Teaching teacher
The people who commissioned the portrait of the horse”Elliot” came to pick the painting up this week. I had met them before when I went to take the photos of Elliot, but that was at their house. And they wanted to come to my house to collect the painting, as it is a surprise and they didn’t want the game to be given away by my going to their house with the surprise gift. So the meeting was arranged and they came to me with no prior knowledge other than a brief meeting and a knowledge that I am a local artist……………… who does horse portraits……..
They arrived and I welcomed them in, and we stood chatting about animals, and art. I showed them a few paintings that I’ve done, as they passed them on the way to my studio, and we stopped and chatted about the art and the various techniques that I’d used to create the paintings. They liked them, and were interested, which is always gratifying 🙂
Eventually, I led them into my studio and showed them the portrait of Ellliot, which they loved, and said I’d just captured his look, which was great to hear. It’s always a slight concern when revealing a portrait, that the painting looks like the subject matter. Infact I was reminded of that when chatting to my photographer friend over the seas, when he said that a photographer cuts out the excess of what he can see to make the image, whereas an artist puts in ALL they can see to make their image. Interesting contrasts. But I’d obviously caught all that makes Elliot, for his painting, which is always great to hear that I’d not missed anything!
We carried on chatting about other pieces of art I’d done, various paintings were scattered around the studio, including Fitzy’s working painting of him done in the living flame style, and his “fantasy willie” half completed, that I was working on when they arrived. I ignored it as it was “just” an abstract as far as they were concerned, and didn’t need to know the specifics of it. The chatting flowed, and as we talked I was aware of the guy looking at what was behind me, and when he was able he enquired about it – my certificate of membership to the Guild of Erotic Artists, he was intrigued (especially as he had NO idea at all that I did Erotic art!! LOL). So I explained that I was an erotic artist, and waxed lyrical over it, as I am apt to do! They both listened, and asked various questions, and I told them about the “fantasy fannies” project, and how that has lead to the “fantasy willies” project, and that I’ve had a huge response to it all already! I carried on with my chatting, and the woman fell quiet as I spoke, and then asked me why don’t I teach? She said “You’re passionate about your art, and are “fresh” in your approach”. It turned out that she teaches teachers, and she thinks I’d make a good teacher. That made me think. Do I want to teach? Is it the way forward? She says she’ll help me if I want any advice from her, and I’ve taken her up with her offer. I like her and her husband and will be happy to see them again…..
I’m thinking about it.
Oh, and it turns out that she lives in the same village that I did my WI talk for, 18 months ago. She’s a busy woman and isn’t a WI member but is aware of the talks, and was sorry that she had missed mine. Apparently she also missed the chance to hear a talk about the joys of hearing aids as well……………………………………… I’m not sure which one might have been the high light!! 🙂
Still, she’s already learnt something from me.
If you want your horse painting, come and see an erotic artist! 🙂
i think you would be a natural teacher – your enthusiasm is so compelling. Best wishes in a new adventure 🙂
Pleased to hear that it all went well with the painting and that they loved it!
As for you teaching, then from the time I was lucky enough to spend with you it is clear that you have a passion for what you do and that certainly comes across in the way you talk and your attitude towards your art, so from that point of view I have no doubt that you would make an excellent teacher. But, whilst you would be great at it, how would you feel about being a teacher and who would you like to teach?
Are you thinking about teaching children in a school, or perhaps adult evening classes, or even giving private art lessons? Perhaps the second two options might not be so bad, but I expect the school and children option might prove more problematic, with the children being one such reason! Whilst the whole politics of it being another, as that could well take the shine off things and could explain why many teachers don’t have a passion for the things they teach as the rest of the job ensures that has been knocked out of them.
Oh dear, that was all a bit downcast wasn’t it! Sorry about that, although I suspect you have already considered those points anyway. So perhaps you should just look at it this way, it would allow you to do something you love for more of your time, so enjoy it and forget about all the less positive things that teaching my also entail!
Carnalis – Why, thankyou, that’s nice to hear….. 🙂
Fitzy – Yes, I am passionate regarding my art, and know it comes across when I talk, as you found out! LOL
But, you’ve got to the exact point I’m wondering about – do I want to teach, and who would I teach? The answer would be for adults as opposed to children, but from my other artist-teacher friends I hear a lot of stories of filling out paperwork and bureaucratic red tape, which, as you say takes the shine off it. So then, the answer may lie in a form of what I already do – teaching via my writing (as in my blog and my website) or maybe via talks or one day workshops……
I do agree that red tape could be an issue, plus it takes more of your time away from you doing what you love.
So perhaps the workshop route would prove better.
I think another chat with the owner of Elliot might be in order!
Fitzy – I agree – with all three points!!