Welcome Private Viewers - and a warm welcome to new subscribers. Thank you for subscribing, it means the world to me that you support my art writing. In this month’s Beyond Frida, I share the artist women whose online workshops have brought me immense value and pleasure.
Note, I am not affiliated with any of the artists mentioned in this post and I do not earn any money from the recommendations.
One of my bad habits is signing up for online classes that I don’t then complete. At this very moment, I am signed up for an online course in poetry, a mixed-media class, a Substack course, an acrylic painting course (that’s an old one from early this year), an abstract drawing class, and a portraiture course that’s so long I don’t think I’ll ever finish it.
What can I say? I love learning! And I love supporting artists whose work I admire by taking their classes. Even if I decide the course isn’t for me, or I don’t have time to finish it, I always learn something and I find winter is a great season to invest time in my skills. So, with Autumn here and Winter on its way, if you’re thinking of signing up for an online class, here are some artists whose teaching I’d recommend.
Nancy Gruskin
I took Nancy’s collaged portraiture class a couple of years ago and that was the catalyst for my year of self-portraiture. I love Nancy’s artwork and she’s an excellent teacher. Her art is bold, semi-abstracted, colourful and playful, and she brings all of those elements into her online courses.
Nancy’s workshops are suitable for all levels.
Find Nancy Gruskin’s website HERE
Sandi Hester
When I first found Sandi Hester on Youtube, I binge-watched every single one of her Bits of An Artist’s Life vlog. She is infectious. Sandi is the reason I don’t vlog because there’s no way I would be so natural in front of the camera! I signed up for Sandi’s classes because I think she’s adorable and I wanted to support her. Her courses are more for beginners I would say, so if you’re looking to start acrylic painting, I’d recommend her Everything You Want & Need to Know About Acrylics course. And be warned, Sandi over-delivers; you get a lot for your money and she’ll keep you busy.
Sandi’s own artwork is lively, colourful, and whimsical. She’s a great storyteller.
Find Sandi Hester’s website HERE
Misty Mawn
Misty Mawn paints the way I wish I could. Her art is so darn beautiful.
I used to be a patron of Misty’s on Patreon and then she started to host all her classes on her website. She was an over-giver on Patreon and her courses are no different - there’s SO MUCH content! I enrolled in her Take 30 With A Twist workshop (currently on sale here) early this year and I still haven’t finished it. Full disclosure, I just love watching Misty paint, it’s like watching an ASMR video.
I’d say Misty’s workshops are for artists with some experience.
Find Misty Mawn’s website HERE
There’s a term used in the traditional art world that I hate: self-taught artist. By “self-taught” the art world means “didn’t go to art school”. I find the notion of a self-taught artist ludicrous - especially in this online world - because no artist is 100% self-taught; we all learn from other artists and from art books, and we’ve all most likely attended at least a workshop or two. I can’t even remember how many art classes I’ve taken over the years and I’ve probably spent way more than it would have cost me to actually go to art school!
The self-taught artist myth is just another gatekeeping tool and I am so grateful for the artists who share their skills and experience through teaching. Their knowledge helps other artists jump over those gates!
I’d love to know who you are learning from right now. Feel free to share in the comments box.
Here’s to lifelong learning and lifelong creativity!
Until next time.
JC
Some non-art courses I’ve received immense value from:
Literally anything by Michael Meade, renowned storyteller, author, and scholar of mythology, anthropology, and psychology. I admit his voice sends me to sleep, it’s so soothing, so I usually have to listen to his readings more than once. When the news is getting me down I look to Michael to give me context and tell a story that makes me feel better.
Feminist Business School led by sister.is This is a fairly conceptual course but so powerful in its re-framing of business through a feminist lens.
Zoetry writing and publishing class by Pixie Lighthorse. I love all of Pixie’s work; she’s helped me immensely (especially with her work on boundaries) and this is a delightful class that takes you through the writing and publishing of a short book.
Any of the classes led by Marlee Grace. In particular, The Architecture of Book Writing is really good.
I love Misty Mawn's work -- and yes, watching her paint is transfiguring (maybe I should check out the course you suggested!). I still have art courses that I haven't completed (and have resigned myself to knowing I am just not ever going to), but there is one I would recommend that is about the artist mindset. It's called "Way of the Happy Artist" and it is run by Tara Leaver. Her doors are only open a few times a year but her newsletter alone is such a lovely support. https://happy-artist-studio.mykajabi.com/