop in one weeks time. :o

This is such a big deal for me for the simple reason that I feel like I am attending a golf clinic taught by Tiger Woods, and the other students will be Sergio Garcia, Davis Love, Nancy Lopez, Fred Couples, Phil Mickleson, Annika Sorenstam, Laura Davies, Vijay Singh, Justin Lenard, Mike Weir and yes, yours truely - Beth Schott ;C. (I should clearify that the workshop is taught by the master William Whitaker and is being attended by a number of highly esteemed SOG professional artists and others, plus...me)

Of course by the time Tim and Marvin's workshops come around, I will be so incredibly confident! HA!

Thank you.

Relax. Put your brushes down and leave the studio -- or stay, if you have a resting place there. Sit comfortably, take many slow, deep breaths and listen to the difference in the sounds of each.

When that

I'll second that.

In addition to Steven's excellent advice, just empty your mind and show up. Then, listen to everything you can possibly listen to. Listen to everything the instructor says. Listen to what the instructor says to everyone else during critiques. As grossly oversimplified as it sounds, the people who get the most out of the workshop are those who hear what the instructor is saying. This is very basic. If the instructor says, measure 2" down from the top of the canvas, you can bet half the class will measure down 5 inches.

The first workshop I took, my hands shook on the first day, I was so self-conscious. But I've always been able to force all external (and most internal) distractions from my mind.

You're very lucky to be able to meet in person some of the voices we're all so happily familiar with on this forum. Keep in the back of your mind that each day in a workshop is very intense for all participants: not everyone will be up for social time afterwards. All I generally want to do at the end of the day is go for a very long run; I need the down time to slowly sift through all the activities of the day.

Of course, I always seem to meet one or two artists who I feel a deep bond with; I still write letters to a couple of artists from a couple of different workshops, and if we lived closer, we'd be best friends....

You won't come out of it the painter you want to be, but you'll have more of the tools you need to help you grow for the next six months. Workshops are beginnings.

This works for me!
 

Beth,

Just think of them all standing there and painting in their underwear.

Hi
 

Elizabeth -

If I can add a few thoughts that hopefully can help -

1. It's natural to be nervous, and don't feel intimidated that you're the only one who is. There is a school in town here called The Atelier. It's a school with exceptional talent and an exceptional reputation. Every time I've taken an evening class there, I am amazed at how nervous I am at the beginning. My hands shake and I literally have to remind myself to breathe!

2. Your analogy to golf is a great one in that golf is one of few sports where you do it with others, but really it's just a game where you're "competing" against yourself - how well you do each time compared to the last. So don't worry about other people's "game". Just concentrate on your own.

3. The emotions are high because you love what you're doing and it means a lot to you to do a good job. There's nothing more exciting for a teacher than to have a student who is passionate.

I hear even Barbara Streisand hyperventilates before going on stage.

4. You'll do great!

Hope this helps.

Linda

Thanks to all of you above! This is some thoughts Tiger Woods sent me personally and gave me permission to share!

Now Sharon, I don't know if you bring out the best in me or the worst! Which means I am not sure if I should apologize! ;)

Re: This works for me!
 

Actually, I look pretty good in my underwear... :D

Beth: Would you prefer boxers or briefs?

Whoa!
 

Beth,

Is this depiction of Marvin's physique from personal knowledge, wishful thinking or turpentine fumes in an enclosed environment?
If this is in fact the reality, I just might join you in Marvin's workshop myself.

Totally insincerely,

Beth, I'm one of those mostly silent 350 people, but I know what you're going through! Last summer I attended one of Peggy Baumgaertner's workshops. I went in fear and trembling, and came home exhausted. I also came home with a wealth of knowledge and wondering how to put it into practice. (Bought her videos to help with that.) I went feeling very stupid; I had hardly picked up a paint brush in the last twenty years. I progressed with the "slow" half of the class, but I learned much from watching the others ahead of us. All in all it was a great experience, and I'm sure it will be the same for you.

This summer I plan on attending some of The Atelier's workshops. I'll be there in fear and trembling too - I haven't done much drawing from life, and that's what they focus on. Maybe Linda will be there and we can tremble together.

Steven's already given great advice so I won't say more except that I'm sure you'll have a great time. Just go with a teachable spirit and you'll do great.

Debra Norton

P. S. I'll pray for you. :)

"Attitudes aren't taught -- they're caught."

------ child psychologist Margaret McFarland

I feel I should state the flip side of my first post, regarding the attention that one might give to others

5 days in ****
 

Beth,

You are so busted.

Marvin,

You are a hoot under that black hat! I just hope you dance as well as this Joe Boxer guy, I can't wait until NC to see! I have to figure out Mr. Georges character now!

Sharon made me do it!

With nothing but loving respect, "grasshopper" - your most faithful student! :D

Thank you all, I am feeling better. I must admit I can't stop laughing right now.

You'll be fine!
 

Hi Beth, after the first 15 minutes you will be comfortable, I guarantee it. You already know many who are attending, so at least that hurdle is over, plus I understand that Mr. Whitaker is a wonderful teacher. I see positives all around.

Marvin, you do show up in the strangest places! Have you no shame?

Jean

Hi Debra
 

You'll have a great time at the Atelier. Ironically, I will be taking a Peggy Baumgartner workshop, so it looks like we're switching teachers this summer! Call me if you'd like to get together while here!

Linda

A Final Thought
 

Beth,

As you have probably gleaned by now I am a great believer in meditation before I work. It focuses the mind and lets positive energy flow. Here is a suggestion for a mini workshop version.

A: Put a cushion in front of a bureau.
B: Put some small candles and incense on the bureau in front of you.
C: Have your latest depiction of Marvin elegantly framed to place between the candles and incence.
D: Sit quietly crosslegged on the cushion, facing the bureau with your eyes half closed watching your breathing for about 10 to 20 minutes.
E: The picture of Marvin is optional but I suggest you bring it to class with you for inspiration and to share.

Yours in the Light

Beth, maybe you could suggest to Bill Whitaker that he add candles and incense to the list of supplies needed for his class -- oh, yes, and racy photos of Marvin.

incense and candles?
 

Beth,

One more thing to add to that long list of "supplies" that Marvin just sent to Renee and I for our Greensboro workshop.

Candles, Incense, Tequila, More tequila, etc. etc. etc.

OH, and a couple of tubes of paint and 1 brush. We'll be using brown wrapping paper to sketch on. No need for fancy canvases.....


JK,

Remember, you are "so busted".


Denise

SOG Workshop Meditation Kit
 

Michele, Denise,

I see we have the making of a unique SOG Workshop Meditation Kit. Marvin's picture, candles, incense and tequila. This one sounds like it is designed to open up the inner child in all of us, you know the one, the child who doesn't care if his oeuvre resembles his mother or the family pet.

However, don't you think Beth should finish Marvin's picture with a black hat? If she does that I will download it for my shrine.

Yours in the Light,

Might I recommend a slight change in the Meditation Kit for males? Perhaps instead of Marvin, a picture of J-Lo in a black hat? :D

Michael's spiritual gift to men
 

Michael,

If you think that would help men release their creative flow in class, I think that is a very wise idea.

Yours in the Light

So who's bringing the tequila to Bill's class?

I have been so touched with all of your wonderful stories and suggestions of inspirations, that I wanted to make sure that you were able to take with you what it appeared would make your next workshop nice for you. I hope I have touched you all. Of course, beverages of choice will need to be covered by individual choice.

First for Sharon and all who wish to meditate with our dear Marvin. I have taken the liberity, oh boy have I taken the liberity - in fact, I think I am now going to be held in detention. Then I thought a lot of visitors might not realize that Marvin is the wonderful artist behind this award winning illustration, which is now to become part of the SOG Meditation Kit!

Of course for our dear Michael, whom I don't believe was very comfortable using the official ladies SOG Meditation kit with the Marvin Chant focus photo, I wanted to grant this spiritual image with a personal flair. Michael, if this doesn't work for you, there is more to come with spiritual leader Steven and master fresco painter Mari and a bevy of singing beauties. Nelson Shanks would be very proud.

Here is the first.

Hummmmmm...... Hummmmm..... Hummmmm.... Remember the congregation sings amen while the women in the choir sing ahhhh...men!

Pax vobiscum.

Okay, Steven, you made me resort to looking this phrase up. For those of you who slept through Latin in school (or never studied it, like me) it means "peace be with you."

My next life a nun?!

LOL! :D

All you guys are a hoot. Just reading and observing has relaxed me just a tad as I too can relate to Beth's anxiety, due to the N.C. workshop. I have a couple of months to fret.

Knowing me I will have the jitters until then and certainly need all my meditation and yoga moves to try and not freak out before I leave.

I knew the cover for Chant and I have that CD already. I certainly will add that to my Meditation Kit. Love it too.

Thanks to you too, Beth, for that visual of Marvin. I certainly will recall that image in my moments of distress in his class. Should help!

If any of you observe an uncontrollable outburst of laughter or at least snickers, know that I mean it all in respect for our beloved instructor.

Beth, you are quite an artist with this computer jazz, too. I'm impressed.

:thumbsup:

Artistic CPR.
 

Elizabeth,

While looking on the site at Tips and Techniques, I chanced upon this thread, and boy, am I glad I did!

Just over a year ago, I stumbled across the S.O.G. and Art Renewal Center sites: to say I was delighted was an understatement! I haven't painted since high school 20 years ago, and only recently started my first oil painting. I'm just finishing the underlayer or "verdaccio"; a term I'd never have known if I hadn't found the site or the wonderful contributors on it.

Wracked with self doubts and insecurities, and too scared to post on site (I've been on every day but posted only five times) I mailed the likes of Michael, Marvin and Karin Wells, as I admired their work and their spirit of giving and guidance.

Expecting nothing major, I was speechless with the care, help, and positive attitude they showed towards me.

I have no formal training. I don't know much about laying out a palette. I haven't painted from life, but I'm passionate about my art.
So, in for a penny, in for a pound. If I wanted to be the best I could be, I'd need to listen and learn from the best. So I gathered my savings, placated my wife and kids, and booked up for Bill's course! You are NOT alone!

If I travel half the world, and only learn that the others on the course are as human, yet as enthusiastic as me, I'll be better for the experience. No matter the different levels of ability over the week, we're all there to listen and learn from a great artist and gentleman. It'll be hard work, but hey, we'll all have fun into the bargain!

As for thinking of eveyone in their underpants, don't worry about me. Being a true Scotsman, I'll be the one wearing the kilt!

Patrick

Patrick, I'll be looking forward to meeting you at Bill's class, as will the rest of the SOG particpants, I'm sure.

I hope ye'll be wearing yer finest kilt an' sporrin. Will ye be bringin' yer pipes too, laddie?

(Sorry, couldn't help it. My Scots upbringing is showing.)

See you in "Scotts"-dale.

- Michele

Pecking order
 

I am but the high priest. Paxton, Bouguereau, Raeburn and Lawrence are the Gods we worship at the

Hummmmm, I am really giving this High Priest some thought!

But until then, Patrick thank you so much for your heartfelt post. It does make me feel better. It has also been reassuring to have correspondance with Carl who I am looking foreward to meeting with his army issued night goggles!

I wanted to make you feel much more at home, so here is a little photo of your new SOG friends, soon to be making your acquaintance in AZ.

Far left, our master, Tiger himself, Mr. Whitaker.
Starting at bottom clockwise: Linda, Chris, Michele (center), Me, Michael and some High Priest guy that you will need to travel to North Carolina to meet. (It would really be worth the trip. I hear he is one heck of a teacher too and not the monster he wants me to think he is going to be.)

Wow, one week from today!

If you would like to see photos from Bill's workshop, in addition to the thread in the workshop section, you can visit this link :

Whitaker Workshop photos

It will take you to a page at my site dedicated to this workshop only. Sorry no Marvin's or High Priest pictured! :)

Thanks Beth, you're a star!

I've been waiting and waiting for someone to report on this workshop. I nearly got there but in the end the tyrannies of distance and dollars prevented it.

Maybe next year. :(

What an opportunity!

I'm looking forward to seeing all the new work which is going to flood the Forum.

Beth, thanks for the wonderful shots of the workshop. I truly enjoyed them. I guess this means that your trusty camera will travel with you also to Marvin's workshop. :? I will have to be on my best behavior and oh ----- I hope to paint my very best.

Due to the stress and anxiety I am already experiencing, I would like to know if that anxiety is lessened with you since this workshop with Bill. Please -- words of optimism only at this point. ;)

Thanks Patt and Margaret.

I was very at ease during Bill

Told you so!
 

Hi Beth! If you remember, I told you that you would get through this just fine. Congrats on attending your first workshop. Now I want to see some great work come out of your brush!

Jean

Dear Beth,

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and photos of the William Whitaker workshop! Boy do I ever wish I had been able to attend. I would surely have been the least skilled among the participants, but still counted myself extremely lucky. Besides being an absolutely wonderful human being, Bill Whitaker is one of the gods in the Pantheon of Modern Classical Realists. I would have spent the entire week pinching myself out of amazement at my good fortune.

The opportunity to meet and get to know some of our forum luminaries to boot, would have perfected my joy. I too hope someday, in the not too distant future, to attend one of Bill's classes and work myself to the point of happy exhaustion. What an embarrassment of riches, that you get to participate in Marvin's upcoming workshop as well. Good for You! I'm looking forward to photos and narrative from his class also. Please....?