6 Reasons Artists Should Never Stop Taking Workshops & Classes
“I should think I’m going to be a perpetual student.”—Anton Chekhov
Creative expression is not a quantifiable skill that can reach a final point of mastery. It’s a skill and a muscle that the artist must train and exercise to maintain, sharpen, and grow.
Living a creative life involves continuously cultivating curiosity and artistry. When a runner finishes a marathon, they don’t hang up their shoes and quit running! They set their next goal and get on with their training.
In this same spirit, all artists—whether amateurs or seasoned pros—should continue their artistic training throughout their lives. Here are six of the ways that this will benefit the artist:
Workshops help you improve your craft
While you may have artwork displayed in galleries, sold dozens of paintings, or taught your own art classes, artistry is your passion. Just like the runner, you need to continually grow your muscles and improve your skills. Don’t rest on your laurels! We can all delve deeper into our chosen medium and style.
2. Classes let you explore new techniques and mediums
It can be incredibly stimulating to take classes or workshops in mediums or styles that you’ve never tried. When an acrylic painter takes a course in watercolor, the creative brain gets a great workout and new ideas will start to percolate. What if you take a quilting class, or experiment with ceramics? You’ll leave these classes with more tools in your artistry toolbox, and you never know what direction these skills may take you!
3. Workshops reinvigorate your creative curiosity
We can all get complacent and into ruts. It’s simply human to do more of what works. However, we can easily start to stagnate. Taking a workshop can bust you out of your rut and jump-start your creative curiosity. By being in a new learning environment, you allow yourself to be challenged to grow, experiment, try new things, and look at the world (and your work) in a new way.
4. Classes are a great way to grow your artistic network
Some of my favorite art friends are fellow artists I’ve met while attending art workshops. Classes and workshops are incredible opportunities to meet other artists at all stages of their lives and careers. Having a solid network of fellow artists is so important to your growth and success. And it makes being an artist even more fun!
5. A workshop can be a self-care retreat
Workshops can be a way to carve out time for yourself—time to heal, relax and relieve stress. Often a workshop takes place out of town, but even for workshops near your home, you are taken out of your normal routine. These classes often involve lots of thinking and doing, which forces your mind to fully focus on the task at hand rather than ruminating on your worries. Taking a break from your mental routine is a lot like meditation—it’s a way to give your mind peace and quiet down the mental chatter.
6. Classes help you take ownership of your talent and skill
No matter where you are in your artistic journey, taking classes and workshops remind you of how much you already know and acknowledge the talent and skill you’ve already developed. In fact, you are honoring your current skills by investing your time and money into growing your skills even further. It’s all about nurturing and loving your art practice—and yourself.
Do you have a workshop or class on your calendar?
I always like to have a workshop or class on my calendar, even if it doesn’t begin for a few months. It gives me something to look forward to and it helps me set goals. Speaking of the calendar, I’ll be offering my flagship course, Basic to Brilliant, this fall. I can’t wait! If you’re intrigued, you can get on the waitlist here.
Do you have a workshop on your calendar? What kind of class or workshop are you dreaming of? Let me know in the comments below.
And speaking of the calendar, I’ve been juried into an exhibit that opens soon! I will be showing eight original paintings (from 5” x 7” to 30” x 30”) in the "The Dog Days of Summer( and Other Pets Too)" at the Court House Cultural Center in Stuart, Florida. The opening reception is 8/12 and there will be pet adoption days 8/13 and 9/22. The proceeds from this exhibit will benefit local nonprofit animal rescues—a cause that is near and dear to me. The Court House Cultural Center Gallery is at 80 SE Ocean Blvd in Stuart, Florida, and is open Tuesdays from 10-6 and Wednesdays through Saturdays 10-4. Come support a great cause!
A Creative’s Exploration Guide
This free, step-by-step guide will help you progress in your creative journey.
Grow as an artist by building a solid foundation in your painting practice. Develop your confidence. Then, if you choose, charter a thriving creative business to call your very own.