No, I don't have a fear of dogs!
But I do have a fear of failure.
I think most artists do, and when you are a risk taker the two don't really make for a comfortable journey, though the destination can be quite breathtaking (pass the defribulator!)
Those that know me will appreciate my inability to say 'no', and find the scrapes that it has got me into quite hilarious! (Remember The Big Painting Challenge?)
So, when the SAA asked me to run a live and in-house workshop the following year, I mulled it over for all of 60 seconds and agreed. The full weight of what I had agreed to did not hit me until the beginning of the actual year that I was to deliver the workshop to eager participants who actually wanted to learn something from me!
Much panicking, organising, practicing, note taking, excel spreadsheet typing later, (it was that bad!), I rucked up at SAA Headquarters to see where my 'victims' would be receiving me.
Having run workshops for a maximum of 8 people from my humble studio at home I was ever so slightly traumatised by rows and rows of desks neatly laid out with all that was required to paint 'Bonnie' The Wonderdog!
I had a quick run through with the days events with 'Gary The Cameraman' which included bunging him a fiver to get my 'best side', and shook hands with as many people as I could find - I may need them to give me mouth to mouth later and it's good to make an impression!
The room soon filled with eager artists awaiting my tutelage so with a few deep breaths and a chat with them all Gary signalled that we were going live in 5....4....3....2.....1.....
But I do have a fear of failure.
I think most artists do, and when you are a risk taker the two don't really make for a comfortable journey, though the destination can be quite breathtaking (pass the defribulator!)
Those that know me will appreciate my inability to say 'no', and find the scrapes that it has got me into quite hilarious! (Remember The Big Painting Challenge?)
So, when the SAA asked me to run a live and in-house workshop the following year, I mulled it over for all of 60 seconds and agreed. The full weight of what I had agreed to did not hit me until the beginning of the actual year that I was to deliver the workshop to eager participants who actually wanted to learn something from me!
Much panicking, organising, practicing, note taking, excel spreadsheet typing later, (it was that bad!), I rucked up at SAA Headquarters to see where my 'victims' would be receiving me.
Having run workshops for a maximum of 8 people from my humble studio at home I was ever so slightly traumatised by rows and rows of desks neatly laid out with all that was required to paint 'Bonnie' The Wonderdog!
I had a quick run through with the days events with 'Gary The Cameraman' which included bunging him a fiver to get my 'best side', and shook hands with as many people as I could find - I may need them to give me mouth to mouth later and it's good to make an impression!
The room soon filled with eager artists awaiting my tutelage so with a few deep breaths and a chat with them all Gary signalled that we were going live in 5....4....3....2.....1.....
We were off!
A quick warm up followed by much silent concentration (reminder to self : bring some lovely background music next time) I needn't have worried!
Once in full swing I forgot about everything but what I was there for, and made sure that everyone painting along was comfortable with what they were doing. The experience of the participants ranged from complete beginner, acrylic virgins, to regular art club members and their final results blew me away!
It never ceases to amaze me how different everyones interpretation of the original reference photo is. All unique and all have their own charm. I would have loved to take them all home!
I also had some lovely emails waiting for me when I got home from some of the artists too thankfully saying they learnt loads and had a great time! Job done!!
So what did I learn from the experience?
Step out of your comfort zone in order to grow.
Face your fears and leave them behind you as you continue your journey.
Take every opportunity you are given to further your experience
Take each and every minute of every day to be thankful for where you are.
People are not scarey monsters if you shake their hand and take the time to know them.
Each opportunity leads to another if you have the courage to take it.
Hard work = good results = a justification for a large glass of gin!
And there endeth the lesson for today!
Take a look at these amazing 'Bonnie' portraits! Thanks must go to Sarah Blyth, owner of Bonnie, who so generously allows me to peddle her dog shamelessly!
A quick warm up followed by much silent concentration (reminder to self : bring some lovely background music next time) I needn't have worried!
Once in full swing I forgot about everything but what I was there for, and made sure that everyone painting along was comfortable with what they were doing. The experience of the participants ranged from complete beginner, acrylic virgins, to regular art club members and their final results blew me away!
It never ceases to amaze me how different everyones interpretation of the original reference photo is. All unique and all have their own charm. I would have loved to take them all home!
I also had some lovely emails waiting for me when I got home from some of the artists too thankfully saying they learnt loads and had a great time! Job done!!
So what did I learn from the experience?
Step out of your comfort zone in order to grow.
Face your fears and leave them behind you as you continue your journey.
Take every opportunity you are given to further your experience
Take each and every minute of every day to be thankful for where you are.
People are not scarey monsters if you shake their hand and take the time to know them.
Each opportunity leads to another if you have the courage to take it.
Hard work = good results = a justification for a large glass of gin!
And there endeth the lesson for today!
Take a look at these amazing 'Bonnie' portraits! Thanks must go to Sarah Blyth, owner of Bonnie, who so generously allows me to peddle her dog shamelessly!
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