Hi Break-a-Brushers,
Since the onset of Covid measures last Spring, we have switched our activities entirely on-line. Zoom has generally worked out well, with everybody adapting quickly to the new protocols including mute, chat and that advanced skill of holding up artwork to the camera – easier said than done, eh!
Having now tried a few on-line formats, we thought that now might be a good checkpoint at which to summarize what we’ve found. We have focused on 3 complementary approaches:
- Zoom classes have been successful, both in the OSA format of a 2-hour weekly class and equally, with our Break-a-Brush format which comprises 2 hours on-line, spread over a 3-hour period. Both formats have worked well, generally starting with an intro and demos, followed by practice, Q&A and reviews. We particularly like our Break-a-Brush format for the additional flexibility and overall studio time for participants which it provides.
- Secondly, we have continued to offer our self-paced courses, where the information is accessed from our website. This allows for more extensive videos, methods, examples and tips than is ever possible in live sessions. A big part of this format is the individual coursework reviews: at least one per lesson and David is pretty flexible on how the work fits with the lesson plan – art is never that linear! Oh, and of course, participants can follow their own schedule – we’ve had participants take 6 months to complete!
- Thirdly, our mentoring program offers both written reviews and individual zoom sessions, all framed by a bespoke plan supporting individuals’ goals. David works one-on-one with participants, coaching to further their artistic development. As you might imagine, this typically changes quite dramatically over time depending on an artist’s media, intent, interests etc. and specific projects. Artists who find this program appealing have typically already taken a few courses, perhaps have some specific ideas and goals in mind and are possibly looking to break out of the box into something new.
In our next bulletin, we’ll be announcing our winter program: offering inspiration for everyone – to keep our studios warm and creativity humming throughout the coldest months!
Break-a-Brush!
David & France