Need some inspiration and motivation to get you going this year? Online classes are springing up everywhere. Here are my top picks for watermedia courses in 2017.
Online classes are a great way get your creative spark going. Better yet, you can do it at your own pace. These picks are some you may not have heard about. I have not taken the courses myself – they are upcoming. But I have painted with all of the artists in one capacity or another. I love all of these ladies. They are fun and very talented, all. I’m sure that will come across in their courses.
THE GRAND DAMME of watercolor – KARLYN HOLMAN
Anyone who’s met Karlyn knows what a ball of fun she is. She’s been teaching many years (I won’t say how long, Karlyn J), but there’s no better teacher out there. I’m sure she’s got a few tricks up her sleeve for this course.
She’s offering either a 6-mos. Subscription or a 12 month. Here’s a link to the FAQ’s:
http://karlynholmangallery.com/faqkeeping-up-with-karlyn/
It has an amazing list of things included in the course. (Karlyn, how am I ever going to compete with that?)
Very kindly, she has agreed to extend a discount for those of you who mention my name. So, instead of registering online send an email to her: orders@karlynholman.com and be sure to mention Kathie George. That’s it. They’ll give you the discount. (Gee, I feel important).
TONJA SELL. Tonya is so talented.
She does amazing work in so many mediums – including ceramic and glass blowing! She’s offering a course in merging watercolor and pastel.
This course begins on the 11th of January and Tonja is extending her Early Bird discount until the 10th. The vimeo link is a great introduction to her course and you’re gonna faint when you see her stunning work.
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/mixedmediatonjasell
FINALLY, I’d like to introduce you to JANE DAVIES.
The short video on her website home page is a great introduction to get to know her and her work.
She is one of the most prolific artists I know and a wacky sense of humor. The link is to her website, where you can find any online classes she has at the moment. Most are filled right now, but something will pop up soon. As I say, she’s very prolific. And her work is amazing, too.
KATHIE GEORGE
Oops. How did I get in here? I don’t have an online course. I have been giving it a lot of thought. I have promised myself to slow down a bit in the next couple of years, but it’s not easy to say “no”. I love teaching and I love seeing all of my friends when I return for a workshop. Still, health-wise, I know less stress is better. So, I need your feedback, my loyal peeps. WHAT would you like to see in a course?
Are you interested in learning new techniques? Even in another medium than you normally use?
Does a Design Your Own batik class have any interest? Where you’d have access for me to help you with your own designs?
One of my favorite ideas at the moment is a “loosening up” class. It sounds fun to me, but would you sign up for something like that?
I would so appreciate any feedback you can give me. What you like and don’t like about online courses. There are so many and, naturally, I would like mine to stand out.
So, HAPPY NEW YEAR to one and all. May this brand new year bring us all health and much happiness…and enough creativity to make our hearts feel full.
Thank you for reading.
Kathie Xoxoxo
Great choices! I couldn’t agree more! Happy New Year!
Hi
Loosening up classes would be fabulous! Looking forward to your next workshop at MTP
Kathie, I loved your 1 month drawing challenge, perhaps you could tie this to an urban drawing theme to help those of us who don’t know how to get started, I for one would be interested.
Also practical advice for abstract design, and composition, weekly project?
Happy New Year, good luck!
Great recommendations! I have Been thinking about Tonya sell’s class. Her technique reminds me of our rooster that we did that I I love!
I would love a Kathie George online class!! I like the loosen up and design own batik and anything else creative that you would come up with! I prefer the classes that once you purchase it , you have it for life….especially for us still working folks that have to work in the work when we can. I definitely would want you live on camera teaching so we can see and hear you. That is a must. I also appreciate being able to print out important information as it comes up. Happy New Year!! PS. I hope you continue to come here….. but if not I would understand!! You are why I am painting today!! Don’t know if Teresa and I ever told you the story of how we got started…
Happy, happy New Year…..and great health for sure from now on! I have so enjoyed your Tuesday sharing. I have learned so much and tried things I never would have tried with you guidance. Keep doing what you are doing my friend. Hope to see you at SDP in May! Thanks
So much, Barb
Wow…thanks so much for all of this feedback. It helps! and no, Teresa hasn’t told me that story. I would love to hear it. AND nothing, not hell nor high water, will stop me from coming down there to paint with all of you. 🙂
Hi Kathy. Just love your work. You are the reason I have been batiking for the last 5 years. Exclusively. On japanese paper. I would love an online class on batiking or other techniques. I would be very interested in your mentoring and providing overall direction and critiques. Since I don’t know anyone around here who batiks on paper, I feel “lonely” (LOL) and would love a critique of my work. Thanks for your Tuesday blogs which I read and reread! Wishing you health and happiness in 2017.
Happy New Year! Great that you are considering yourself and your health.
As a caregiver, online is about all I can do now so thanks for the links.
I would love for you to do a ‘loosen up’ (sure do need that) or design my own batiks. Recently I have become interested in cityscapes and the play of light – even tried doing a few from my pictures of France..
Be well.
Margaret, I’ll bet your cityscapes are amazing. You can really paint when you put your mind to it!
And Anna, it is quite the compliment that you give me.. Thank you so much. And also for your feedback.
Kathie, I agree with Rosita 100%! You know I have to loosen up ? and would love more classes on it! Would love to learn how to design my own batiks. You always come up with such creative projects. I agree having the classes for life is important because you can do them whenever you have time. I made the mistake of purchasing a 12 month program….a different teacher each month. Working I never seemed to have much time. I ended up at the last month saving the written instructions but you couldn’t save the videos, which were important. So it was a waste of money. Whatever you decide, I’m ready!
I have done the same thing myself, so it’s good to hear the same feelings from someone else. Thanks! And get ready to paint this year – we’re gonna have a blast in Ireland AND FRANCE!. Can you believe it?
Hi Kathie
Happy New Year from Berlin! I would very much appreciate either of the classes you mentioned. I definitely like the batik method – I was part of your class at AOC this past November, along with my two adult children (one with dreadlocks). I haven’t tried to do much along these lines on my own because there are enough steps that I feel I still need some guidance. I’ve got the basic hang of it, but I know that the details could be a little daunting if I try to go it alone. It would also be good to get your feedback when the project is nearing completion – before the final wax coat goes on.
Loosening up is always a good course option as well.
Please keep us posted – hope your year is off to a great start. All the best!
Margie
omg…you are in Berlin? Acht du lieber! Of course, I remember the three of you, and your ears may have been burning last weekend because I was talking to Mary about you. Thanks so much for your opinion. It helps so much.
Kathy,
Yes, I would love an online class with you. I continue to batik and enter shows, selling occasionally. I try
To use my own line drawings and style, but so much would value your critique. Infact, I just completed a floral that I would like for you to see. Do you have an email that I can send it to? I have 3 of Karlyn’s books that I enjoy. You have been a great inspiration and I need to expand my artistic endeavors.
Thank you for all your help,
Jeanne Wagle
Of course, Jeanne. email is: kgeorgestudio@gmail.com Send away!
Kathie, I would love a class on watercolor journaling! How to sketch and watercolor my memories of your fantastic trips to such wonderful places!
I have thought about this, too! So, I’m glad to hear it. I was thinking of incorporating plein air lessons, and also back in the studio from photos. Boy, I’d better get busy with all of these ideas!
Kathie, I think either class idea sounds great. I’d take either of them or both! Do what works best for you.
Hi Kathie, I would love online classes with you. I am getting started in watercolor and have a terrible time with paint consistency and color mixing. I love Batik, which I became familiar with in one of your classes. I need to losenup, so that class would be great for me and being able to keep the classes for future reference would be awesome. I am always open to new techniques. All of your ideas sound great. I love botanical art, landscapes, still life, seascapes. Have a great 2017.
Happy New Year and much good health. I look forward to your post each Tuesday. Would love a class on designing your own batik. All the suggestions sound great. Looking forward to seeing you this fall back at Sunstrokes of south Florida
I have taken on line classes and the ones I like best are where I can send my finished piece for constructive critique by the instructor. I’ve found, for myself, the FB groups set up for classes to be one of my least favorite. Comments are almost never of the type that are constructive critique.
One model used video with the option to ask questions via email and then send photo for a video critique.
Another used video with FB question option and post to FB finished piece.
Another used video with email finished piece for critique and option to CALL instructor with questions.
Price points are important, too. I have paid anywhere from 75. to 400. For a series of classes. Price has not been a good indicator of quality.
You know what your students want in your live classes. Do that with an online class and you will have students, new and returning.
Maggie….thanks! So, of all of the model’s you gave, WHICH was your favorite?
Shalom Kathie.
I so desire to be able to do my own artwork in Batik designs. Please, Bless us with this knowledge and instructor mentorship opportunity! so that we may proliferate the skills to unleash our own artwork onto the fabric medium in batik.
Happy New Year, Kathie!! Since my first class with you ( about 20 years ago!), I have been wishing for a class to learn how to do my own Batik from start to finish. By taking numerous classes from you and traveling with you to France, I have learned how to loosen up a little bit. But there is still room for improvement there , too. I absolutely LOVE the Batiks so my passion would be for a that class so I can broaden my experience with it. When I’m painting one of your batiks, I lose myself, relax and nothing else around me matters at the time.
Above all, any class you decide to teach, will be awesome, just like you. Please put yourself first! That is my New Year’s resolution! Stress is a terrible thing. So take care of YOU first! I look forward to see what class you decide to do. (Pick Batik!!) I love you!
Both Karlyn’s and Tonja’s classes sound interesting. Your endorsement of their teaching ability is a big plus for me.
I think it’s important to be able to understand the teacher and their instructions. Because I’ve taken classes from you previously I know I’d benefit and LEARN from you. I could use loosening up but would be interested in designing my own batiks, too. Jump in there Kathie and do that online class!!! Whatever it is I’ll join you.
I like the non- expiring type online class information!!!! We all think we’ll do this or that but time gets away from us!!! Another thing is easy access. I hate having to keep track of too much info to get access to my online classes!!! I also think I’d like the idea of an e-mail or some sort of reminder about the newest online lesson or video. That’s a big plus about Karlyn’s format.
All that being said, I hope you never stop face to face and in person classes. There is no substitute for being with you!!! I’ll bet some of our enthusiasm rubs off on you, too!!!
Happy New Year Kathie I pray this will be a very happy and healthy year for you. I would love classes with you anything you do I know will be good. I can’t get in classes with you so joining you on line would be wonderful. You always lift my spirts just being around you. So please consider doing on line something what ever it is I know I could learn from it. Lots of prayers coming your way.
I have always wanted to take your design your own batik class, but never had the time or $ to go. An online version would be fantastic! Taking care of yourself should be priority one! We want you around for a long time!!! I know how hard it is to say no! Happy New Year. I hope our paths cross this year.
Thanks for the information. I would be interested in both subjects you mentioned. I do need to loosing up and it would be great to be able to paint batiks from my own designs. The thing that has held me back from doing more online classes is the cost. Being retired on a fixed income is somewhat restrictive. I do appreciate all the wonderful tips and techniques you share with us and I have had the pleasure of taking a classes with you and Karlyn. I wish you a stress free, healthy, blessed Happy New Year. God Bless.
I need to get back to my painting! It is the one thing that through the years has given me real purpose and enjoyment. I took your Batiks course through the Franklin County Art Alliance a couple of years back.
Right now, I believe a class in loosening up would be perfect. Let me know how it works out. Wishing you health and happiness in the new year.
Thank you to all! I started answering everyone and then, half way down, I figured I’d better stop that or you’d get tired of reading my responses. So, Thanks to ALL OF YOU. I’ve read each and every one and made notes. This has spurred me on to do an online class. Karlyn has graciously offered to let me go to her studio and film it.
You’ve put a lot of good ideas in my mind – and some restrictions, too, which is really something I need in order to proceed. THANK YOU! xo
Fantastic suggestions above. Would love to sign up for a Kathie George online course. Really much easier at home in a relaxing atmosphere, even though I would miss getting to see you in person and getting a hug. Definitely love watercolor and batik paintings. Right now I’m negative painting on silk with Setasilk paints. Have a fantastic & healthy New Year. Love and hugs 🙂
Hi Kathie- funny that I just had looked at an email I received from Jane Davies on her new class on abstracts using gelli papers ( I am addicted to this) Alas it is March 4 in Dorset Vermont and I’m taking your Villages course in Florida! Can’t be in two places at once. Anything you would add to online course would be welcomed I loved your tips on mixed media that you shared in Italy.
Judy
Design your own batik class for sure. Painted with you in Merrimack NH probably 7 years ago and loved it. In SC now. Oline tutorial would be great.
Hi
Health & Happiness to you in 2017. I would take ANY on line class with you! I took batik classes at NET and National SDP (in Tampa) with you and really enjoyed them.
I have taken many on line courses. My favorite had recorded classes and also had one live FB session for answering questions. Work could be submitted and viewed by everybody but there was no critique. We could also post questions on each recorded class.
Another favorite had recorded lessons. We then submitted homework and got an individual response. We could ask questions. This was just between the instructor and the student. That was both good and bad – kind of lonely.
You see that I like asking questions!!!!
ANYTHING you come up with would have your usual creative stamp on it. I’ve wanted to take a class with you but just don’t travel well.
Thank you for these Tuesday emails. Lots of fun and inspiration.
Happy New Year Kathie (and Mike). Hope 2017 is a very good year for you.
On-line Kathie George classes – my wishes have come true!!! I have signed up for your three day Design your own batik workshop in Ocala FL, but an on-line class would be wonderful. Every time I do a batik on my own, I run into things I need to figure out and so help from you is always appreciated. Your encouragement from the first batik class I ever had with you to our trips to France and Italy to the latest classes I have attended have helped me so much. SO YES!!!!!! please do some on-line classes – loosening up would be good as I can always use that and DYOB (along with a little BYOB) would be perfect.
I have been reading about Karlyn Holman’s info on her on-line classes and your recommendation convinced me to sign up. I have friends who have done on-line classes but how to choose which is the right one for you without ever meeting or having at least one class with the instructor has always stopped me.
Can’t wait to see what you put together for us. And I agree that it needs to be something which the student can access forever. I printed out the 30 day workshop so I could go back to it periodically.
Take care, stay well, pet the kitties and snuggle in with Mike during the winter when you are still up North.
Hi there, I would love to see you do a refresher course for those that took your classes many moons ago and need to refresh our nimble brains on all the basics that you taught….I personally would like to start painting again and just don’t even know where to begin…I think I have forgotten more than I know….I think I have all the supplies but a good beginner list of those would help too…..What do you think?? I do hope you will be gentle with yourself and rest as much as you can…..Hugs, Barbara
Would love a class in designing my own batiks….I missed the last one you offered at the resort in Minnesota (?)…..getting another chance would thrill my heart!!! Getting loose with the paint also would thrill the rest of me!!
Kathie! Happy New Year! And, a very happy new year to me if you are going to start on line classes! I would love to learn to “loosen up” so that appeals to me. Also, I tried one time to design my own batik…it was not a success! I know I need guidance and yours is the best I know! Love this idea! Count me in!
Thank you for your suggestions of online classes. This is just what I need. I want to study with Karlyn.
I would love a class in designing your own batik. Please let me know if you decide to offer it.
Take care of yourself first! And then us.
Lots of love, Celeste