Trying new things can be a bit scary, but growth doesn’t happen without trying new things. I decided about 4 months ago that I should try teaching watercolor. I have been asked for years if I give lessons and I just didn’t feel like I was good enough to do that. But I have learned from my life coaching, you only have to be a couple of steps ahead of the people you’re trying to help to be helpful.

I started out doing a bit of research. There have been other painting classes in my little community, so I asked around about how much other artists charged, how long the classes were, and how many people attended. All the other classes were acrylic classes, so the timeframe and materials are a little bit different, but the class sizes have been pretty consistent as far as those who actually came. I am excited to offer watercolor because no one else has done that here.

I have taught one other class that I got paid for, it was organized by a friend who was working with an arts council in a neighboring town. It was for middle school aged kids and it was about 6 hours and I had help! It was a really fun class, and started me thinking that maybe I’d like to try one on my own. This class is for adults only, but I might do one later for teens.

I’m glad I gave myself so much time to figure out what I wanted to do, make up a flyer, have time to advertise, and for the positive response of the local community. I am 3 people shy of the average number that attends, but have about 10 days before the class. I have purchased most of my materials and have rented the space.

This first class is going to cost more than any additional classes simply because of the cost of some of the reusable materials like palettes and brushes. But the other material costs like paper and replacement of paint as it runs out, will be about the same each class. I am almost done with my prep and I am getting so excited and nervous, all at the same time.

I still need to make a quick power point presentation just to keep me on track with my thoughts and the order in which I want to present. I also need to gather up all the supplies ahead of time because I always think of things after I’m all gathered up. If I do it head of time then I can just add stuff. If I do it the night before then I usually end up forgetting things.

I am excited to get this painting workshop going, to see how I like it, to see if I want to do another, to learn what I could do better, and to just get to know new people. I will post afterward the results of this workshop, so stay tuned!