Patricia Allen

Before you go

• Pack the supplies needed to work with the instructors effectively. Usually, a supply list is provided.
• Bring a positive attitude and expect to be influenced as an individual and as a painter.
• Plan to live, talk and breathe art with people who have the same interests as you, are fun and also want to learn. Plan to "just be" for a time.

While you're there

• Relax and absorb the beauty of the environment. Refill your visual image bank and allow inspiration and excitement about painting to grow within you.
• Remember that the workshop experience isn't a competition. You're not expected to impress anyone.
• Ask questions.
• Work hard and push the limits of your expectations of yourself.
• Make good use of the opportunity to see the work of your fellow colleagues without comparing yourself to them.
• Plan to learn at least one new idea to apply to the way paint.
• Don't even begin to try to make a painting that looks like that of the instructor.

Back in the studio

• Once back at home, paint.
• Apply that new idea you learned in a series of new paintings.
• Study the work you produced in the workshop and apply suggestions from the instructor's critiques.
• Watch tapes of the workshop lessons or study notes from the demonstrations to carry the momentum and inspiration of the workshop into your daily painting life.