Making an online class a successful experience requires effort from both the instructor and the student. This form of learning is becoming ever more popular because it allows a more affordable and doable opportunity to learn with a variety of artists from the comfort of your own home when it’s convenient in your schedule. That being said, it is different than taking a live workshop. You may have to wait a bit for an answer to a question as the instructors can’t monitor the computer 24/7, but you also have the advantage of going back over materials as often as you like. With a live venue you have one shot to get the materials and then you’re on your own. Weigh the pros and the cons for yourself to see what’s a better fit for you.

Here are some tips to help make your experience more rewarding to you and those participating with you.

1. Choose a class from an artist whose work you are drawn to. Read the class description, check out the supply list, ask other attendees for feedback, and if you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

2. Go into the class with an open mind and absorb the materials with an intent to learn the techniques and apply them to your style of art. In general classes aren’t a ‘paint by number’ deal. They are for gaining new tools to implement in your own creative way. A class is a jumping off point, not the end of the road.

3. Remember that every teacher has their own style of teaching. Not every class will be a fit for every participant. If you find a teachers style isn’t a fit for you, you may want to find a different teacher for your next experience. It’s ok, we all learn differently.

4. Be courteous. Just because there is no face to face interaction, what you say and do does affect other people. Negativity hampers creativity.

5. If you do find you have a problem direct it to the teacher first. Taking it to the class as a whole does not benefit anyone and can cause a negative atmosphere that no one signed up for. Everyone comes to class with the intent to learn and have fun. Don’t ruin that for others. I don’t know of any artists who teach that wouldn’t bend over backwards to help one of their participants get the most out of their workshop.

6. Remember that as instructors we work very hard to pull together classes that are informative and teach our techniques in the best way we are able. We aren’t perfect but are perfectly willing to share our creative process with others. Most of us were asked to share our techniques and it makes us a bit vulnerable to put them out there. It’s not just about money, we share from our creative hearts and when we see others grow artistically and go forward with more confidence that’s the true reward.

7. Treat others like you would like to be treated.  Simple but true:-)

live art at the speed of life,

Pam

I struggle daily with my mother’s heart as I watch my two oldest boys, one already off on his own and one making his plans to leave  home and begin life on his own. The outward me tries to encourage them to spread their wings and embrace their independence, but on the inside I have to work at this while my heart clings to the image of the little boys that still needed their mom for everything.

‘Set Free’ shows the stepping stones that have been laid with their time at home that lead to the door of independence and the world outside of these four walls. The door is mirrored by a similar shaped hole in my heart.

This is my latest work available in my etsy shop

Two, Skinny Mixed Media Portrait – Cloth Paper Scissors.

My first post from my lovely new website/blog! I couldn’t have done it without the help of Orly who lent me her wonderful son Ilan. He was a whiz at getting me set up! I can’t thank them enough. I went to Orly’s website and just fell in love with it. So clean and simple yet artsy and eye catching and when I asked her about it she said her son had helped her. He is talented just like his mama:-)

So, I’ll leave my old blog up to steer people to my new blog and hope that my followers will come over and follow me here!

xoxo

Pam