Tips for a Great Workshop Experience

By Marianne Rice

Now more than ever, artists have an abundance of learning opportunities at their disposal. One can further their artistic development through books, instructional videos, Patreon subscriptions, live Zoom demonstrations and online mentorships without ever leaving their studio. These resources have proven to be invaluable, and many artists use a combination of these formats in their studies.

Nevertheless, in-person workshops continue to be an indispensable learning experience for those pursuing artistic excellence, as few other resources offer hands-on training and interpersonal connection. Ranging from three days to a week, these workshops offer intense study with a desired artist, and often include live demonstrations, educational presentations, open dialogue and one-on-one feedback. Here are some tips for a great workshop experience.

Sign up for workshops with artists you admire. Choose teachers who paint in a direction you would like to go in your own work. Bear in mind, some of the best artists are not natural teachers, and some of the best teachers are not natural artists. Those who have had to work hard to achieve a certain level of skill, can often communicate core fundamentals and techniques in a way that artists of “natural talent” may not be able to. Word of mouth is a great way to find excellent teachers, so ask other artists about their workshop experiences.
Keep an open mind. Try the method being taught even if it feels awkward or doesn’t seem like a natural fit. Workshops are the perfect opportunity to push boundaries and try a new approach. If you always return to your comfort zone and the way you’ve always painted, you’ll never reach new ground. As Henry Ford once said, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you always got.”
Take notes. Keep a notebook and folder specifically for workshops so you have everything in one place. Title each entry by instructor, date, and location, and store workshop handouts in your folder. Understanding how others teach and recognizing effective methods will help you develop as an artist, and also provide excellent reference material if you decide to teach your own workshops in the future.
Don’t compare yourself to other students. Everyone comes to a workshop with different levels of experience and different stages of artistic development. In the same token, don’t be afraid to be the only beginner in the group! Sign up for workshops geared for your level of skill and don’t be intimidated, artists are a friendly and generous crowd. Be thoughtful of your instructor’s time and attention, but remember, if you need further clarification on something, it’s likely someone else does too. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Focus on the process, not the product. New learning can take you into uncomfortable territory. Don’t concern yourself with whether you are viewed as a “talented” or “good” artist; a workshop is not the time to display your current ability, but to take on something new. Don’t expect your best work, roll up those sleeves, prepare to fail, keep a sense of humor and enjoy the process. It can feel awkward for everyone, and there is frequently a perceived skill regression when trying new methods, so plan for it.
Limit your workshops. Too many workshops in a calendar year may leave you with burnout and fatigue. Focus on one or two takeaways from a workshop that you can build upon and work into your own practice and try them on for a while. Keep what works for you, and leave the rest.
Stay connected! Social media is a great way to stay in contact with fellow students and instructors. Evenings and lunch breaks provide opportunities to meet interesting people with shared passions. Many enduring friendships have been made through attending workshops; in fact, at the last Portrait Society Conference, I was able to reconnect with seven other artists who had all attended the same summer class!

If you are interested in attending a workshop, the Portrait Society of America frequently highlights upcoming workshops in their member spotlight posts on social media. If you have a particular artist you would like to study from, follow them on social media and sign up for their newsletter or email list if available through their website. If a nearby venue hosts artist workshops, be sure to sign up for their contact list, so you know what is available. Scholarships, mentorships and grant opportunities are also available through the Portrait Society. Check their website to learn about these resources and more.