Online Class registration is now open and a giveaway!

“The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life and elevating them to an art.” William Morris

     

Registration is open for my online Sketching and Watercolor: Journal Style. The classroom will open January 10 and the first lesson is January 17.

   

Sketching and Watercolor: Journal Style class description:  

Be inspired to record your life, a special trip, or your daily adventures in a loose, quick journal style format. Jane who is known for her friendly, encouraging teaching style, will teach drawing and watercolors using a straight-forward, intuitive approach. You’ll draw what you see, capturing the details of everyday objects and the small details of life on watercolor pages. Everyone has their own drawing style, just like handwriting, and Jane will help you to see and then record what you see on paper. The class is geared for beginners, but all levels are welcome. (Really, even if you haven’t drawn since 3^rd grade, Jane can teach you!)  Jane will help you compose your journal pages, and show you a number of other creative ways to enhance your pages.

Each week you'll receive an email with a link to new lesson, with a different subject or technique. The lessons are available 24/7 and you'll receive a downloadable step-by-step pdf to work from each week. There are videos and examples from Jane's sketchbook to support the lessons.  Just like in a real classroom, you'll be able to see fellow students sketchbook pages and will be able to comment and praise their work and they'll be able to see your pages too (as long as you post them!). And you'll get honest and gentle critiques on all your work from Jane. 

(You'll receive the complete list of materials (with links and descriptions) when you sign up, but basically you'll need a sketchbook watercolor paper, watercolors, a watercolor brush, and a permanent ink pen, pencil and eraser. Don't buy the stuff until you get the actual materials list)

Register for Sketching and Watercolor: Journal Style    

Here's a reduced version of what the online classroom looks like. You'll post your work and others can comment and encourage you.

Register for Sketching and Watercolor: Journal Style    

Recent comments from those who have taken this online class:

 Nancy: I learned that if I look closely at something and pay attention and try to follow the shapes, I can actually draw things! previously the camera has always been my mark maker and now I can create in a new and different way! i never thought it would be possible.......but this class has opened up a new and vast world.

Pamela:

I have learned so much from you and your students--it has changed my life. When I draw or paint I feel like I am entering another world--my only problem is that I don't want to leave that world and come back to regular life!! It was a bold step for me post my artwork. Your support along with everyone else's has helped build my self confidence. So I am inspired to keep drawing and painting and sharing my artwork. Thanks so much for bringing us all together for this wonderful art experience.  

Melissa:

I learned that doing the type of work we've been doing in this class is a really nice way to make art a regular part of my life. That I don't have to have hours upon hours to create something, but if I have an hour or so, I can quickly pull out my materials and create something in a journal.

And taking time to create art feels . . . selfish in a way, even though I know it shouldn't! But I am learning that I need to do this for myself, that it is not okay for me deny myself the opportunity to do something that gives me so much . . . joy . . . and makes me feel more like me. And the day my daughter pulled out a paper when I was painting and wanted to paint alongside me, I learned that it is good for her to see me do this too.  And, I learned that art is an activity we can share!

 It is so wonderful, and so motivating to be able to post  and share and get feedback, and also so inspirational to see what others are doing!

Teddy: I HAVE LEARNED……

…  that if I take my time, as much as I need, and that might right now be a lot of time – it is just the right amount of time for me, and that I can after all, draw.  DRAW. I can draw. 

 … that I love and value and hold close to my heart the encouraging words of fellow painters.  I post an offering of mine and then rush back in a frequent and humorous way to find out who has said what, who has a suggestion (Jane, of course, most of all).

I find that for the last couple of weeks, I have been living in quite a different place in my head. Between the experience of this workshop, and the experience of choosing a few paintings at a friend’s open studio sale recently.I don’t feel the same – a little less edgy, a little more expansive, a little softer, a little fuller – or deeper - of spirit. I’m not kidding.

Laura:

This has been really enlightening, and I see a lot of things with a whole new perspective. And the journalling part of this, which I find a little difficult, is a major part of the enlightenment - now I need to think about what I see, not just see it. I think life goes by in such a big blur, and I've enjoyed slowing down a bit to do this 

Register here for Sketching and Watercolor: Journal Style. The classroom will open January 10 and the first lesson is January 17.    

Leave a comment on why you'd love to take this online workshop, and I'll choose one winner to attend the class for free. I'll announce the winner on this blog on December 20.