For most of my working career, I worked remotely.  Mostly the companies were located in different states making remote work the most appropriate way to function. In 2020, many workers were forced into remote working along with school children.  To me, this was my normal way to operate, whereas, for many, it was a new and untested way to operate. 
With the onset of remote working, remote learning also escalated, particularly in areas not exposed to online learning. 
Artists that predominately held in-person classes were forced to embrace the world of online to be able to make ends meet and continue their business. 
Suddenly, artists and art classes from overseas we once earned to attend in person, were now in our bedrooms, home office or kitchen table.  All of a sudden online classes became the norm and in-person classes were a distant memory. Of course, now we have the opportunity to enjoy both.

Whilst online classes offer time flexibility as many are pre-recorded on-demand classes and individually paced, does it deliver on community, collaboration, physical art materials, demonstration and guidance?

In-person, classes tend to require more time and financial investment into your development than a short online course.  However, some fabulous online courses allow you to learn new techniques and genres with little financial investment.  It comes down to how disciplined you are to see it through. 

I feel there is a place for both growing and expanding as an artist.  I don't mind an online course here and there, but I do love attending in-person events and courses more, due to the connections, collaborations and personalised attention.

Which do you prefer online or in-person classes or do you mix it up and use both?
Featured artwork: Morning Walk 

For as long as I can remember, I have always had a community around me. Growing up in a small outer suburb in WA, I belonged to the church youth group, at school I was part of the Rotary club for juniors.  Being part of a community has always been important to me. I continued to build a community well into my adult life, including founding Connect Her Women's Business Network. A pesky little virus ended that prematurely. 

Community is where we come together to serve, through service, we then grow as individuals.  It creates an opportunity to learn, teach, experiment, develop and well-being. 
There is a certain joy in sharing knowledge, learning from others, trying new things and opening up growth opportunities, whilst building new connections. 

Recently, I visited a new community of creatives.  I was blown away by the diversity of artists, the acceptance of new people, the sharing of knowledge and the offering of genuine and authentic feedback. 

The artwork you see here came from a conversation at the beginning of the morning and led me to experiment on the day. It is completely different to what I normally produce, it was fun, it was exciting and most importantly, it was created in a safe environment. 

Communities can come in many forms from art classes, creative circles, and monthly paintouts to pizza and paint days.  Belonging to a community and developing relationships with other creatives is a surefire way to grow and expand your skills.  You never know what life brings!


Do you belong to a community or would you like to be part of one?  Comment below.