Lesson Two

I see that you have returned! Obviously it is so that you may have my vast amounts of wisdom imparted unto you. Well then, let's cut to the chase!

Lesson Numero Dos - Communicate.

Something you may have noticed about art classes is that there are in fact other people in there with you! I know, it's hard to believe, but it's true. And a lot of them, if not all, are in the same boat as you, especially if you're taking all the preliminary art classes. So here's the thing - it's easy to be the quiet mysterious stranger who guards his work like a hawk until it's completion, but frankly that's no fun. One of the best parts of a school environment is the social aspect, and it's no different when you're in an art class. Let other people see your work, talk to them about your ideas and process, and let them know what you think of their work (just don't be mean). Talking about your concepts and listening to the input of others will really help flesh out your painting, drawing, design, etc. I took a Design Color class last semester, and while it was fun and it was a nice group of people, no one really talked about their designs with anyone else. Whenever we finished our projects and had group critique, I would always get comments on my work (and I'm sure other people felt this way) that made me think "Man, I wish I'd heard that while I was still working on it". On the other end of the spectrum, this semester I'm taking a sculpture class, and so far, everyone is constantly eager to share their opinions on other work, as well as receive comments on their own. We've only begun work on our first project so far (it's a semester-length project though) and already I've received some great ideas from others on my project, as well as given a few to others that I've seen them put to use. Sharing ideas and talking really makes the whole class feel like a community, and in the end, you're gonna have a lot more fun.

So don't forget! Communication is key.


On a personal side note, if any of you vast amount of readers out there know of any cures for insomnia, please let me know through email or the comments, my girlfriend's been having it pretty bad lately and we've tried everything we can think of.