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Testimonial |
I heartily recommend any of Kathy Beekman's pastel classes, but urge anyone interested in pastels, beginner or advanced, to start with her four hour, Intro to Pastels workshop. Kathy begins her organized workshop with a fun and simple blending exercise; paints a quick demo, and as she paints, explains key ideas that may help us. I am NOT overwhelmed with too much info too soon and her demo gives me a place to start. Flexibility and openness to many artistic styles and techniques allows Kathy to help each one of us, despite our differing styles or levels. Comfortable with her own abilities, she also tells us ways other artists work that might be useful. She manages to say something honestly positive and helpful to each of us. I find myself beaming like a five year old whose teacher likes my work! By the end of this short workshop, we've all finished a painting! In the end-of-class critiquing, Kathy asks if we think we're finished, what we like or don't, and leads us to think about our work in a constructive way. She elicits and values ideas from any of us about the painting we're critiquing, making us feel our suggestions are as worthy as hers. When Kathy "critiques", she tells what she likes, and sensing or asking what the artist needs from her, responds with a helpful suggestion. Kathy's sunny personality and effective teaching help me go home happy, creative, productive, and inspired, and eager for her next, focused workshop! |
Elaine Kallos |