Worker

Teaching is an art form.  The classroom is not unlike the stage in a theatrical production. The teacher performs his lessons and the students are drawn in by the vitality and enthusiasm of the presentation. An art class is more than anything an opportunity to get inspired.  A little inspiration goes a long way.  It is a way of looking, a way of thinking, an insight or flash of understanding.  Inspiration is what drives art.  It is pure imagination, complete absorption and it comes when the groundwork has been laid, namely, that you have worked to achieve it. It is the artist’s job to be inspired on demand.  It makes no difference what the medium is or how long you spent on it.  It is clear for anyone with eyes to see. It is there or it is not there.  Since it is really the only thing that matters, it follows that the goal of teaching should be to produce inspiring artwork. Once we understand that it is not technique that is important but rather composition that carries the show.  Poor technique can be forgiven if the composition is powerful. The ability to make strong compositions is entirely a matter of vision, the seeing ahead, the look and feel of the piece. 

I have always used teaching as a tool to further my own development as an artist.  I am inviting you to join me on a path of discovery.  There are no certain outcomes, but class time is play time.  It is unequivocal fun and seriously hard work. Get used to ambiguities and contradictions. We need to prove ourselves and deal with whatever comes our way in a masterful and convincing manner.  Be a master of composition. Put everything in its place, in exactly the right sequence. Composition is performance. Dance your way through the painting.  Let every gesture be artful and every movement graceful. Identify with your colors and feel the object quality of the thing you are making. These intentions will make for strong paintings but also will make for strong individuals that make those paintings.  The painting is a mirror, believe what you see.

P.S. If you’d like to join Monday’s watercolor class at my art studio, please email gwoollardart@gmail.com for more details.