When I met a
woman who told me about the best watercolor painting instructor she'd ever had,
I had to know more. There are so many artists out there whose work is
compelling but that doesn't always make them good teachers. I had to know what
put her instructor heads and shoulders above the rest.
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Claudia's Daughter by Stephen Scott Young,
watercolor painting with pastel, 28 1/2 x 22. |
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The
instructor my friend was referring to happened to be watercolor artist Stephen
Scott Young, whose paintings have attracted collectors and aspirant artists alike. As
we chatted about her experience, we started to compile a list of traits that
make a great instructor. The first trait: the instructor's work has to not only
be technically sound but it also has to move you. You can't learn from someone
who doesn't believe in their art but it's even more difficult if
you don't believe in their art--at the
very least, you need to be interested enough to want to learn more about it.
We also
agreed that the way an instructor teaches how to paint watercolor makes a big
difference. Although he rarely conducts workshops, Young paints just as if he
were in his studio alone. That intimacy and trueness of practice allows those
observing learn a lot just by watching him.
And most of
all, a great instructor--watercolorist, oil painter, draftsman, whatever--shares
what they know. This is the crux of finding great art instruction. You want
someone who doesn't hold back and answers questions as well as offers
assessments openly and thoughtfully.
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Study for Allamanda Lane by Stephen Scott Young,
watercolor painting sketch.
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I make no
secret that I came to understanding watercolor painting a little late in the
game, which is why I really wanted to know what kind of watercolor artist to
look for when I get up the courage to attend a workshop. But until then I have the
special issue publication,
Best of
Watercolor, which has been just that to me. It contains the finest
watercolor artists and interesting, informative watercolor lessons that
illuminate the medium.
What's so
great about the magazine is that I know I can trust the instruction and the
watercolor lessons it contains because it features today's leading artists. Best of Watercolor is an exceptional
source because it has all that in one place! And right now we are having a 50%
off sale on many of our magazine issues and download collections, so give them a
look to find your best instruction!
Enjoy!
