IMPROVE YOUR
CONFIDENCE
Whether you’re attending a class for
the first time or embarking on a new
subject, arriving on day one can be an
anxiety-inducing experience. But, as
Jem Bowden, art tutor for Norfolk’s Big
Sky Art explains, there’s really no need
for nerves. “When you arrive on a
course remember there are bound to
be others in the same boat as you,
and you’ve nothing at all to live up to,”
he says. “There’s usually a wide range
of experience in any group, including
beginners, those who’ve been on
many painting courses, and those who
just do it for fun. If you’re not sure
whether the course will be right for
you, then contact the tutor directly to
have a friendly chat before booking.”
Familiarising yourself with your
equipment is an easy way to boost
your confidence beforehand, but your
pre-class practise needn’t end there.
“If you’re anxious about painting
outdoors and it’ll be your first time
doing so, then it might pay to have a
go on your own somewhere quiet,
before attending the course,” says
Jem. “The local churchyard is ideal.
You’ll often find a peaceful corner to
sit and not see anyone else at all. This
gives you an opportunity to test your
materials in an outdoor environment
and see if you’ve remembered
everything you need. Don’t worry
about how well your painting goes.”
Many art classes will lead you
through a series of exercises to try out
techniques before working on a final
painting, which means not everything
will be aesthetically pleasing. Take this
as an opportunity for liberation – the
less hung up you are on the end
result, the freer your approach will be.
“Once on a course, the key is to stay
focused on enjoying yourself, and
don’t expect too much,” says Jem.
“Having high expectations can lead
to despondency. It takes practise to
improve, so that’ll happen gradually.
You’ll do best if you just keep the
mindset of having a go playfully,
without pressuring yourself.”No need for nerves, says Big Sky Art’s Jem Bowden –
an art class can be a great boost to your self-belief
- DO... BE GENEROUS
“Be interested in other
artists’ work and give
positive feedback to your
fellow students. We can
learn a great deal from
investing in other artists’
creativity.” - DON’T... BE WASTEFUL
“When using paint or
spirits, be careful not to
throw away too much. You
can always pour a little bit
more if you run out.” - DO... TRY NEW
WAYS OF WORKING
“Always be willing to
experiment. We have a
huge range of different
and unique tools available
to encourage experimental
mark making.”- DON’T... WORRY
ABOUT MESS
“We have aprons for all –
and we clear up after
everyone too.” - DO... AVOID
DISPOSABLE PLASTICS
“Although it is more
expensive, we try to use
paper palettes made from
recycled pulp for our
students.” - DON’T... SAY YOU
“CAN’T” DO SOMETHING
“Everything is possible if
artists bring a positive
mindset to class.”
STUDIO ETIQUETTE
A list of dos and don’ts from Nellie Shepherd, founder
of the new Bullclough Art School in the Peak DistrictISTOCK