I have taught 2 art classes now, and I have the next full length art class scheduled for August. In the meantime, I will be teaching a few small, fun classes at our local farmer’s market several times this summer.

I have discovered this as a teacher for church material, but have rediscovered it to some extent by teaching these classes. As the teacher, I learn way more, especially about the subject matter, than the students do.

Each class I find myself painting numerous small studies as well as several larger paintings, one of which I record to be posted on YouTube afterward. I often paint from reference photos because there are no flowers blooming outdoors in Alaska in the winter, and there are a lot less birds in Alaska in the winter. There are no leaves, and a lot more white in Alaska in the winter as well. 8 months out of the year I use photos, mine or free reference photos for artists.

I find that as I paint, I study the images more intently, I notice the colors and their variations more readily, and I see the shapes and details easier. I also find that the brush strokes become more relaxed and I get into a better flow much more quickly because I am more familiar with how to create the look I am aiming for while still learning new techniques along the way.

My daughter told me a little story she read on social media the other day. I don’t know if the actual story is true, but I do think the principle being taught is very true. It was set in a pottery class. The instructor had 1/2 the class work on one piece, trying to perfect it, for the whole semester. The other 1/2 were to create as many pieces as possible regardless of the finished product. At the end of the semester the final pieces were assessed. Which pieces were better? The ones created by those who made many pieces. It was in the continuous practice rather than the refining of a single piece that the skills were mastered.

I had thought of teaching classes for close to two years and was nervous about beginning. Would anyone show up? Would they enjoy the classes? But the last year or so I had quite a number of people ask if I taught classes, and then I had several good friends and family members ask if I had ever thought about teaching classes and encouraged me to do so. It was interesting how it wasn’t just one person and how it came not too long after I had seriously thought of teaching these classes but hadn’t decided if I had the courage to do so yet.

I am grateful for the encouragement, and for all those who supported me even before I started teaching. I am also grateful for those who have supported by coming out and learning. It has been a lot of fun to teach, and especially to learn and continue to develop as an artist myself because of it.