Why PUSHING PAINT?
Pushing Paint Water-media Art Classes are for all
ages! I strongly believe that we each have untapped artistic and creative
abilities. We get through our daily lives and jobs using skills and creative
means to, hopefully, lead a productive and happy life. These life skills are
practiced from day one. Unfortunately, the Arts that elevate and decorate our
lives, are not promoted with the same urgency as sports, math, and science.
While these are important to many, I would argue that painting is an equally
valid activity that has the ability to make us whole as creative and expressive
individuals.
Painting is a gift. Of all the arts, the act of painting holds unique potential in that it is accessible to all ages and instantly engages the practitioner on multiple levels. Both tangible and therapeutic, painting is a relatively natural means of expression. Painting appeals to our senses and, with practice, is an effortless process that continually surprises and entertains us. It is not surprising that people with severe learning or physical disabilities find an outlet and even reach a high level of proficiency as painters. I believe painting and practicing art should be fun and learning to paint is only possible when a student is allowed to explore and push the medium. Obviously, under the right circumstances (e.g. a supportive and nurturing class setting equipped with quality art supplies) learning is enhanced. Therefore, much care and thought go into creating the classroom setting, supplies, and atmosphere to make each class productive and fun! Research has also shown that the unexpected or unfamiliar events, that challenge what we already know and take us outside of our comfort zone, accelerate the learning process. For that reason the classes are meant to challenge conventional approaches to art education and to elevate rather than replicate painting practice. As a practicing artist and teacher for the past 15 years I have had many opportunities to try out and develop what is now emphasized in my art classes. A priority for me is finding the common ground then building on it and making painting rewarding for each student. Once again, educational research states the obvious: learning is more likely to occur when what is being practiced is deemed valuable and interesting by the student (e.g. it must be relevant/important to the student!) Therefore, each class session is part of that process of finding what resonates most and keeps the participants interested. I have also found that critique and reflection are essential parts of artistic growth. Just the thought of an art critique can send chills down our spines. I would guess it ranks as high as public speaking on the anxiety level meter! It is for that very reason that I call it "art sharing." I make it an elective part of all my classes. And, if nothing else, students are encouraged to step away from their artwork, study it, and then proceed. We share what we make and we learn from each other, but most of all we are respectful of each other’s artwork. Painting is like a game of chess but a lot more exciting and colorful! By that I mean, a painter paints one stroke at a time–just as the chess player makes a single move at a time. With each move both painter and chess player remain open to unforeseen possibilities; both remain responsive to what happens before their eyes! Beyond the next painted stroke or chess piece moved, not a lot can be controlled! One important difference between a painting and a game of chess is that painting is never a win or lose game. Pushing paint is ongoing and much more fulfilling! But don’t take my word for it! Sign up for a Pushing Paint Water-media Art Class today and see for yourself! But, most of all PAINT for yourself! Now ‘PUSH ON!’
Bill Abel For additional art
classes: www.creativecauldron.org |
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