|
Julianne,
I think workshops are a tremendous resource. I am quite proud of the fact that I give credit to workshops for 100% of my training as an artist. I started on this path at the age of 33, with three children 3 to 7, and a husband, living in the middle of middle America. I would take two workshops a year, one every six months, and paint like crazy in between.
I still take workshops. I have recently studied with Richard Whitney, and will be in Sarasota this weekend studying with Allan Banks. I think we must always be students.
On your question of feeling ready to be in certain workshops, if the teacher feels he wants to teach only advanced students, he will state this in the informational class packet, or will jury...ask to see students' work before acceptance. If the teacher is willing to take all levels of students, and you think you want to learn from him/her, pack your paints and go!
When I set up my workshops, I pointedly did not want to limit the ability level of the student. When I was starting out, I found that the top teachers did tend to teach to the artist that was already accomplished. I was also fortunate to be accepted into workshops given by exceptional teachers when I was just a novice.
I determined that I would welcome all levels into my workshops. This is what I have found. The beginners/novices have the easiest time. They do what I say. They get along famously. The pros have the hardest time, usually because they have developed some bad habits and have to undo prior thinking.
Finally, my best teachers taught me how to perceive, how to think, how to see. Not just how to paint. They gave me the tools to go back to my studio and make every painting that I did after the workshop better than those done previously. I hope I can give as much to my students.
(I would have loved to have studied with Bettina Steinke.)
Peggy
|