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for teachers !

Professional artist and veteran instructor, Anne Olwin, gives you seven concrete pointers for workshops and classes that will have your students jumping for joy…

Secret Two for Stellar Art Classes: Communicate your passion enthusiastically

Passion is catching. Boredom is not.

Art, a language, provides another form of communication, often more powerful than words when presenting ideas.

When teaching, you have to let those things that drive you artistically show. Students need to see the artist behind the painting to be inspired to achieve their own personal best, to create something more than another boring picture.

My own art bubbles up from the depths of my soul. It is driven by my passions and the causes and beliefs I would fight and die for. Not the fruit of a barren, dust-dry existence, my art flowers from my hopes and dreams, my thoughts and ideas. My life experiences color it and my worldview shapes it.

Generally, I am an introvert, but teaching about art brings out arm waving and eye sparkling that would make any extrovert proud. Speaking of art dispassionately is impossible.

You may shudder at the thought of the authenticity it takes to stand in front of your class and share the REAL you. Practice in front of the mirror, your trusted spouse or a true friend.

Study timing.

Make dumb jokes.

Laugh at yourself.

Be honest about your own mistakes.

Let animation punctuate your instruction.

Above all, bare your heart, tell your driving passions, and demonstrate your love for the art experience.

Please, never allow a boring presentation mark your instruction. Build wonder, excitement and a love for art through sharing your own passion.

On to: Secret Three coming next week!
Back to: Secret One for Stellar Art Classes

Teachers, for fabulous art resources, check out the Anne's Quick Reference Guides.