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Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff Art Blog
Tips, Tricks, Thoughts, and inspiration from across the art spectrum.
The Art of Learning
I am a big believer in continuing your art education because everything you learn will shape everything you create thereafter. The fact is, no matter how much you learn today, there may be something new and exciting you learn tomorrow, as long as you keep seeking out opportunities to learn.
An important aspect in taking an art class or week long art workshop is to choose the most comfortable level of instruction based on your art experience. It can be a very frustrating feeling when investing in and attending a class that you do not understand and can’t keep up with. One reason for this frustration could be you weren’t aware of the level of teaching.
Every student has a different understanding of their level of experience. Most of us think if we have taken a class, read a book, or watched a video, previously that we are beyond the beginner level. However, an instructor who is teaching a class of any other level except beginner, will expect you to know a great deal more than you may want to admit. This is where the frustrating feeling can affect you both.
Instructors design their class materials and demos with the level of experience in mind. They will usually have a room full of students that want and expect the instructor’s personal attention when requested. Teachers anticipate the need for this type of one on one interaction, however, they also need to be considerate of the other students needs and keep the time to a practical amount. A student who overestimates their abilities will require more personal attention than the others, and instructors simply may not have the time to give. This in turn, will frustrate the student who may feel they have not been given the attention they have paid for.
A Art Workshop is a big event, investment, and an important decision to make. For your convenience and to make clear what most instructors will expect, Cheap Joe’s has designed a list of descriptions of the various levels of instruction based on experience. This information will help you to decide if you will feel comfortable with the workshop you are interested in, allowing you to make an informed choice.
Each of the Cheap Joe’s Art Workshop descriptions will include the level of difficulty the instructor has chosen for their class.
Level 1: Beginner – Covers the very basic techniques of the medium at a slower pace and offers a lot of individual help for all students. No prior experience in the medium is expected of the student.
Level 2: Beginner-Intermediate – Reviews basic techniques for beginners as needed, and offers practice exercises at an average pace to assist in gaining confidence and experience with the medium. Assistance is given to all.
Level 3: Intermediate – Assumes the student already has a basic knowledge of the medium. Average paced with individual help for all students.
Level 4: Intermediate-Advanced – Average paced with individual help for those who need it, yet challenging for the more experienced or advanced student.
Level 5: Advanced – Fast paced and challenging exercises, with little teacher assistance.
Overall, most week long workshops at Cheap Joe’s are at Level 2 or above. This is because most instructors will expect you to have basic knowledge of the medium and its materials. If a teacher is willing to take the extra time needed with beginners, they will list their workshop at Level one. These workshops are great for anyone and especially someone new to art or mediums.
Instructors know there will be some who are not prepared for the increased pace of a more advanced workshop, however, they will usually do their best to help you along to ensure you have a good workshop experience.
IN THE WORKSHOP- MAY/ JUNE 2014
The 2014 Cheap Joe’s workshop season is well underway. So far this year we have hosted many great instructors from around the nation, as well as, local favorites Wes Waugh and Cheap Joe Miller.
Ted Nuttall spent ample time with his students in an intimate review of their progress.
Ted Nuttall (Level 3) was with us early in May, along with Don Andrews (Level 1-2). Terry Harrison (Level 2 and up) finished off the month with a full class brimming with talent and personality! Students seemed to be very comfortable with the class material, as everyone excelled beyond belief! It seems, the Experience Level chart was put to good use!
Terry Harrison ensures you that “You can do it, too!”
Last week, Cathy Taylor (Level 3 and up) fascinated students with all of the wonderful possibilities of Alcohol Inks and collage materials. She filled them with lots of ideas and techniques to try at home and the work produced during the week was incredible.
For more information about Cathy Taylor visit her website.
Cathy Taylor starts the day with a demo.
Lots of great ideas are presented to the students.
Alcohol Inks provide great results for collage and experimental artwork, Cathy’s forte’.
THIS WEEK-
Jaimie Cordero- June 9-13
In the Cheap Joe’s workshop studio this week, is Jaimie Cordero from Pinecrest, Florida. She came to share her love of pouring watercolors with the students. Jaimie will be teaching her “split primary” color wheel process which gives students a better understanding about the use of color combinations and glazing techniques. These tools are the roots of her paintings. Students will leave with more confidence and drive to paint from having that expected “Ah Ha” moment when everything really makes sense! Level 2 and up.
For more information about Jaimie, visit her website.
Jaimie Cordero
Jaimie works on a demo.
Bright colors are a must!
Students collaborate on their projects.
Lots of reference materials is useful.
This chart is the basis for Jaimie’s technique.
The results are just stunning!
Tools of the trade.
COMING UP NEXT!
Joe Miller workshop
“Cheap Joe” Miller will be teaching a 4 day Watercolor Landscape workshop June 16—19 (Mon.—Thurs. 9am—4pm). The topic will be landscapes, however, he will also discuss color, color mixing, glazing, value, composition, etc. If you have a painting that you’ve done that you are having problems with or have given up on, don’t trash it! Bring it with you because Joe will help you make changes and transform it into a success. There will be lots of demonstrations, time to paint, and individual help. Level 2 and up.
Mike Fentz, Garfield cartoonist teaches caricatures.
Lots to learn in this workshop!
Internationally published illustrator/cartoonist Mike Fentz was Chief Illustrator for “GARFIELD’S” licensing program for 28 years. From design to finished work, he produced art for children’s storybooks, calendars, posters, T-shirts, greeting cards, collectibles and pre-production animated films featuring GARFIELD and his friends. He has also free-lanced for numerous commercial and editorial assignments. Join Mike for this workshop, to explore the art of caricature, cartooning and to discover simple techniques while having fun with faces. Visit Mike’s online portfolio at: www.mikefentz.com and on Facebook: M Fentz Art Studios. Level 1 and up.
For more information about the 2014 Worskhop season at Cheap Joe’s visit our website! or call 800-227-2788 or send an email to [email protected].
It is really important that you leave gaining a certain level of success after attending a workshop. It builds your ability, confidence and curiosity, enticing you to take another step forward. In order to give you the best chance of succeeding, you must match your ability with the level of instruction. If you are unsure, it would be best to choose a lower level.
A couple of things to remember-
When you find a workshop you are really considering, don’t wait to sign up. There is nothing more disappointing then finding yourself on a long waiting list for a sold out workshop you have been wanting to take. Plus, there may be benefits and discounts for early registration.
Also, if you are unsure of your future plans, invest in travel insurance. If you sign up in advance and need to cancel closer to the actual date, full refunds may not be available. Travel insurance may be your best investment, yet!
The more you learn the more you will be confident to try a more challenging workshop in the future. My dad always used to say, “You have to crawl before you walk and walk before you run!” But all dads say that, don’t they?
I believe it is the truth!
Have a Happy “Crawl before you Walk” Day!
And Hit the Ground and Keep on Running!
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