Fabulous oil pastel workshop

Hi, Jane, just a note of thanks for the fabulous oil pastel workshop.  It was amazing to witness your organization, teaching methods and compassion for those in the class.  You are not only an amazing artist, but a teacher and source of awe and inspiration.

I put my items away this morning and looked over my work.   It was a totally new experience for me.  It was so engrossing that I probably missed parts while I was in my own micro-world of color, form and possibility.

It was very important for me to watch you begin and work through a piece.  I have some hesitancy in getting started and trusting my composition and direction.  Watching you organize your imagery, lay it out, make changes, was very inspiring.  I am anxious to begin working on something where I am not trying to “copy” exactly what I see into some form of stylized realism.  That was another reason your workshop was so important to me.

Again, thanks Jane.  You rock!

Jane ignited my confidence

I feel beyond lucky to have a new teacher in my life. Her paintings are magical and vibrant and playful and nature-inspired and radiant. (Those of you who know my art will be able to see right away why her work resonates with me.) Whenever you try something new, that old, badgering critic waits in the shadows, ready to pounce at the first mistake. Poised to tell you how unpoised you are. Crouching for the kill. When a gentle, inspired, positive, passionate teacher guides your process, the critic doesn’t get a chance to criticize. What I loved about working with Jane was that she kept offering new materials, ideas, and perspectives. She showered her students with possibilities, so the creative sparks could fly. So even though I felt awkward about working with pastels for the very first time, Jane ignited my confidence.

Every hour or so, I was learning a new material, throwing down new lines, making a discovery. It was intoxicating. Jane offered timeless artist quotes as well as her own wisdom. She can see what color is needed in a painting, just by stepping back and becoming aware. I love adapting her techniques and inspirations. They make me feel brilliant! Also, having many beginnings meant that I could take them home and continue working, continue practicing. The emerging creations make me happy.

A good teacher is one who colors your world.  Thank you, Jane!