20 Things Teaching Real Life Art Classes Taught me about Students' Mistakes!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Have you made any of these mistakes? If you want practical, fast improvements to your drawing skills watch 20 FAST Tricks to Transform your Drawing Skills! kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGe9gaRvhpl0ZtE

[@1TimothyFourTen]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber I like no. 11.

[@alicechampagne7091]

Great advice! I have taught a few classes of my own, and these are the two beginner mistakes that I see most often. 1. Leaving a watercolor brush to “soak” in the water jar. 2. Placing the water jar and paints on the side of the non-dominant hand. For example, I have seen right-handed people put their paint and water jar on the left-hand side, so they are reaching across the painting every time they pick up more paint or clean the brush. 😩

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Ah, I didn't include number 1 as my regulars knew what I thought of it and used to scramble to get the brushes out the water when I walked in (!), number 2, yes, I think I still do that, but I have filming equipment in the way, at least that's my excuse :-)

[@stshack]

To solve the “wait to dry problem”, I work on several pieces at a time. Or do some swatches.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I don't seem able to work on more than one thing, I wish I could do it!

[@onetruetroy]

Excellent idea. - I’ve had to develop my organic non preemptive multitasking skills. I can only do one thing at one time, but when I’m the zone, can cycle through different tasks quickly. I’ll have to log my progress on some practice projects.🧐

[@Amanda-uc5jq]

I work on two or three things at once as well, otherwise I fiddle with the painting and end up wrecking it. 😂

[@Michellemixedmedia]

​@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber I use a hairdryer to help ink and watercolour dry quickly.

[@eileencollins3126]

So many of these points are ones I had not thought of! One of my pet peeves in a class is someone who arrives late and wants the teacher to spend a lot of time catching them up. I have a lot of different hobbies, and I think the most valuable point in this list is to try a technique out before doing it on the project. A lot of these ideas are applicable to most hobbies. Great video, as usual. Thanks!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Indeed, think how the teacher feels. Also the one person who rustles bags and makes a big noise getting their stuff out, when everyone else is listening quietly (!)

[@JoAnnWilliams-im6wi]

Michele is my "go to" for all things watercolor. After taking numerous classes on Udemy over the years, Michele is by far the best instructor I have had,

[@sherrybridges7936]

You are so correct on leaving borders for the frame, I keep repeating that mistake, and get so mad at myself.

[@cousinjesse4450]

These observations are very helpful and the life lessons are priceless. The best comparison is your early work to your current work. Took me a lot of soul searching and Michele’s amazing advice to get me in the right place. Art is not an exact science and you never know which creation will turn out to be your personal best. Still waiting for my best work to start but that is part of the journey. Peace, love and good karma to all.

[@Kate-sp1vx6vz9z]

Tip # 19 is right on. I used to have a friend who never had *anything* positive to say about my work. Come to find out that the *only* artist he felt had any worth was Norman Rockwell, and nothing *but* a genuine Rockwell ever got a positive reaction from him (not even Michelangelo). When I realized I was dealing with someone with a ridiculously limited taste in art, I was freed from the criticism I had internalized. Never let them grind you down! And Gimlet says the puzzle piece is under the sofa..... 😉

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Ha the sofa is two rooms away but I wouldn't put it past him!

[@ac1646]

I gasped and then laughed when I read the beginning of your comment. Yes that is a very limited taste indeed!

[@marymellor6433]

Guilty m’lord, as charged! I try not to compare my work at art classes to other people’s. But walk around and appreciate what they are doing, get ideas etc. I often find that I am over critical of my own work. Walk away for a few hours or days and then re-examine it. Often it is better than I originally thought ( perhaps subconsciously comparing to others?). Remember that the others in the class may be at a different stage in their learning to you. I found this particularly in a drawing class where I was dissatisfied about my ability, went back to the drawing the next day and thought, actually this is quite good for someone who has never drawn before!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Exactly!

[@sharonanderson3942]

Such good advice Michele, thank you! Gimlet is adorable. You have validated me in number 20. I thought it was my aversion to making mistakes and having a hint of perfectionism to try things out on scrapes of paper before using the colors or techniques on a "serious" painting. My sketchbooks have lots of swatches and experiments. I look back on these pages and laugh but they were useful at the time!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are so welcome!

[@Iwanttodrawachicken]

My first class taught me to paint at a 20-degree angle to use gravity to our advantage. It can work well for painting with the bead style of wet washes. 35 years later, I tried it again and was surprised how many problems it solves. There are so many styles of watercolour painting that we don't get to see on KZbin.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes this can work, but you still have to deal with the water at the bottom. I've had to demonstrate for art clubs on an entirely vertical easel, let's just say my feet got very colourful!

[@Iwanttodrawachicken]

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber when the bead gets to the bottom, lift it with a brush and use it elsewhere, or move it down to the tape and absorb it with a paper towel. If it's just a sky wash, move the bead to the side tape. Like any painting style, it takes effort to learn and is better with a good teacher. As we were inside, no water or paint was allowed to drip off the painting. A lot easier than dealing with water pooling on horizontal paper.

[@sarahromero1719]

#16 is such a huge one for me! You don't want pencil smears or charcoal streaks all over your pretty lines. It'd be enough to make anybody give it up completely when all you need is that brush to brush away the mistake right along with the eraser bits. It's a very good habit.

[@katemcallister2403]

Great information, as always! Thank you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching!

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

😂Oh I love 💕 the humorous bits throughout this video, especially with Gimlet. I definitely still catch myself doing a few of these mistakes every once in a while. This is a great valuable resource video for beginners! Thanks so much for sharing this one!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Gimlet is very happy you liked the video!

[@debh4190]

Lovely Gimlet content! Such a helpful guy. Have done most of these. Probably will do them again. But at least I will hear your voice in my head pointing it out next time!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Gimlet has not been helpful today, he's been in my kitchen cupboards :-)

[@annettemartinez6917]

Thank you for the tips. Yes, I have done many of them. Good to know that I have corrected my habits on some of them. 😊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Perfect!

[@wiskadjak]

Good talk. I'm going to bookmark this one and review it regularly. About your lost puzzle piece. In my experience Gimlet will likely fish it out and start playing with it again.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I feel like I may find it next time I move house!

[@aliciashackley5830]

A very enjoyable and very true video. I’ll keep my secrets to myself. Lol. Also, Gimlet is much bigger than I had envisioned. Thx as always Michele. 🥰💕🐶💕🥰

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

His hobby is eating. Also I'm very small ;-)

[@aliciashackley5830]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber hahaha Yes I know you’re a petite lady(I stand by this word), but he looks massive and not at all fat. Lol. He’s very handsome. 🥰💕🐶💕🥰

[@sheilasessions5446]

Wait for the paint to dry. Guilty as charged and the lifting, bleeding, and/or blooms to prove it. Also cleaning my palette. I always think I can reuse the colors I previously used or mixed and most times a new project doesn’t use them. Thank you for the advice! 🙏

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

My pleasure!

[@larysacherner312]

That's very helpful, thank you very much for the tips!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem!

[@susanreinersuedahl]

A cup of tea solves a lot of problems doesn't it! Lol Great points. Never thought of some of them. Thanks Michele.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes it does!

[@MariaRevArt]

Really great video. I don't make nearly as many of these mistakes as I used to, but there's always room for improvement.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Absolutely!

[@GaryDerry11]

Exceptional! Thank you for sharing your seasoned skills/insights!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

My pleasure!

[@TheLeahsKitchen]

About the jigsaw puzzle I was just going to say 'ask the cat' when you showed him on the screen. About tilting work - I always tilt my work slightly when I am DRAWING because it helps with getting foreshortening right. But when painting my work is most often flat.

[@peterfuchs1935]

Thank you for the helpful hints!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Any time!

[@kimberlycorliss9616]

Great video! ❤Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your cat!❤ I've always had to work on a flat surface, no matter the medium, it steadies my hand. My cats love it. They're very helpful. I'll bet yours helps too.❤

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Cats love to help with art...!

[@sharonbaker8851]

Bwahaha, Gimlet, for-the-win! 😁All great ideas here. It is impt to note, as you did, the mental attitude one brings to the art table. Comparison and defeatism are the thieves of joy. Working on techniques is all well and good, but I have recently heard that doing what you love and brings you joy is the key to a happy and productive art life! ... And no, I no longer do ANY those things you talk about. (except for #1, 3, 12, 16, 18, 19, 20) 😉🤣

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

ha ha, Gimlet is very naughty though!

[@madgrammy697]

All good for me! I really struggled with an in person art course. I couldn’t keep up. The teacher obviously had a schedule to keep to, which meant they’d move along too quickly for me. It’s put me off a bit.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It can be tricky in a real class, it's true!

[@madgrammy697]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber For the teacher too, I imagine!

[@margbrady]

Gimlet is adorable - he has unusual eyes! We also have a cat fur problem in our house.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It never ends!

[@teresawilson9530]

Thanks, this was so helpful 😊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I'm so glad!

[@jooglerman]

Gimlet is innocent of puzzle theft!! I can tell just by the sweet face😅

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Ha I don't think he would convince a jury...

[@IMMA383]

Love your cat, lol. Thank you so much for this video

[@JoanneBarsantiPhotographer]

#3 - I showed up last week for a class in using ProCreate on the iPad. My Apple pencil was not charged. Felt pretty dumb because I should know better

[@kimberlycorliss9616]

All 20 tips and explanations are very helpful. I love the first one! I'm guilty of several of them, especially not letting things dry. I get antsy and won't leave things alone. Yep, a mess. I haven't lost anything out of my zip lock bags yet. Oops, I didn't clean my palette. Oh, and let me use my hand for brushing off the eraser.🤔😁😊 Thankfully, all fixable.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anniebeanie710]

Check that you dont have the missing piece somewhere on yourself or other similar unsuspected place :) . How many times i have been looking for something and turned everything in the room upside down looking for it and at the end it has been in my pocket or something like that .... Like damn, but at least i had motivation to tidy things :D

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I was sure I dropped a piece and it hit my hoodie, but who knows, it also could have gone inside the big art table... I may find it when I move house!

[@gaemlinsidoharthi]

Perhaps you can paint a new jigsaw piece. 😊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Maybe!

[@suzy1335]

Yes! I have made and make many if not all of these mistakes😐

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

The only way is up then :-)

[@lisasternenkind6467]

I plan my artwork, so I tger to walk my dog cook, füp my housework, buy groceries, or I do one of my fiber arts while waiting for my paintings to dry. So I don't really have a problem with waiting. I rather have a problem getting back to my painting as soon as it's dry. When getting in the flow while knitting, slow stitching, or whatever, I tend to forget about my painting. 😢

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

We all need more hours in the day!

[@lyndalbond8683]

Number 20 is so obvious - but so easy to do especially if you are watching someone like yourself on You Tube - you make it look easy but obviously you have been using these techniques for a long time. I would never think of say driving a car or sewing a wedding dress just using a you tube tutorial. Why do I think its okwith painting. I am trying to much more mindful of this now

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I do sew dresses, and I always make a mock up first, it's helpful with so many things!

[@Bearwithme560]

I'm afraid l have no idea what Rule #15, "Drawing around 3-D objects", means. It would have been helpful to have seen an example - unlike violating the wait-to-dry rule, when it's too easy to imagine the results of continuously tempting fate.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I mean placing a physical object like a leaf on the paper then tracing round the outline, rather than drawing from observing it.

[@onetruetroy]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber like drawing a turkey around your hand! Place the physical object(s) on the paper then draw around them. I could take a photo of that composition from my eye position, and use the reference to make it look 3D. I have brass figurines that have complex reflections and that method would be excellent. A new experiment!

[@Bearwithme560]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Ah, thanks.

[@RuthellenHerzberg]

I found your missing puzzle piece; it was right next to mine. Lol

[@MariaRevArt]

As a teacher who teaches online classes to kids, I am constantly frustrated when a kid arrives 15 + minutes late to a 1 hour class. Heck, even 5-10 minutes late and you've missed the whole drawing part. And then the kid expects me to re-explain the entire drawing part while I have to continue with the painting or colouring part to the rest of the class. It's an online class. It's not that hard to reach on time.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I know, I kind of sympathise being a last minute person, but when it's the same person every week (!)

[@MariaRevArt]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber This. I have empathy, but not when it's a habit.

[@jondoh587]

I vote for Gimlet having his own channel; in addition to his photo-bombing Michelle's videos, of course.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Gimlet is very old, despite appearances and he is not growing old gracefully, he is causing more trouble each year (!)

[@jondoh587]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber 😿🫶

[@caroles5258]

I am so guilty of doing something quick and easy instead of the picture I want to do. I have to wrestle with myself to stop doing diddly stuff and seriously get into a picture. I notice you got another cat statue. Nice. Gimlet has beautiful eyes.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

He does, yes, I went to Egypt and couldn't resist getting a real stone one this time!

[@caroles5258]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Oh wonderful, love the Bastet statue. One from Egypt, wow.

[@AuntieTrichome]

Kittycat’s tail on screen was just too funny 😂 Edit: nr 16 is still my problem. I think of it too late or not at all. No fun when you are using charcoal 😖

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Ah, Gimlet is a terror, cannot behave like a proper KZbin cat 😂

[@AuntieTrichome]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber 🤣🤣🤣

[@SierraNovemberKilo]

​@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebberSue Me channel also has a black cat who waves his tail for attention, meows etc (he's called Audie). My cat used to think I was talking to her when I was on the phone. Jigsaw piece could be under the fridge, under a rug/cupboard etc. Near his food bowl or other safe space.

[@1TimothyFourTen]

If I'd known the value in your teaching. And it is very good, I would have never plopped down 400 US due to the very high pressure sales tactics at Artefacto. Yes, they have good teachers but no better than you. I've learned my lesson there.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Ah I haven't heard of Artefacto. Most platforms have good and bad teachers. It's wise to find one you like and purchase from them, that way you at least know what you are getting. Some of the 'pay a monthly fee and get lots of teachers' don't vet tutors at all.

[@1TimothyFourTen]

@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber well, the drawing teacher is OK and very nice, but I can get the same instruction here with more tips for free. Although I do feel I should buy super thanks bc it's just right and you're definitely worth it. I just can't figure out how to do that over my cell phone.

[@ilonavandertang-vos2198]

Maybe realy stupid, but with nr 19...I do freeze when my friends are too nice... oh beautiful, can you make something for me, my daughter, my mom.... then I freeze...because I don't think I'm good enough for that! I only paint for like 2 years (whit lots of breaks because of post covid...). And then I also doubt that they are maybe this nice to be nice... stupid brains😂😊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It's great when people want you to paint something, a real compliment, but it's important not to let them push you to do something you aren't ready for :-)

[@jns0913]

You are certainly still teaching … me included

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Ha, super!

[@lynnfarrington8651]

I can 'own' so many of these

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

We live and learn!

[@FrankCurtiss]

taking breaks! guilty!