Starting Fresh: Reflections on Teaching Art
As I am getting ready to restart my art classes in a new town with new students, after a hiatus of 4 years, I was reflecting on what one of the students said to me. She told me she’s a complete beginner that can’t even draw stick figures correctly. (I’m paraphrasing here)
The thing is though that there is this misconception that to be an artist is to be lucky enough to be born with it. That an artist doesn’t have to practice making art. That they just pick up a brush and ta da – a masterpiece (boy do I wish that was true)

Yes, not everyone is an artist, and no, you don’t have to be born one to become one. The funny thing is, we all start out brimming with creativity. Just think of the vivid imaginary worlds children create or the colorful stick figures that adorn refrigerators in homes with young ones.
As we grow and our brains develop, our perception of the world changes. Those whimsical stick figures evolve into more realistic images as we begin to see and interpret things differently. Our creativity is no longer shaped solely by family influences—it expands with new experiences and
learning, especially in school. Exposure to different ideas, techniques, and perspectives gives us new tools to express ourselves and enriches the way we create.
Somewhere along the way, many of us lose the uninhibited creativity we had as children. The freedom to create without judgment or hesitation often fades as we grow older, replaced by self-doubt or the belief that creativity is only for the "gifted." But the truth is, that childlike spark of creativity never really leaves us—it just gets buried under layers of expectations and routines. The key is to reconnect with it. By giving yourself permission to play, experiment, and embrace the joy of creating without pressure, you can rekindle that spark and rediscover the creative freedom you had as a child.
The Reality of Becoming an Artist
Nobody – absolutely nobody (unless you are some kind of savant) will pick up a pencil or paintbrush for the first time as an adult and create a masterpiece. You need to be willing to put some work in. Lots of work. Becoming an artist means experimenting, redoing things a hundred different ways, and embracing a passion for learning about composition, colour, perspective, and everything else that makes or breaks a painting.
Just as important, though, is learning how to use your materials. Brushes, paints, inks—they all need to work for you to bring your vision to life. Like any other profession or hobby, art is about learning, experimenting, and testing. My mom, for example, was an excellent dressmaker, but she didn’t just sit down one day and start making designer dresses. It was a process of learning her tools. The same applies to knitting, arranging flowers, playing the piano, or even cooking. Just think about how many times a chef makes a dish, tweaking ingredients here and there, until it’s perfect enough for the restaurant’s menu.

Once you’ve accepted that becoming an artist takes time and effort, the next challenge is learning to navigate the ups and downs. Creativity isn’t a straight path—it’s full of breakthroughs and setbacks, and that’s all part of the process
Good Days and Bad Days
I know it’s an overused term but really, it’s the journey that counts! Just remember and accept that there are going to be good days and bad days. Days that no matter what you do nothing works. But every day, every time we do something with our art is a day of learning and moving forward.
Practice as they say, makes perfect! I do believe it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not always just about making the final artwork. Yes, I know, we have deadlines – for shows or exhibitions we are entering, commissions that must be finished, projects to be handed in. But the times that we are in our studio making art for the pleasure of it or trying a new technique we saw somewhere, we must remember that it is about the process and what we discover and experience along the way. It's about the act of problem solving and finding the emotional expression in a piece. Art isn’t just about making something pretty—it’s about processing emotions, developing patience, and learning how to see the world differently. It sharpens our perception and helps with our mental wellbeing.
Social Media and the Myths of Effortless Art

Don’t be fooled by artists on social media. It is a misconception that everyone else is successfully knocking out great work one after the other with apparent ease. Creating art is many hours of planning, wondering, thinking and trying stuff out and then redoing it all.
You will probably end up with a LOT of wasted canvases, paints and paper! For example, I can easily waste three or four sheets of paper before finishing a pastel work. (Thank heavens for Pastelmat, which is so easy to clean.) The creative process is one of taking 3 steps forward and 2 step back – almost every time you paint. Frustrating? Oh, absolutely. But the reward when you finally find your rhythm or when you draw that perfect line or mix just the right colour combination that results in creating magic on the page – that is what we are striving for and that is what being an artist is about!
The Art Journey: Focus on Growth, Not Perfection
One of my pet peeves is the trend of workshops that promise participants they’ll take home a completed painting in two days. I understand the appeal, but to me, it’s more like following a paint-by-numbers kit—mechanical and uninspiring. This approach can put a lot of pressure on beginners, leaving them frustrated or completely discouraged. In my classes, I emphasize that while you might not finish a painting in a day or two, you’ll learn about the art-making process. I want my workshops and classes to be safe spaces where creativity flourishes, confidence grows, and like-minded people connect.
Another challenge in class environments is comparison. It’s easy to look at someone else’s work and feel disheartened, but creativity isn’t a competition. We all come to art with unique experiences and histories, so the only person you should compare yourself to is your past self. Follow your own pace and path—it’s not a race.
As for materials, people often ask if they need expensive supplies. The answer is both no and yes. While there are plenty of affordable options, I encourage using professional-grade materials when possible. The quality makes a difference—it’s much more rewarding to work with tools that perform well than to struggle with subpar ones, which might ultimately discourage you from continuing.
Take One Step Today - The Joy of Beginning
Starting something new is one of the most exciting steps we can take. That blank canvas, fresh sheet of paper, or unopened set of paints represents infinite possibilities. In the beginning, there’s no right or wrong, no expectations—just you, your tools, and the freedom to explore. Think of it as an adventure, where even mistakes can lead to unexpected discoveries. Starting is the spark that lights the creative fire, and the best part? You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need curiosity and the courage to take the first step.

When I look back on my own journey, I smile at how my small beginnings lead to lifelong passion. My first stick figures as a child, my simplistic drawings as a teenager (I had no clue about tone or composition), the first time I walked into art college and discovered the amazing world of tone and line and colour and realising that I now have access to tools that will shape my creativity in ways I could never imagine — all were stepping stones. They weren’t perfect, but they were mine. So don’t overthink it. Pick up that pencil, that brush, or whatever you have on hand, and just start. There’s joy in the simple act of creating, and you’ll find that each new attempt brings you closer to discovering your unique voice.
As you explore and experiment, you’ll start to notice what draws you in—certain colors, shapes, or techniques. This exploration is the first step toward discovering your unique style.
Finding Your Own Style
When students ask me, “When will I be able to paint like you?” I’ll always say, “I don’t want you to paint like me!” The goal is to find your own style. I’ve been at this for over 45 years, so naturally, I have a head start. But your journey is yours, and it’s not a competition. Start small, play with colors and shapes, and be patient. Embrace imperfection. Be patient. Be willing to explore and most of all, be kind to yourself and give yourself time to develop and grow. It’s so worth it in the end!
The hardest part of any journey is often the first step, but it doesn’t have to be big or intimidating. Start with something small and manageable. Spend 10 minutes sketching a favourite object or play with mixing colors to see what happens. Don’t worry about the outcome—just focus on the act of creating.
Community and Connection

Art is often seen as a solitary activity, but it doesn’t have to be. One of the most rewarding aspects of being part of the art world is connecting with others who share your passion. Whether you join a local art group, take a class, or share your work online, the sense of belonging can be transformative. Art communities are often full of encouragement, shared tips, and the kind of support that keeps you going when you hit a creative block.
In my workshops, I love watching students connect—not just with their art, but with each other. Conversations flow, ideas are
exchanged, and suddenly, the room feels like a vibrant hub of creativity. It’s proof that art can bring people together, breaking down barriers and building friendships.
I like to include creative critiques in my workshops and classes and always encourage students to participate. Seeing your work displayed in a group setting and having the opportunity to talk about your ideas, your process, where you got stuck, or where you felt the flow is an amazing tool for growth. If you’re hesitant to share your work in a group, I’m always happy to offer a private critique. My goal is not to point out mistakes but to gently guide you toward seeing for yourself where you can grow and improve.
Embrace the Creative Journey
Art is a journey, not a destination. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or returning after years away, each step is a victory. Celebrate the small wins—those first awkward lines, the moments when colors seem to fall into place, or the joy of losing track of time while creating. Remember, the act of making art is what matters most.
So take that first step, no matter how small. Find joy in the process, connect with others, and let your creativity guide you. The best time to start is now, and the only person you need to impress is yourself. Let your art journey be one of exploration, growth, and wonder. You’ll find that the rewards go far beyond the canvas.