Neadeen Masters CDA - Country Carousel Art©
 

Creating the Independent Artist
 

Painting by Judith Leyster - Dutch 1609 - 1660

When I ask students why they take classes the majority will tell me it's because they want to learn to paint. Most express the desire to become artists, telling me why they wish to paint like I do, feeling free to choose a design, paint whenever they have the urge and with confidant abandon.

However the more I think about what I see happening to our painting community the more it worries me that there are classrooms that are not stepping up to the plate to deliver what the student really wants and surely needs. My goal in writing this is to bring awareness to this issue and to encourage teachers to recognize this as being a way to develop true creativity a stronger painter/artist from the knowledge point of view and a loyal student following.

Journey to 'creativity'

When I came to decorative painting I brought with me a strong desire to blend what I knew in the world of Fine Art with the spirit of decorative painting. I was thrilled to find the step by step methodology of teaching that the decorative painting world offered and the fun classroom atmosphere of this popular art form. However as the years have passed and I reflect on the challenges that we teachers constantly face in the classroom, seeing the lack of understanding of fundamentals, I am concerned that these same methods of teaching are mainly what is to blame for the stagnation, repetitiveness and many of the serious problems within our industry as a whole.

The desire to become an artist is what brings the student to seek a class in decorative painting. They admire the more advanced work and hope some day to be able to paint in such a manner. They take class after class, without any real guidance or counseling, basing their class choices mostly on aesthetic 'project' appeal. After a time, many become bored, not knowing why and move onto other interests, lost to our industry forever. I've put a great deal of thought into how we can not only prevent this, but encourage students and teachers alike to become more aware of what their goals are and how to go about bringing them (goals) to fruition.

It is important for teachers to realize what works and what doesn't work and that if the focus doesn't move towards embracing a change in class projects and put the focus back on teaching correct art principles, we will continue to loose students at a frightening rate. There is a real reason why the shops are closing at such an alarming rate, and it isn't because the classes are filled to overflowing. Something needs to change and soon!

 When teachers realize what it takes to becoming independent artists within their own right, is only then it will filter down to the students we have sitting in our classrooms. It is not going to happen overnight, nor will it happen without continued education on everyone's part. Just like the tortoise, slowly and surely we will attain our goals if we just set a direction and move towards it. I have talked about this for years and am starting to see the decorative art industry placing more weight on the importance of art education, starting with the most important being colour knowledge.
When students have the desire to become 'Independent Artists', it is because they are serious about their dreams and goals.

The teacher needs to become a conduit instead of an obstacle to helping this student on their way. If we teachers wish to continue teaching in the future we have a responsibility to do one of three things.

1. Step up to the plate and deliver material that will challenge, teach and assist students on their personal journey by guiding them with their choices of class, development of skills and help them set and attain short and long term goals for the future. After all, we are calling ourselves 'teachers'

2. Embark on a course of personal education either through self study programs like the SDP Certification or take 'specialized' classes from reputable teachers to gain further theory based knowledge to help advance what is brought to the classroom each week. A win win situation for teacher, students and our entire industry.

3. Limit teaching to a particular skill level, handing over students to other teachers more skilled. This is a hard pill to swallow sometimes, but should encourage most responsible teachers to continually raise their own standards of learning. I encourage new teachers to grow along with their students, setting a pace and example for advancement.

When we as teachers and eventually our students become 'Independent Artists' together we create a classroom atmosphere of learning and creativity. Knowing that is freedom. I speak first hand because my Home Studio classroom here in Kelowna, is one where the students are guided towards this end goal.  I can say that these students are growing towards their personal goals, every year setting new goals, and challenging not only themselves but constantly pushing my skills to another level. Together we have a lively energetic and creative formula for artistic success.
I encourage all painters, students and teachers to take a look at your personal goals, evaluate why you take classes and what you are doing to learn skills and gain a greater understanding of what is necessary to become the 'Independent Artist'

Neadeen Masters CDA - ©2004

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