Is online learning all it's cracked up to be?

You bet!  Got to start by saying though that, as a pro artist and tutor, I love 'real world' teaching and being in the great out doors with my students engaging with my subject and class.  So, how to bring that energy and enthusiasm through a computer to the student at home? Easy. Carry on the same enthusiasm for subject in an equal, if not more so exciting learning arena.  For a kick off, online HELPS students massively, especially those timid about joining a 'real art world class', showing their work, timid with starting...and so on. Although you join an online class you ONLY SHOW IF YOU WANT TOO what you've done. It's all about being in the comfort of your own personal surroundings, watching, listening, engaging and actively taking part as you want. no pressure and its cheap!  Think about it! Big fees for some art courses, away from home, travelling to get there in crushing traffic, fuel, expenses - gear before you go, will I get a good room...and that's just on the tutors side! Online is this - value for money, rewatching over and over again a recorded class you've signed up to in case you missed anything. Easy download images from the best classes, workshops and tutors, step by step tuition, wear what you want and be yourself - no one can see you and what you're painting or judge you (if you are worried about those things), ask questions and get answers to those burning questions, learn from others and generally...have fun with your art in the comfort of your own home! Why have I not started it sooner then? Well, as they say it's a case of watching and waiting for the right opportunity with the right organisation to present itself. All good things come to he who waits and so, when ShopKeepArty (who create lots of interesting online learning classes) asked me to join them, I did my research and jumped straight in. To date I've been involved with two really exciting events with them and its been fantastic to teach students as far away as Australia and USA at the very same time  which has been amazing!  Students who've shared their work with ShopKeepArty afterwards on both their website and Facebook page have shown that they love this way of learning too - and really 'get it'!  I'm personally hooked. I didn't think I would be...but I am!  As such I have a really exciting mixed media 2hr+ 'Seascape Masterclass' booked in with ShopKeepArty on 9 September for only £35. The masterclass allows a full easy to follow workshop pace. Step by step, stage by stage. Clear and precise learning (thanks to the investments I've put in with set up with cameras and sound systems) so you never miss a thing. To find out more and be involved in this fab and exciting live zoom masterclass click my Expressive Mixed Media Seascape Here are some previous fun and engaging art events I've done with ShopKeepArty  The great Artist Paint Off Summer River reflections

Hi readers,  Hands up. Yes, I can see that my post looks like blatant advertising so apologies if any of you see it just as that. Not the main intension.(Thanks Dawn).  The main reason for the post was to share with you the excitement of being involved with learning online. I was told a piece of valuable information some time ago -  You ride the crest of the wave or be swallowed underneath the mass of water that is heading your way. However we look at it, online learning is hear to stay so I got involved as dived straight in. (Pun intended). I think that the way ShopKeepArty have organised things at a fare price (to mention before the ad police get their sirens on), and in a really exciting user friendly way. Don't know about you but I've backed away from being involved with many because its all about 'the course of your dreams' and it rarely ever is and all at an exorbitant price. OK, what about free then? Ever tried it? There are piles of ads and innuendo to buy this, buy that, sign here, sign that are not really all they are cracked up to be either.  So therefore, a little bit of rule bending perhaps when offering you new ways of learning that sure are VALUE FOR MONEY (because I'm doing it) I've no quarms about. Just like my articles for 'The artist' really. It's what you expect. Less waffle and facts to learn which you are paying for which is exactly what the attendees got when they signed up for the masterclass. Oops, there we go, a bit of advertising again! I'll take your advice though folks and sharpen up posts I'll feature here - watch this space as they say. I'll watch what you say in return.  Thank you and happy painting - online or otherwise! Robert