This is What I Tell Students About My Teaching

About Me as a Teacher

To me, art…or at least, “the “best” art…speaks to the quality of mystery of an unspeakable essence that we all know as  human beings..a part of life and of ourselves that we know exists, yet we do not understand it nor can we explain it…Paul Kleesaid that ”Painting is about the non-visible”.

This is what I want to be able to offer you as a teacher..an exhilarating experiencewith the amazing nature of paint. Colorful, wet, dripping, spreadable, mixable, spreadable, wild, subdued, harsh, stark, heavy, flowing, layered… paint …an inexplicable entry way into to that mysterious intuitive source we each possess…

This Intuitive Painting workshop has evolved over the past ten years as an expression of all the experiences that have influenced  me as a working artist.  I have developed an interesting and, I think, a unique style of teaching.  Here is how I see myself this weekend:

A teacher-  I will offer you  techniques and describe art materials and their usage for you to try, showing examples if needed. 

A coach-I am here to cheer you on, to encourage you to keep going, to loosen up, to try, to prevail, you-can-do-it!

A cheer leader-  I get to gaze in amazement at the creative process in action and

pass that amazement on to you, to refocus your attention of how great you are doing

An artist-  (MFA, Cal State Chico)I will offer you feedback as a professional fine artist regarding formal qualities of painting such as balance, composition, color..etc… If I do give some advice you do not like, well..I can usually tell and you do not have to follow anything I say!

An art therapist In the 80’s I trained and am certified from Boston’s Lesley University in Art and Expressive Therapy, (MA, ATR)which allows me to understand the risks that go into facing a workshop like this…Sometimes the “power of the brush” unleashed, in a safe atmosphere, can unlock patterns of resistance we have carried for years and years. Sometimes the images that arise are uncomfortable, sometimes the urge to quit overtakes us. But I assure you as we travel along with the ups and downs (mostly ups!)there is a good chance you may experience a profound understanding that you have not  felt in a while, and hopefully leave here with a a desire to keep creating long past our busy weekend. It is my job to console, to re-frame, to comfort if need be without judgment.

So with that, I want to remind us all that we are a closed unit, what we say stays, and that we offer feedback that is honest yet positive and insightful.

 

OK,  let’s get started!                      cynthia s            May 2011