Lessons

 

Oil Painting Lessons with Ellie Harold

If you want to schedule a lesson, contact me: 678.421.1981 or eharold@aol.com. If you aren't sure, read on ....

Oil painting is fun and fulfilling.  Many people, myself included, find oil painting to be a richly satisfying way to express themselves. Unlike with watercolor, you don't have to get it "right" in order to be successful in your painting. With oil, a little learning can go a long way to getting you started on an artistic adventure.

I can't even draw a straight line. No problem! If you'd like to learn how to use oil paints to express the beauty you see, you can! Lots of folks tell me they'd love to paint, but they don't know how to draw a straight line. Neither do I! You don't need to draw straight lines to paint. If you want to learn to paint, I can show you how.

Are you frustrated with your oil painting efforts? Maybe you've been painting for awhile but are feeling creatively blocked or lacking motivation? Having a hard time finding the time or space to paint? Being so burdened by too many work, family or other obligations you're always putting your artwork on the back burner? You're not alone!

Many artists struggle with these issues. If you're not feeling satisfied with your efforts, it's easy to find reasons to avoid painting. Unfortunately, your artist-soul suffers when you don't do this important thing you love.

Artists need to make art! Too many would-be artists deny that art-making is an actual need; they think of it only as a hobby or pastime. Certainly, not everyone has this need, but for those inclined toward art, fulfilling this need is as important as any other. It's not only for fun -- your heart longs for you to paint. If you're feeling depressed or out of sorts and you aren't painting, your well-being may depend upon getting going again.

Art lessons can help! Individual lessons offer a lot more than technical assistance. Sure, you'll get practical demonstrations to show you how to improve your skill set. In addition, however, you'll be getting what I call a "structure for accountability." When you work with a teacher, you build in a reason to show up for your artistic aspirations. Simply put, when you're engaged in lessons, it's not so easy to deny yourself the opportunity to do your art.

One lesson changed my painting life!  I'd been painting on my own for a couple of years. I was able to paint still life moderately well, but I really wanted to paint outside. My first efforts were okay but I realized I could use some help although as an adult, I felt somewhat silly asking for it. In the end, however, I decided to take a lesson from R.A.Moseley, a plein air painter in Vieques.

It was the best $75 I ever spent. In that one 3-hour session, I learned about how to use a limited palette to mix all the colors I'd ever need for landscape painting. I learned how to paint alla prima and much, much more (including where to find good painting spots!)That one session fueled my passion to paint for many years and gave me the tools I needed to do it. I continue to teach myself and I take a workshop with a well-known artist every year or two. I am a true believer, however, in the power of the individual lesson to spur on a painter's efforts.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I really need lessons? Can't I teach myself? You certainly can! I am largely self-taught as have been numerous well-known and proficient artists. The question isn't whether or not you are able to teach yourself, but will you? Once you decide you will go for it,the learning curve may be shortened significantly when a more experienced teacher shows you a few tricks of the trade.

Lessons vs. workshops? Many artists sign up for workshops to give themselves a reason to paint, but then don't paint except in workshops. In my experience, a regular painting practice is the only thing that helps painters fulfill their artistic aspirations. It's also the greatest challenge. A series of lessons can help you establish the painting habit. Plus, there are many advantages to working ongoingly with a teacher who knows you, including having a compassionate observer who can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.

How many lessons should I have? As few or as many as you want -- it's entirely up to you. One lesson may be enough to prime the pump of your creative flow. Or, you might enjoy the regularity of a weekly or monthly session. If at any time you don't feel you're getting what you want from working with me, you are free to discontinue (with at least 24 hours notice). If or when I don't feel I can adequately assist you in reaching a higher level of painting, I will let you know and try to give you an idea of what might work better for you.

What does a typical lesson look like? Typically, a lesson will include some time when I'll discuss and/or demonstrate a topic relevant to your need. If you are beginning oil painter, for example, I might introduce you to the color wheel and show you how to mix colors. If you want to paint outdoors, our session might take place at a location where we focus on painting a landscape. The demo/discussion will be limited to about an hour, with remaining time devoted to your own painting. I will offer supportive advice while you paint and toward the end of the session we'll share our feedback about the work. Finally, I will give you suggestions for continuing on your own.

How long are the lessons? If you want instruction in outdoor painting, you'll need to schedule a 3-hour session. Otherwise, a studio lesson might run from 1-3 hours. If you are a very beginner, plan on 2 one-hour sessions, followed by several 1 1/2 hour sessions. This will give you plenty of time for learning and practice.

What about supplies? After we consult initially, I will provide you with a supplies list, references for getting good prices, etc. and you will be responsible for bringing what you need to each session. That said, it's sometimes tricky getting everything you need if you're on holiday. I may be able to sell you what you need to fill in gaps. Don't let difficulties with getting art materials be the reason you don't paint. For an additional fee I will supply you with the materials

How much?  My fees are $25/hour with a 10% discount if you pay for 10 hours in advance. This does not include materials which will typically cost between $5-10 per session, depending on what is needed. (I will discuss this in advance so you have time to get your own supplies.) You may choose to share your session with a friend although individual rates will still apply.

I'm ready -- what do I do?  Call me at 678 421 1981or email me at eharold@aol.com. We'll schedule a session. If you have any further questions, please contact me and we'll discuss what will work for you! I look forward to seeing how I can assist you in fulfilling your painting desires.

All  my best,

Ellie