I have often pondered the wisdom behind the saying, "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." This phrase has surfaced repeatedly in my life over the past few months, and its significance has deepened as I reflect on my own journey as both an artist and a teacher.

During the last week of my loose landscapes class, one of my students approached me with a revelation. She shared that she wouldn't be returning next term. Though she adored art and frequented galleries, the act of painting did not bring her joy. My class had, however, helped her crystallize her true desires, and she realized that perhaps art-making wasn’t her calling. Her decision was a reminder that art, and my teachings, might not resonate with everyone, and that’s perfectly ok. She complimented my teaching skills and mentioned that she had recommended my classes to a friend. Perhaps, for her, a class focused on art appreciation would be more fulfilling and engaging.

This encounter resonated with me, particularly as I navigate my own artistic journey. For some time, I have harboured a desire to elevate my landscapes with more vibrant and dynamic colours. I have always known the direction I wanted to take and the feel I aimed to achieve, yet mastering it independently seemed unattainable. I felt, I needed to witness others manipulating colour in their works.

A few months ago, I attended a demonstration by a gentleman whose watercolour landscapes were vivid and alive. His insights and techniques provided me with new elements to incorporate into my work. Observing his process and hearing his explanations allowed me to better structure my approach to colour combinations.
Subsequently, I attended another demonstration by a landscape painter who specialized in soft pastels. Her explanations and methods further refined my colour strategy, streamlining my process even more.

Recently, I stumbled upon another artist who thrives on rich, vibrant colours to reimagine her artworks. Her bold use of colour, expressive brushstrokes, and innovation to conventional colour usage resonated with me. Currently, I am over halfway through her course and am thrilled to find that I can finally adjust my processes to achieve the look and colour vibrancy I have long aspired to.
Reflecting on these experiences, my readiness to learn and grow in my artistic journey has drawn the right teachers to me at the right moments. Each encounter has brought valuable lessons and inspirations, guiding me closer to my goals. Indeed, when the student is ready, the teacher will appear, and these teachers have been instrumental in shaping my path towards artistic fulfillment.
 
Have you learned a valuable tool or skill through a teacher who just appeared when needed?  Leave your comments below. 

Featured Artwork: Black Rock -unavailable until mid April 2025

Recently I attended an open studio.  One of the exhibiting artists talked me through some of her works of self-portraits.  She explained the process and suggested it would be a great exercise for my classes.

I had several attempts before taking it to class to see how I felt and to give it a go.  Holding a mirror or a photo of you and blind draw your image is both challenging and exciting.
At class we spoke about Pablo Picasso and his portraits, they were not what the critics expected when he first produced them and was often criticised.   

At class we loosened up by each blind drawing a person I front of us.  Most felt more comfortable to be drawing the person in front of them.  We then swapped from being the drawer to the subject.  Each were able to feel what the other experienced. 
 
The next step was to add some collage paper to our paper then take a photo of ourselves. Now for the blind drawing.  Some felt it challenging to look at a photo of yourself deeply as you blind draw, not diverting your gaze to your page or taking your pencil off the paper.   Initially there was a lot of giggles and embarrassed sighs, then there was quiet as the room found the rhythm and eased into a calmness.
 
Art can be both liberating and challenging, it can be thought provoking or whimsical it can give you strength and hope, it can stress or destress. Art is emotion.  Art is so much to so many, a world without art is a world with no feeling or imagination. 

Lee runs classes both privately and group sessions, along with Creative Circle at Art in the Garden Room.