Frequently Asked Questions
Note: As new questions come in, I will be updating this page with answers. Please check in frequently.
Q: What is the time limit on access to the recorded classes and FB Group page?
A: You will have access to recorded classes and video lessons till August 17, 2024 and access to the FB group indefinitely.
Q: How will I ask questions and get feedback?
A: I will be offering feedback to the group on the private facebook page. Please know that the techniques offered are for your experimentation - there is no perfect or wrong way to do them. You will learn by doing - trying new methods. I will not be “critiquing”, as much as making suggestions, supporting and cheering you on. If I see several people are having the same problem, I’ll make suggestions and offer feedback. The images picked for feedback will be the ones that offer the most benefit for group learning.
Many times the feedback that helps one student is the exact same feedback that will help someone else, so it’s very important to keep up with the posts. Please know in advance I will not be commenting on every image that is uploaded, so if you feel you need a lot of individual attention, this workshop may not be the right fit for you.
That being said, I do try to make sure I give feedback to students as equally as possible. I often point out paintings that have turned out very well. Please know I’m not playing favorites - its for your learning purposes. I would like for the beginners to feel inspired by the more advanced students - rather than intimidated. We all have to start somewhere, there is no reason to ever beat yourself up. Better to pat yourself on the back for the courage it takes to learn something new :-). If you are stuck on an issue and have a question, just ask. I will try to see the questions that come up. If I miss it, let me know.
Q: Once I register can I change my mind and get a refund?
A: You can get a 90% refund up to April 2. After that date I will not be offering any refunds. So please make sure you want the workshop before you buy it. This is a 4-session workshop, there is not an “a la carte” option to buy only the classes you are interested in.
Q: I’m not very “techie”, will this be a problm?
A: If you have a tech question(s) or run into issues, reach out on the private Facebook Page, post your question and ask. Either myself or someone in the group will try to help.
Q: Supplies - do I need to order the exact same products from the store that is linked in the supply list?
A: No. The supplies are just a suggestion - if you can find a similar at a better price, better delivery time somewhere else, do so.
Q: If I don’t want to buy a more expensive professional grade paint, what should I buy?
A: If you don’t want to experiment with expensive professional grade paint, use student grade paint, which has a lot less pigment in it, dries more translucent (less opaque). The price of the paint reflects it’s quality and pigment load.
Q: What skill level do I need to take this workshop?
A: The workshop is suitable for all levels. The homework exercises will entail working with relatively simple objects and shapes. You are not expected to draw or paint complex subjects. My experience is that whenever you are learning something you’ve never tried before, it can be challenging - no matter what your skill level. If the homework assignments feel too challenging, modify them as necessary to suit your skill level. In other words, make the assignments do-able in any way you need to.
Q: Can I just read your book instead of taking the workshop?
A: Yes of course, but the lessons and exercises covered in the workshop are not covered in the book. Also there are obvious advantages to working in real time with an instructor who can demonstrate/critique/and answer specific questions. Seeing the work of your fellow classmates - who are working on the same assignments is very educational and inspirational. As we all know, reading is not the same as actively participating.
Q: How do I watch the lessons?
A: We’ll be using Zoom to meet. If you have never used Zoom, here is a list of tutorials you can watch. My suggestion is that if you have never worked with Zoom you should try it out by having a meeting with a friend or a family member.
You need a computer with an internet connection, or a digital “smart” tablet / smart phone.
Before each meeting I will send you a link and password to enter the online meeting room.
Click on the link, and type in the password to log on and enter the meeting. Click on “start video” to be seen by the other participants, or “start audio” to be heard. if you would rather not be heard/seen click on the video/audio icons at the bottom of the screen to feature a red slash across each icon.
Q: Do I have to be present for the zoom class?
A: No. You can watch the class recording whenever it is convenient. After the live presentation, it may take several hours to upload the video so please be patient.
Q: What if I live in another time zone?
A: if the live Zoom meetings are not at a convenient for you, the recorded videos can be watched anytime.
Q: Can I share the videos and lessons with my painting friends or students?
A: No. “Sharing” with a someone who has not paid for the workshop is unethical - the content is not free. Acquiring the knowledge and experience that is presented in this workshop has taken many years. Preparing this course has been time-consuming. Please respect that. Also the material presented is protected under my copyright. Teachers may not take any part of my presentations and use it - or the homework assignments - to teach their own classes without my permission.
Q: Why the Facebook format?
A: The beauty of the online format is that so much can be learned by seeing how your classmates interpret and handle the exact same assignment, and reading any feedback. If you see that a classmate has done something you admire - ask them how they achieved the effect. Our group is for sharing, learning and supporting. Please know that the group page is PRIVATE - no one will be able to view your posts except your fellow classmates.
All comments need to be supportive and helpful - not critical or demeaning. Also, If someone wants “constructive critisism” feedback from the group or anyone specifically, its up to them to ask.
Q: What if I don’t have a Facebook account?
A: You will need a facebook account if you don’t already have one. After you register for the workshop, you will receive an invitation to join the FB group. Accept the invitation. After doing so, you’ll be able to post your images, ask questions and meet your classmates.
Q: Am I required to do the homework assignments?
A: No - but you will learn much more if you do. We learn by doing, not by intellectually agreeing or understanding.
Q: How and when do I post my paintings?
A: Please upload photos of your exercise paintings(s) within the week of the assignment.
If you have any questions that need more clarification, please contact me by email: mollicapatti(at)gmail.com
Note:
It is my sincere hope that by taking this workshop you will learn techniques that will result in your ability to create looser, more energetic paintings. It takes practice to acheive the results you are aiming for. Chances are you may have trained yourself to paint in a very exacting, detail oriented manner. It’s hard to break old habits! But if you practice, do the exercises, and persist with intention, you will have as much enjoyment with these techniques as I have over the years. And it will show in your paintings. Please don’t hesitate to ask me any questions - thats what I’m here for. I look forward to working with you.
Warm regards,
Patti
