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Monday, February 9, 2015

Who Would Have Thought ... Teaching Painting

An overview of the classroom and most of the class
The sessions are held at a new center in Surrey that opened just last May - the South Surrey Recreation and Arts Center.

A happy and proud student

Another very pleased student

Working on their own projects

Finishing up the background


Pondering the next step

All styles ...

... and colors

An ambitious project - painting her cat on some colorful blankets

These are some photos of the class I taught last Saturday. I asked the students if they minded if I took some photos, and posted them in my blog, and  all said it was fine.

I am still amazed at how much I love teaching. I find it so inspiring and challenging in a very good way. And I love the interchange of ideas. I am teaching in a very loose format - most of the class has an idea of a project on which they want to work.  At the previous class, one of the students stated that she would appreciate more demonstrations at the beginning of the class. So, as we go along, I have and develop new ideas and projects. To start with, I do a demonstration, and then they are off! I'll walk around the classroom, seeing if anyone needs help, answering questions, maybe doing some more demos ... Two hours flies by in no time! At the end of class, I'll ask if there is any particular project they would like to take on the next time, so I could go home and prepare a lesson. Thats' it - very flexible and open.

Last week, I was having a fascinating chat with one of the students, and the conversation evolved into a demo of creating a work using masking tape. The entire class was very interested in the idea, so next week, it's "batik" watercolor. I read Sandy Maudlin's excellent blog, so I have gone back to it to get some information on that particular process of painting.

Initially, I kept the class size to eight students, which was all I felt I could manage as a novice instructor. But the class has become very popular, and my confidence has increased, so next week there will be ten students. I can hardly wait!!!

Thank you so much for dropping by!    

16 comments:

  1. Oh, what a lovely class! I wish I could be a student!

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  2. great going, wishing you all the best for next week! :)

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  3. Looks very satisfying. It is a thrill to help people reach into their creative side. A wonderful achievement.

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  4. Sounds as though you are getting as much out of the sessions as your students Kathryn. What a lovely thing to be involved with.

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  5. Wonderful news Kathryn! Looks like a great class and facility. Congratulations on a new chapter! xo Sandy

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  6. Wow - the students are doing a wonderful job! Everyone's work looks so nice!

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  7. Your students are doing great works, you are surely an awesome teacher ! xx

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  8. Oh how splendid! Well done, Kathryn, I really think art has taken you to where you belong. You have always been ready to publish your WIP and give advice ... obviously teaching gives you a sense of fulfilment, and brings new meaning to many student lives. You charge their batteries and get yours charged in return.

    Made my day :0))

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  9. How exciting! I imagine that teaching must be very satisfying. So glad you enjoyed it! :0)

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  10. Good for you! The student teacher relationship works both ways!

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  11. Sounds like great fun for you! A bit different from teaching kids in art, like I do ;)

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  12. It sound like an awesome class Kathryn! and I know you make a wonderful teacher. These photos show how much they enjoy the class!!!

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  13. Dear Kathryn - it looks to me like you are a wonderful instructor. Your students seem to be blossoming under your great tutelage. I especially loved seeing the one gal with her poppies and the dark background. Very beautiful. The masking tape lesson sounds fabulous - wish I was there watching you. Ten students are really fortunate to have you as their teacher. I am sure they are going to learn a lot from you. Hugs

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  14. How fun for you! And yes.. the students are doing wonderful!! We love seeing what they paint.
    Do all the students fininsh their painting in the 2 hours? Is it new students each week?
    love
    tweedles

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  15. Kathryn, I am just thrilled for you - your students are so lucky to have you as their instructor and will no doubt come away very much enriched and inspired! You go, girl!

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