Every now and then I get asked if I ever say anything bad about a students work or I will get asked am I always so positive and encouraging to my students. No, to the first question and yes to the second. I don't ever want to discourage a student who is looking to learn from my teachings. I will, however, give as much advice and encouragement to every student that takes my classes and workshops in hopes that they keep up with their art even after they are away from my classes. 

 

In my workshops, if I notice that a student is struggling and isn't doing a great job on a painting, I try to encourage them and let them know I am here to discuss with them what is wrong with the painting and I will try to teach them how to fix the painting or sometimes even tell them that it would be better to start over or to try the scene in a totally different way. I will always try to put a positive spin on anything that a student does. I feel it is better to put a positive spin on the problem instead of a discouraging spin. Watercolor can be really hard at times so I really feel it necessary to encourage a student that it will get easier the more you work in watercolor.

 

Learning to paint in watercolor can at times be a very hard struggle and I try to encourage my students to do whatever it takes to get through those struggles. I have had teachers in my past that have taught certain rules and discouraged me from trying certain colors, mediums, and styles and I believe that inhibits a students creativity. I will always tell a student if their painting is not up to their par, but I will try to let them know how they can go about making it right and I will try to put a positive spin on it. Getting discouraged and giving up is something I never want to see in my students.

 

There will be times I get a student in a workshop where they are totally down on themselves and their ability and then they will let it be known to the entire class. This usually happens because of the different levels each artist is at in the class, and if a beginner is next to someone that is advanced it makes the beginner feel down on themselves because they compare their work to other advanced students. I have learned from my past teachings that I now ask at the beginning of a class what level everyone is at and then I gear my teachings to each person based on their level since my classes usually have students from all levels. Students at different levels need different kinds of encouragement and challenges and I pride myself on helping each student as much as I can. 

 

Some of my students may feel that I may be too nice to them and not hard enough on them as I am always positive about their work. I believe I can be positive and encouraging and still help you achieve your goal without being hard and demanding on you. One thing I always do is tell you the truth about your work and I don't need to say it sucks if it isn't your best work I'd rather encourage you to fix and learn from it and try again.

 

How does that song go...Don't Worry, Be Happy!
David

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