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Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) are common questions that tend to recur through posts or queries by new users or are related to common knowledge gaps in online information.
If you do not see the answer to your question here, please use the contact us page.
Updated May 5, 2023
Learning
Includes the following.
What's Our Learning Process?
Learning is vital to the success of any classroom, but it doesn't just happen. Our instructors are essential in education, and we believe good teaching is an art!
We recognize unique visual artists who are lifelong learners with exceptional intrapersonal communication skills as vital in learning. We provide them a platform to teach as visual art instructors, a way to connect with others outside the studio and become an integral part of our overall curriculum.
"Tell me, and I forget, teach me, and I remember, involve me, and I learn." -Benjamin Franklin.
We believe good teaching is an art!
Learning is vital to the success of any classroom, but it doesn't just happen. We believe that good teaching is an art! Each of our instructors creates an experience and is critical in the process. Each builds a community of learners, encouraging individuals to improve their skills or make meaningful connections with others. They create a respectful environment that is warm, welcoming, and non-judgemental, where learners focus on techniques of medium or subject matter, not a specific artistic style or unique aesthetic.
Can I Learn How to Draw or Paint?
Anyone can learn to sketch, art journal, draw, or paint with knowledge, practice, and a supportive community!
Drawing classes for absolute beginners are offered at least once a year, such as "Down to Earth Drawing Basics" or "Painless Perspective for Drawing or Painting. Be sure to review the "Skill Level," which registering for each class.
Click here to assess your skills.
May Absolute Beginners Attend?
Yes! Prerequisites are not required for any class with a skill level that lists "Absolute beginner."
Absolute beginners to advanced are welcome to enroll. Please review each registration form's "skill level" if you are looking for intermediate to advanced.
What Ages May Attend?
Adults (over 18) are welcome to register. Ages 16 & up may attend if accompanied by a guardian.
Unfortunately, we do NOT offer youth or teen classes now. Please visit the Drawing Studio's website for information on their youth program.
Repeating Classes or Workshops?
You are welcome to repeat classes based on your interests as often as you like.
Materials & Supplies
Includes the following.
Supply List for Class?
Materials are included in some classes. Please check the registration form for more details. Some supplies are available on-site if the class is at the TPS Art Center.
Most supply lists are available click here to find your class.
What do I need to bring to class?
General supply lists are available on each class enrollment form at the bottom of the page. If none is provided, the instructor will email you a list before the start date of the class. Please check your spam folder for these electronic communications.
Also, the instructor will review all supplies and materials on the first day.
Where can I purchase supplies locally in Tucson?
Click here for a list of local supply stores in Tuscon, Arizona.
The Visual Arts
Includes the following.
What are the traditional Visual Arts?
"The Arts" is a modern umbrella term for a broad category that includes some of the artist's disciplines, such as the performing arts, conceptual art, and the "visual arts." The "Visual Arts" category includes fine art and applied decorative arts or crafts.
Traditional visual arts include drawing, painting, printmaking, calligraphy, sculpture, metalsmithing, woodworking, jewelry making, origami, glass blowing, glass cutting or fusing, ceramics, monuments, and architecture.
What is an Atelier?
In the past, training in the traditional visual arts was through a variation of an apprenticeship, a workshop system called an "Atelier" under a master artist, or in modern times, through an art school or an art program under a university or college. However, in the 21st century, art education has forged a new path with various options, including in-person classes or online tutorials.
What are modern Visual Arts?
Modern visual arts include assemblage, collage, mixed media, fiber art, photography, digital art, and installations.
What is Studio Art?
"Studio Art" means working in a place set up for using art supplies or various materials.
A single "studio" is an artist's or worker's workroom. The word 'studio' is derived from the Italian word that means to study: studio, from Latin: studium, from studere, meaning to study.
In a studio environment or area for art classes, tables or easels are provided and used with any other visual art medium for artistic training or study.
What is 'Open Studio' for Life Drawing?
Otherwise known as "Life Drawing," it is a very old academic tradition. It allows students to practice drawing or painting from a live model outside of class but with a formal class format or with a facilitator or moderator.
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| Life Drawing Class from École des Beaux-Arts, French Art School |
Students work without an instructor, observe the work that others are producing within the session, or share information while the model takes breaks. It's a great way to keep in practice if you can't take a class.
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| Life Drawing Class |
What is Live Model Etiquette?
It refers to some basic guidelines when working with a live model. These include the following:
- Please respect the model's break time and limit your conversations accordingly. Remember that the model is here to do a job and is paid for their time.
- Please be quiet while the model is posing. More movement or noise makes it extremely hard to hold their pose or concentrate.
- If you liked the model's poses or felt that they did a good job, please give them a tip when the session is over!
- Photography is ONLY permitted during a clothed or costumed session and at the model's discretion. Some models are willing to allow you to take reference photos of them. However, some may charge money for this service, as this is part of the livelihood. Please ask the model for permission before photographing them during their pose!
Could I Photograph the Model?
No, we have strict rules for Photographing Models.
Taking a photo of any model while posing nude is NEVER allowed under any circumstances, even if the model agrees, no exceptions!
What is a 'Group Critique'?
A detailed analysis or evaluation of your work where other students and the instructor provide position opinions and constructive feedback.
Learning a New Skill?
Below are some links to perspectives that can inspire you to get started or continue on.
- Deliberate Practice: A Guide to Mastery - Deliberate practice is a mindful and highly structured form of learning by doing.
- Focused and Diffused Thinking: The Ping Pong Technique
- Study Tips - The Science of Studying
What is an 'Open Studio' for Artists?
It refers to an event inviting the general public to visit an artist's studio. This gives artists a chance to show & sell their work while the public gets an opportunity to learn more about the individual artist and the artistic process and support the local arts community!
Donations
Includes the following.
May I donate supplies?
Yes, we do take art supply donations.
Donations Without a Tax Credit
Yes, we may take your art supply donations. However, we operate as a privately owned small business and can not provide you with a tax credit receipt.
Donations With a Tax Credit
If you wish to receive a tax credit for your art supply or book donations, please donate to the Tucson Pastel Society.
They are a 501(c)(3) operated organization and will happily provide you with a receipt and drop-off location.
You may contact them via their contact form. Click here.
Our Policies
Includes the following.
What are the Policies?
For all our policies, visit the policy page or use the contact us form if you have further questions.
