Transformation

This is the work of one of my students who came to me nearly 2 years ago as a complete beginner. It was obvious from that first day that she is gifted. Meaning, she has an innate sense of composition and the natural ability to draw and paint quite precisely. Being an adult, though, she is like many adult students who wish for every single painting to be perfect upon completion, so she often finds herself quite frustrated. It matters not how perfect her work is, it isn't perfect enough in HER head, so we go round and round. 

Martine's Rose Before

Before I continue with what happened last night in class, I have to share that this woman is a surgical nurse with a fantastic sense of humor and fun. It makes sense precision is important, but in art class, she gets tense. Her biggest complaint from day one is "I don't know what I'm doing." And my answer always is, "Of course you don't, that's why you are here." But now we are reaching a point where I'll be answering, "Yes, you do, you just have to think it through." 

Last night in class, she turned her painting around, plopped down in a chair with her glass of wine (yes, we do have adult beverages in class if students wish!) and announced she hated her painting. No amount of praise from fellow students made a difference. So I instructed her to let it go and just paint crazy on it. Since she "hated" it and was likely going to throw it away, what was there to lose, Right? 

She didn't understand exactly, so I did what I sometimes do with frustrated students...I plopped out some bright, fun colors and grabbed a brush and made a few marks, changing up color, explaining as I went. Then I handed her the brush. 

This is what happened once she got back into it. 

When she was done, she once again sat down with her glass of wine. "I feel much better." 

Yes.  

Martine's Rose After