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My trip to Italy has kindled my desire to return to painting, and I was especially inspired by the watercolors that I saw. Our community center is offering a class that starts Wednesday, but I know that there are also a number of wonderful online courses.
Does anyone have an opinion regarding online vs in-person and/or a recommendation for an online course they loved? Thanks in advance!
My trip to Italy has kindled my desire to return to painting, and I was especially inspired by the watercolors that I saw. Our community center is offering a class that starts Wednesday, but I know that there are also a number of wonderful online courses.
Does anyone have an opinion regarding online vs in-person and/or a recommendation for an online course they loved? Thanks in advance!
Hi Sue,
You might want to check-out this thread where we've discussed some of our favorite online watercolor classes/sites (paid and non-paid):
For a detailed course, I'm liking Lindsay Wierich (The Frugal Crafter) who has a few different themed watercolor courses through teachable.com. She has the following classes:
Thanks so much! Yes, Italy was amazing! Glad to be back stateside, though... I'll check out the thread you've linked to when I get home in a bit. Thanks again!
While my experience is not with watercoloring classes in particular, I will share this regarding online vs. IRL instruction classes.
IRL (in real life - a.k.a. in person)
Instructors tend to roam the room, as teachers should. For those with hearing or vision issues ... this can be a point of difficulty. Will your desk partner mind a dozen+ questions re: missed tips/instruction?
Instructors often have no 'microphone' to project their voices to the class in a consistent volume. Turning in another direction can be a 'reign of silence' to some.
Passing around an example or two is nice in IRL classes. But if you're at the last couple of tables & the instruction moves on ... peeps are stuck making the choice to 'see it' or 'skip it'.
IRL timing is typically held to the advertised/stated time span. If the instructor is running 'late' ... will you be okay with the instruction done in 'speed-up speak'?
Friends, new relationships are a nice potential!
ONLINE
Viewer sets the volume ... and adjusts it as needed.
If viewer turns away, there's a "pause" button!
That pause button also enables one to see the sample as long as desired.
Didn't hear that advice? Didn't quite 'get it' the first time? REPLAY 2-17-+ times if you need! No one will know. One of my very favorite parts.
This is 'solo' learning ... unless you invite your crafty buddy to watch & practice with you.
Come back next week, next month, etc. and 'play it again, Sam'!
All that being said, if I've long-hoped to attend a person's class, I've certainly done so when possible! We're crafty gals ... it's our prerogative. ;)
Not done this myself, but my DIL's Mom has attended IRL classes from Matthew Palmer and also followed his online classes, and she swears he is the best teacher she has ever had, in both mediums. Online class link HERE.
I like in-person classes to pick the teachers' brains and to ask specific questions about materials and techniques. Maybe it's because I'm old and on-line just doesn't appeal to me as much.
Mary Beth
I recommend person to person classes from a local artist or community college. Don't expect to be a master immediately. Take your time...experiment, play and find your technique faves. The key is to remember 'less is more'! IC545 Watercolour Daffodils by Mrs Noofy - at Splitcoaststampers
Sandy Allnock has a number of wonderful Water Color classes including a beginning Watercolor Jumpstart class, a florals one, a free paint-long one and more. When you sign up for one of her classes, you are eligible to join her student Facebook class where you can talk with other students and share homework lessons and creations. I have only taken the Copic Jumpstart and signed up for the Bible Journal and Colored Pencil Jumpstart ones, but they are incredible. I have learned so much. They are well worth the cost. Check them out:
I second Sandy Allnock - she's a wonderful teacher and her watercolors are stunning!
__________________ Linda E
Caution: You are entering an artistic zone. This is not clutter - this is creating. These are not pajamas - it's my work uniform.
I took art classes (including painting) at my local community college. Instructors were great and many of them also teach at the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago school. The biggest thing for me about in real life classes is that it FORCED me to "do". No procrastination allowed (such as don't feel like watching the online tutorial today, or tomorrow either...). And you feed off the creativity of the other students in the class too. For me, in person was best.
Not done this myself, but my DIL's Mom has attended IRL classes from Matthew Palmer and also followed his online classes, and she swears he is the best teacher she has ever had, in both mediums. Online class link HERE.
You made me look, Shaz. Why, oh why did you make me look?! ;)
"Mind of Watercolor" on you tube is an amazing teaching channel. He is very easy to understand and has a bit of humor mixed in without being over the top. He is one of my favs.
Watercolor courses
