Teaching is sharing. As an instructor in watercolour, I have been told that I am generous with the information that I share. I have never thought of it in that way. My focus has always been to find the best way possible for each student to grasp what I am sharing with them. Art is communication. Each individual needs to find or perhaps learn the tools that work best for them. As an instructor, I am there to help with that process.
In the beginning, the basics are what is needed. Applying the paint to the paper, mixing the colours, and deciding what needs to be in the painting are where we start. Next, we learn a variety of techniques. Some of these will fit your needs; some will not. All these tools will be used to create landscape and still life paintings. When we are comfortable with these tools, we will start the process of interpreting these subjects. This then opens the door to the interpretation of the figure and portrait.
As an instructor, I am aware that there is a variety of learning styles in my students. My learning style may be completely different form theirs. Flexibility in the method of teaching is essential. If I see a perplexed look on a face (what I call a question mark), I need to be able to communicate the concept in another way.
Teaching is both motivational and inspirational for me as a practising artist.
