Taking the first step can be the hardest thing to do.

Most people are curious about taking an art workshop. We ponder it over and over in our heads and before the decision is made, several thoughts enter our minds.

“Is it really worth it?”
” When will I ever have the time?”
“I’m not good enough.”
“I could never afford it.”
“I could never paint like that.”
“I can learn just as much from videos and books.”
“I don’t really need the help.”
“This is just a hobby to pass the time.”

Just so you know, some of those same instructors you admire had the same thoughts before they took their first workshop and before they became serious about their art.

Sometimes you don’t choose art, it chooses you. Taking the first step can be what makes all of the difference.

Step by Step demos is a key ingredient when learning a new technique.

There are many ways to learn a new medium or technique with all of the books, DVDs, magazines, and online classes, you would hardly ever have to leave your house. But, none of those less interactive sources will ever compare to attending a live art workshop. With venues all over the U.S. and the world, you can most likely find something for you just around the corner. If not in your area, then possibly at a vacation spot.  Then, make your arrangements with the workshop in mind.

10 UNIQUE BENEFITS OF ATTENDING A LIVE ART WORKSHOP

A peek at Ted Nuttall’s 2014 workshop at Cheap Joe’s – MAY 5-9

Ted Nuttall spent ample time with his students in an intimate review of their progress.

1. One-on-one critiques and instruction with professional artists. This personal evaluation time is invaluable. The advice gained is something you can’t get outside of the live workshop venue.

Ted’s demo practices are unique from other instructors.

2. Live demos with in-depth instruction. The motion of a brush, the lightness of the stroke, the consistency of the paint are all visual benefits of a live workshop. Having the opportunity to ask questions and the instructor explain in detail, the whys, hows, and whens, is truly unique.

When observing from the outlet, I noticed the unique way Ted positioned himself to his class. Most workshop artists will demo facing the students and with the help of the overhead camera and monitor, students are able to clearly see the exercises. Ted’s technique is different due to the fact that he paints in watercolor on an upright easel. So, it is necessary for him to position his easel to face the students so they could see precisely what he is doing. Everyone has the best seat in the house!

Lots of reference material is essential to Ted’s painting technique.

3. Tips and Tricks that help you learn the process more quickly. Instructors have years of knowledge to offer. They have made the mistakes and gained the experience to show you what works for them and what doesn’t. This allows you to avoid some of the difficulties and gives you the best chance at success.

Students work at their own pace and ability.

4. A relaxed atmosphere that is not intimidating, but supportive and nurturing. Please leave your ego at the door and enter with a childlike frame of mind. One that eagerly seeks the unknown and enthusiastically puts what is learned into practice.

Every instructor is completely unique. No matter who you study from, you are sure to learn something new.

5. Meeting instructors from across the country and abroad, each as individual as their art! Ted’s work looks very fast and loose, however, every brush mark is thought upon and placed carefully where it is intended. The end result is a menagerie of colored shapes, drips, and washes, that from a distance is a clear representation of the subject with unique character and personality.

Students often take advantage of an extra pair of eyes and opinions from other participants.

6. Creative and supportive collaboration among students. The interaction between students can bring a sense of ease to those with less experience. You never know what impact your advice will have on another.

Many new friendships are made, as well as, reunions with old friends at workshops all over the country.

7. Special bonds and lasting friendships are common among artists. This is one of the most personal things about a live workshop, and it’s one of the best reasons to go!

Everyone perceives the instructional material differently, which gives each student their own understanding of the material.

8. Individual abilities and strengths are valued and allowed to flourish. A workshop’s purpose is to teach students to advance the growth of their art; to allow them to evolve further to their own style and sense of self. Personal variations of mediums and styles are supported and encouraged.

Sometimes the time spent in thought and observation is more important than the time spent painting.

9. Time to ponder and think; like painting with your mind before you pick up your brush.

Put the sign on the door, “GONE PAINTIN’ !”

10. Dedicated and uninterrupted time to paint! This may be the biggest benefit of a live workshop, the time to paint. It is probably the number one reason why many of us don’t paint nearly as much as we would like to and don’t find the time. The point is not necessarily to bring away something completed but to bring away a complete understanding of at least 2-3 points the instructor has presented. It’s difficult to remember everything, however, taking good notes, pictures, and creating examples are key ways to retain the information. Using what you have learned when you return home, will lock it in and put it to practice.

You can get loads of information from books, and even more from watching videos. But you can’t match the personal experience and instruction you get from a live workshop. The creative interaction is something you can’t get from photos and video, making it a life-changing experience like no other.

WORKSHOP SEASON IS OPEN!

Check out the remaining 2014 Workshop Season at Cheap Joe’s by visiting our website.

***NEWS FLASH!***

Two unpublished workshops were added to the current 2014 schedule.

Joe Miller Workshop- TAKE TWO!

It doesn’t happen often, but it seems you get a second chance to join Cheap Joe for an encore workshop presentation! His earlier workshop sold out a year in advance and the waiting list was an arm’s length! So to all of you who missed out the first time, here’s your 2^nd chance!

The workshop is already filling up, but there are a few spaces left.

Joe Miller Art Workshop:
Watercolor Landscapes
June 16-19 (4-day, Mon-Thurs)

$550.00

“Cheap Joe” Miller will be teaching a 4-day Watercolor Landscape workshop June 16—19 (Mon.—Thurs. 9 am—4 pm). The topic will be landscapes, but he will also discuss color, color mixing, glazing, value, composition, etc. If you have a painting that you’ve done that you are having problems with, or have given up on, don’t trash it! Bring it with you, because Joe will help you make changes and transform it into a success. There will be lots of demonstrations, time to paint, and individual help.

Cathy Cranford Futral
Art Workshop:
Beginning Acrylic Painting
July 21-25, 2014

$385.00

A new workshop has been added for those of you who are just starting out or need more basic training in acrylics. Cathy Futral is joining us at Cheap Joe’s for a beginner to the intermediate class that will further prepare you for more advanced workshops in the future.

This introductory art workshop is for those who have limited experience in acrylic painting and will be an exploration into color mixing, painting techniques, composition, and subject matter. Each day will start with drawing and painting tips, demos, and design information. Students will focus on designing well-balanced and unified compositions and create up to 4 canvases which will include the still life, floral, and landscape. Still-life material will be provided, as well as photo references for landscape and floral subjects, but students are encouraged to bring their own ideas and photographic references.

PREVIEW OF 2015 AT CHEAP JOE’S-

Listed below is the currently unpublished upcoming 2015 workshop season at Cheap Joe’s.

2015 Cheap Joe’s Schedule

April

4/20-4/24- Joe Miller/Watercolor
4/27-5/1- Janet King/ Watercolor

May

5/4-5/8- Fealin Lin/ Watercolor

5/11-5/15- Laurie G. Warren/Watercolor

5/18-5/22- Terry Harrison/Watercolor

5/25-5/29 (4 day)- Carol Ann Sherman/ Watercolor on Yupo

June

6/1-6/5- Birgit O’Connor/ Watercolor

6/8-6/12- Jane Slivka/Acrylics

6/15-6/19- Mike Bailey/ Watercolor

6/22-6/26- Sterling Edwards/ Watercolor

July

7/6-7/10- Michele Warner/ Any medium

7/13- 7/17- Susan Crouch/ Watercolor

7/20-7/24- Robert Burridge/ Acrylic/Mix

7/27-7/31- Janet Rogers/ Watercolor

August

8/3-8/7- Brenda Swenson/ Watercolor

8/10-8/14- Joyce Faulknor and Guy Magallanes/ Watercolor

8/17-8/21- Luana Luconi Winner/ Oil

8/24-8/28- Gerald Brommer/ Watercolor/Mix

8/31-9/4- Lauren McCracken/ Watercolor

September

9/8-9/11 (4 days)- Edwina May/ Watercolor

9/14-9/18- John Salminen/ Watercolor

9/21- 9/25- Joyce Hicks/ Watercolor

9/28-10/2- Ann Vasilik/ Watercolor

October

10/5-10/9- Caroline Jasper/ Oil and Acrylic

10/12-10/16- Kristy Kutch/ Colored Pencil

10/19-10/23- Lian Quan Zhen/ Watercolor

10/23-10/30- Gloria Miller Allen/ Watercolor

Several workshops are expected to sell out early. So, don’t miss out on any of these great workshops by waiting too late to register. Call 1-800-227-2788 to sign up or for more information, or email Edwina at edwina@cheapjoes.com. Early registration may qualify for up to a 10% reduction in the workshop fee.
The earlier you decide to join us, the better!

A live art workshop is truly something you will not forget. It is an experience that will add to your life and to your art. It is an investment in yourself. And why not, we are worth the time and expense to bring something we love into our lives.

I hope you will think so, and I hope you will be inspired to take the first step. Check your local paper, art leagues or groups, art supply companies, and especially online for art workshops in your area. Start small and grow.

I hope you have a “Happy Take the First Step” Day!
and keep your brushes wet and your mind wide open!