The Open Studio: Self-Directed Learning

Open studio art classes provide the perfect balance of support and feedback in addition to the freedom for experimenting with your own art projects. This allows room for building your skills in a self-disciplinary manner. I have outlined below the major benefits of participating in an open studio environment.

1.) Social Outlet

There’s a particular creative energy that is generated in a group. Each person can be fueled by one another and it’s a joy to witness the enthusiasm and motivation that finds itself in each student’s work. We are social animals and when art is thrown in, it’s a perfect concoction

2.) Flexible Schedule

If the minimum enrollment has been reached, there is the potental for drop-ins. This allows you to attend when you choose. You set the schedule that works for your personal art objectives. Too much structure can be counterintuitive. There needs to be enough circulation in order for things to work effectively. Contact me if you’re interested in a drop-in class.

3.) Experimentation

The beauty of an open studio is the opportunity it allows for experimenting with whatever mediums one chooses. Perhaps you want to focus on oil painting, working from a still-life or a landscape photo. A mixed media project may be somthing you’ve wanted to explore utilizing watercolor, pastel, and graphite. This freedom is what I call play. We are hard-wired to create ever since we were children. It’s what makes us human. Creativity has a tremendous impact on other aspects of life such as science and mathematics. We get “older” because we stop playing.

4.) Support and Feedback

Support is catered to each student’s needs and skill level. No matter if you’re a beginner or seasoned artist, you will receive help along every step of your process. Feedback is all positive so that you can take the necessary steps forward to truly develop an an artist. It will be particularly helpful in considering new ways of approaching your work.

5.) Stress Relief

This goes without saying, but losing oneself io the noment is also a way of being closer to oneself. Letting go and trusting the process is therapeutic, particularly when being in a safe space space for expressing who you are creatively. I start each class with a short meditation to help cultivate awareness while minimizing inhibitions and perfectionism.

6.) Building Skills

The open studio is the perfwct setting for focusing on buikding your skills as the class is designed for creating your own learning structure. The more time that is allocated for developing these techniques, especially in a experimental way, the better you will become over time. Everyone has their own unique skills to share with others that generate a lot of creative inspiration in every class.

Enroll in an open studio class

If you’re interested in learning more, please contact me. I can answer your questions, or we can set up a complimentary 15-minute meeting.