Class for One

Class-for-one is essentially what happens when you’re a self-taught ______ (fill in the blank). In other words, you set the syllabus, class schedule, homework load, and supply list. You decide if it’s easier to learn with books, through videos, or just jump right in. You choose if 6am classes work for you or if night-owl learning is more your style.

And, you determine whether you pass or fail. Of course, you pass…you’re the teacher as well as the student. 

Despite the challenges of this approach, there’s freedom in taking this learning curve at your own pace. You learn by doing. Your commitment and potential for growth align with your program expectation. 

How it all started

It was Spring 2020, and our world took a sharp turn into uncharted territories. The global pandemic required we shelter in place. I was anxious. I needed something task-oriented to release my angst productively. That was Day One of my self-taught art education. 

I bought a few how-to books, some paints, pens, and a sketchbook. While I launched enthusiastically, I had no idea what to do next. Peggy Dean’s Botanical Line Drawing was my first ‘class.’ I started on page one and worked my way through the book, copying every plant, flower, and leaf instructed. I practiced by repainting the lessons on envelopes to match companion cards, creating custom stationery of sorts. This occupied my time, cleared my head, and surprisingly unwound the knot in my belly.

3-18-20

My first attempt at drawing, at following directions, at learning what would become an invaluable skill and save my sanity during uncertain times. Peggy starts with leaves, so I did too. One at a time.

Practice makes progress

I’ve painted almost every day since my first class--save a few excused absences.

During the past 2.5 years, I’ve been fascinated with the incremental progress and equally frustrated when repeating the same technique yields less than stellar results. I’ve spent hours on YouTube and Skillshare, pushing pause and rewinding in ten-second increments…a drawback of not being able to raise my hand to ask a question. 

I bought better paints and showed up with a better attitude. Guess what? My paintings progressively got better, according to my report card. Online videos were a two-part series for me. First, I would watch them like a Netflix movie--only popcorn allowed in hand. No paints. No sketchbook. Afterward, I would watch again with all my supplies, ready to confidently tackle the composition. This approach is still followed today and has significantly aided in the progress of my art. 

Being self-taught means I make the rules; I also break them and learn from them. I get to sign up for upper division classes only when I’m good and ready—and, there are no demerits in repeating a course. 

The education researchers are right: class size matters. The class-for-one outcomes that result from undiluted focus and attention are astonishing…both student and teacher agree!