You’ve decided that you want to dive into the exciting world of painting. Finding the right ink painting class can be like looking for a needle among a haystack, whether you’re an absolute beginner or someone who wants to improve their brushstrokes. Fear not! Here are some helpful tips to help you navigate this colorful trip.
Decide what type of painting you enjoy. You may be captivated by the fine details of watercolor. Perhaps the bold strokes in oil paint inspire your creativity? You can narrow your choices by knowing your preferred medium.
Next up, consider your skill level. You may feel out of place if you are just getting started and enroll in an advanced course. Beginner-friendly classes that teach the basics are a good place to start before moving on to more advanced techniques. If you have some experience, look for classes that will challenge and push you to your limits.
Another important factor is location. You may prefer to take classes in person, where you can interact with other artists and receive hands-on assistance. Online courses may be more flexible for your lifestyle. It’s up to you which option works best for your lifestyle.
Let’s talk about instructors. A great instructor can be the difference between an uninspiring experience and one that is truly inspiring. Check out the portfolios of potential instructors, read testimonials from previous students and even stalk them (in a non creepy way) on social media. You need someone who has a style that is similar to yours, and can communicate clearly.
Budget is also a major factor. Although it may be tempting to choose the cheapest course, quality comes with a cost. There are many affordable courses with excellent value, and some of them even come for free! Also, keep an eye out on bundles or discounts.
Do not underestimate the power of word-of mouth recommendations. You can ask friends and family who are interested in the same thing if they have any recommendations for good teachers or courses. The value of personal endorsements is immeasurable!
Take advantage of any trial classes that are offered. You can test drive a course before you buy it, just like you would a car.
Visit local art centers or schools if you can. They often have flyers on their bulletin boards about upcoming classes and workshops that are not advertised online.
Art enthusiasts can also share their experiences on social media and online forums.
YouTube is a great resource. There are many tutorials that cover every possible technique, and while they’re not formal courses per say, they can be a great complement to any formal training you may be getting (or considering).
Trust yourself. We can get paralyzed with choice overload syndrome, which is real. Let curiosity guide you rather than perfectionists holding back your creativity.
It’s simple: Know your preferences and level, research your instructors, balance budget with quality; ask for recommendations; test before you buy if at all possible; look into local resources & communities online…and start anywhere! Happy painting!