Angie L

When I first entered this class I had taken a class with the same instructor the previous semester which consisted of drawing mostly dry monochromatic media and one liquid medium which was also monochromatic. I was very afraid to attempt to try anything with color that was not dry. However, to much of my surprise, I discovered there is a possibility to adapt from seeing light, dark and shades of gray, to seeing reds, yellows, blues and all the conceivable combinations and some unexpected ones.

I also began to use my eyes by looking at the canvas, or in my case corrugated cardboard covered with gesso, finding the painting in the paint itself. I also learned to see much more carefully than I did before. I learned that you can make art out of trash that would have been thrown out to the dump and that you can make something beautiful out of something that was just a huge mess of splattered muddy paint. But what I think I learned the most out of the whole class it it’s not what you paint but how you paint it.

Abel R

Art is something very important to me and over this class I have learned so much. To me before I understood much about art I would look at something like a painting and think how is this possible. At first, oil painting to me was something I would never dare doing. I would feel intimidated. I really enjoyed having discussion with the class and hearing what everyone had to say and looking at what others were painting.

Even though this is a painting class I can use much of what you have said in other parts of my life.
What you have said opened my eyes to see everything.

• Considering (1st painting) I never had any experience with oil painting the colors were very bland, I just used the color right out of the tube mixing occasionally with white. As a result the painting was very flat. I had not really considered the white spaces I had left until you told me to address the white spaces.
• I explored how to handle the paint much better.
• And to use the arm and incorporate the body, instead of painting with a stiff handling of he brush.

Joanne O

• I have learned a lot about oil paints from taking this course this semester, particularly on its use. At first I was not sure how to use oil paints. The second still life with the metal container and ivy was the point where I started to use more paint and apply it more thickly. (About last painting) I am very satisfied with that work, from how I went painterly and how it achieved the dark atmosphere I was looking for. I hope to continue to oil paint and apply the knowledge I learned in this class.

	Bill B This oil painting class has been a terrific way for me to take up painting again. I dabbled in oil before I started my career. Now that I’m retired, I’ve been able to take up again an early passion.   I’ve learned: That a painting takes months, if not years to complete.
	The use of medium How to stretch a canvas To use light to advantage while painting The idea of “visual thinking” The move from general to specific It’s been a great class and I’m looking forward to working more in the drawing and composition class. Thanks for a great semester.

Melissa G * I don't hav photos for all the students

I can honestly say I really enjoyed this class. At first I had absolutely no idea what I was in store for. I really thought I was just going to be told what to buy and be free to paint what I wanted. Little did I know…

Well, I can say that I was a little frustrated in the beginning of the class. Looking back now, I truly appreciate the teaching you provided us with. Looking at my art, I see a complete transformation. I notice that I learned about depth, shadow, contrast, and even a painterly way of painting. With one of my paintings you explained to me it had potential to draw in more interest. Now, this was a surprise to me because I was pretty satisfied with it. With you telling me this, I just went to town. I just kept painting. I noticed the more time I spent on my paintings, the more interesting they got.

With another painting you asked me if I liked my painting. I wasn’t sure, so you explained ways I could improve it. I said I wanted it to look less flat, and you showed me ways I could add texture with brush strokes and tints of color. How I could simply add a tint of brown to an army green, to make it look less flat, and it worked!

What I basically learned in this oil painting class was to take my time. I go through paintings so quickly due to my impatience. Having you as a teacher, you really taught me ways of dealing with my impatience. I learned how to critique my own painting and observe it more. I learned ways to make my painting better in my eyes and keep me more satisfied. I learned about different types of painting, artists and eras in art. Overall I really enjoyed this class because I truly learned a lot.

Bill M

As a student in oil painting with Ms. Wendy Angel, I have learned a great deal. What I Have Learned Beginning Oil Painting:

• The importance of research.
• That I am the authority of my own artwork.
• I’ve read dozens of art books over 40 years of interest in art:
  • Art books are not enough.
  • Classroom training makes a world of difference.
  • Teachers inspire students who are open to learning.
  • Internet learning cannot replace classroom learning.

Wendy Angel is one of the finest art specialists I have ever met. Ms. Angel is a hands-on instructor, who gently pushes and prods a struggling learner to the art of accomplishment. She teaches students to not only appreciate art, but to exceed their boundaries; to push past their comfort zone. She has taught me to create order, even if I start off with chaos; and to paint through a mistake or mishap. She also teaches not to wait for inspiration. Begin with paint and painting and the scene gradually arrives in a completed state as you continue.

Regina G I really enjoyed being in this oil painting class this semester. I have learned so much and I am very glad I had a chance to take this class. I learned about washes and glazes, I didn’t know you could do that with oil paint. I experimented with more of an abstract style. I was discovering different color combinations and what ones complimented each other. I was trying different textures and brush strokes. I also learned how to measure and look at a still life and replicate it as much as I could and so it could look more natural. Another thing I learned was how to mix colors better. Also, how everything in the composition relates to each other with color and how to make it so the viewer’s eyes flow nicely across the painting.

* Dear Students,

First, Thnak You!

I use the photos and comments that I have.
You are welcome to send me material that shows and discusses learnng in Art classs.
And, always feel free to let me know if I posted something you don't want posted!

E-mail: webmail (at symbol) actualart.org