Whimsodoodle: Gelatin Printing: Beyond Basics

As promised, here are the photos from the final class I taught at Whimsodoodle in Florida, Gelatin Printing: Beyond Basics:

Lots of fun, right?

Here are my personal takeaways:

• Every time I teach there are a few basics that I always go over no matter the class. These basics aren't sexy.  In fact, I've tried offering classes in these areas and people don't sign up.  BUT, these basics truly are huge keys to your being successful at creating the kind of work you want to.  I think if you're looking for a good foundation for lots of kinds of art making, these are some things to learn:
  
  • Color Mixing
  • Basic Color Theory
  • Opacity/Translucency
  • Basic Design Principles
• I know I've said this one 100 times, but it's still true: You have to practice talking about your work.  Being able to talk about your work is the key to being able to develop your work.  If you can't talk about what's wrong or what's missing or why you're unhappy, you can't fix it.  We aren't born knowing how to do this, it's a skill that requires practice.  And the good news, is you can talk to yourself!  I do it all the time in the studio.  I talk through the problem until I find a solution!
• Growth takes time.  I had a few students in class who I've seen over the years.  Several of them mentioned to me that comments I had made to them years ago were starting to sink in.  Growth takes time.  I think it's really important to give yourself time.  Be kind to yourself and focus on the long game, so to speak.
• Don't compare yourself to others.  In class it's very tempting to look to your left and look to your right and judge yourself either better or worse than those around you. Don't do it.  It's toxic either way.  Breathe in the camaraderie of class and art making and let that fill you up!
• Don't try to do it like the teacher!  If you go to class expecting to make something that looks like the teacher's work, I think you're making a big mistake.  You are a wonderfully unique artist.  Steal ideas and techniques from that teacher.  Let the teacher fill you up with excitement and enthusiasm, but filter all of it through your unique self.  You are not in class to erase the artist you currently are.  You are there to enhance the artist you currently are!
• Try things you don't like in class.  Use color combos you hate.  Embrace the things you anticipate being awful.  Class is a place to fail, to push yourself out of your comfort zone, and to grow. 
• The teacher is there to help you.  Never feel embarrassed about asking questions or asking for help.  It's their job to help you out.
• Take notes.  You are not going to remember it.  I know you think you're going to remember how you did everything, but you won't.  Learning is hard and taking notes makes it easier.  Taking notes also forces you to really think about what you're learning and put it into words.  Taking notes always makes me hyper aware of what I think is important about class.

So, that's it.  These are my thoughts after teaching for three days.  Is there anything you would add to my list?

Thanks for stopping by!