All in a Day's Work

We just got back from San Francisco. Bob and I spent a week babysitting for our three grandsons, one 7-year-old, and twins, 2½ years old. Needless to say, there wasn't a lot of time to sketch and paint! In between naps (I use the term loosely,) laughter, tears, hugs, kisses, kites, and treats, I did manage a couple.

A Different Perspective

A quick sketch from Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The actor, Tim Crouch, was on stage, from the time the house opened to the end of the show so I had a chance to scribble this before the play began. The production "I, Malvolio" tells Shakespeare's story, "Twelfth Night", from the point of view of Malvolio, one of the minor characters, and in one hour! Tim Crouch wrote and starred in the one-man show. Hilarious and brilliant!

Let the Fun Begin!

It's the beginning of Summer Art Workshop season! Yay! Here is a rerun of an article I wrote last year for Urban Sketchers Chicago. I believe they're timeless tips for successful workshop experience. What would advice would you add?

Tuesday Tips and Tricks:

Sketchbook Skool Klass with Jonathan Twingley.

It’s that time of year when art workshops and seminars abound. We’re less than a month away from the USk-Chicago Sketch Seminar 2015! There are some great things planned and we’re putting the finishing touches on the details to help you to get the most out of your workshop experience. 

How about you? Are you getting ready for a workshop? Whether it’s an online class, a local workshop, one that involves travel or even if you’re working you way through a self-study book there are certain things that will help you get the most out the experience. Over the years I’ve given workshops and taken many classes both on-site and online.  I’ve found my mindset is the most important factor in what I take away from the class.

• SET A GOAL – Why am I taking this class? What do I hope to learn?

• KEEP AN OPEN MIND – Pay attention and follow directions. It’s easy to fall into the attitudes of “that isn’t the way I do it” or “that isn’t the way so-and-so does it” but leave those notions behind at least for the duration of the workshop.

• THINK PROCESS NOT PRODUCT  (I know, I say that all the time) –  It takes practice to learn new techniques and methods.

• ASK QUESTIONS – Your instructor wants you get the most out of your time in the class.

Last week, Wes gave us excellent advice about what to bring and what to wear. Remember, whether your a novice or a working pro, there is another thing you need for a successful workshop experience, that’s a positive and open workshop-state-of-mind. The opening sketch of this post is an assignment from a Sketchbook Skool Klass with Jonathan Twingley. The goal was to draw not think.  At the end of a week we cut up the sketches made a mixed media collage to surprising results!  What's your "must have" for a successful workshop experience?
Links Richard E. Scott David Becker  Veronica Lawlor Sketchbook Skool