In this conversational group session hosted by art instructor Christie Renee Hawkins, student Sarah shares her journey from her first painting experience in a classroom setting to rediscovering art through Hawkins' online classes, despite the challenges of parenting a young child. The dialogue explores themes of embracing experimentation over perfection, the confidence boost from supportive peer feedback, and the value of a vibrant online community where members cheer each other on and exchange ideas. Participants also discuss the social impact of in‑person meet‑and‑greet events that transform virtual connections into real‑world friendships. Practical teaching tools such as a multimedia pad for brushstroke and pressure practice are highlighted, along with the flexibility of painting on various surfaces. The conversation concludes with excitement about future large‑scale gatherings, additional tutorials, and seasonal celebrations, underscoring the community’s commitment to ongoing artistic growth.
Chapters
All right, Miss Sarah, what about you?
Uh, I started painting with you in January. We did the snowman palette, and that is the first time I have ever painted. Oh wow, outside of like 5th grade, right?
Right.
And, um, I only did it that one time, and I really loved it, and I wanted to always come back, but I have a young son and can't always find the time. So when you opened up the online class, that's when I decided I had to. And it's just my creative outlet.
Yeah, and you're doing good. You're so good.
Thank you.
I don't always feel that way, but maybe it's— I think sometimes when you don't think you know everything, it's easier just to experiment and get it right because you're not overthinking.
Yeah, and learning to just let go and just have fun that you're creating, and then something will you know, kind of happen along the way. I was kind of talking about that in the painting that I was working on earlier today. I didn't have an exact plan for where I was. I had an idea of where I wanted it to go, but then you kind of just let the paint take you where it takes you. And that's the fun, you know, that's the fun of, you know, creating and doing that too.
So I change my mind as I'm going.
Yeah.
Yeah. And learning to be able to be comfortable enough to do that, I think is a huge thing because in the beginning, like you said, if you've never painted before, You know, that would just like make you nervous.
Yeah, I picked what I thought was the easy painting to do. Yeah, just because there was no way I was gonna do some of these other ones.
But, but now, now you know they're not as hard as they look, right?
Now we do things that are— that I see that I think are difficult, but then they end up being a lot easier than I thought, right? I can pause, and something that takes you an hour and a half might take me 3 hours, but, but I can do it.
That's okay.
Yep.
And then we've got all these cheerleaders online, you know, we can post.
Well, that's what I was going to say about you. You're one of the best cheerleaders in the group, for sure. Actually, all 4 of you are. You all are very complimentary to each other. But, um, and that's— that was another thing I wanted to talk about. What do you guys think? I mean, the, the art and the teaching and stuff is awesome, but don't you think the online community is like To me, that's one of the best parts, because if we were all just doing it on our own, you're still just in your home by yourself, and then you're looking at it and you're criticizing yourself, and then you go put it up. But instead, like 90% of the time when they post something, they're like— and I'm gonna make it a new rule that you can't say, well, I don't like this, but there's usually a negative comment about their own painting, and then everyone else is like, no, no, no, that was my favorite But it's so important.
I think we learn from each other because what I see is not necessarily what you see or you see, but then you do something, I'm like, oh, I wish I'd done that. I'm gonna have to do another one.
Yes. Yeah, and there was one, I think it was Pamela's, I hope I'm not giving credit to the wrong person or getting it wrong, who did that mason jar. Do you guys remember that when I taught the mason jars? Yes. And it was like that teal, like, I mean, it was so pretty and I mean completely different than what I did. So it was like gave you guys a different version to look at and say like, oh, I could do one like that too.
I'm still going to do the Brooklyn Bridge instead of the Eiffel Tower. I just haven't yet.
I'll do it with you.
I want to do that.
I'll look it up.
Send me a picture.
But well, we give each other ideas and Yes. It's not like we don't know each other because we make comments and, you know, you have a lady in Canada, you have one I think in Israel.
I'm not sure, but I know I have one in North Carolina and Vegas and all over.
But you get to where you think you know them because of what they say and what they do.
Yeah, you know their face from their online picture, but then when you had your meet and greet, that was so nice to meet everybody else. Yeah, I know.
So next year I can't wait for our big one where we get everyone from the United States and Canada, not leaving Denver out, and Canada. So that'll be super fun.
That was awesome, and I love the community of it because you get to, um, you have a common background— maybe not background, but you have a common interest of being able to paint, and then you can share ideas like she said.
It was like we'd known each other forever.
Yeah, and there wasn't any awkwardness. You know how when you go someplace new and you don't really think you know anybody? This was completely different at the meet and greet. It was just— everybody was welcoming, you know, we were all excited to meet one another, and that's the social part.
Yeah, exactly.
And that was what I loved. And I didn't want that night to end. I'm sorry, I just did.
I know, I felt like it ended really quick, and I was like, I didn't even eat my food, it's already time to go.
And it was raining would we learn?
But it was fun, so we'll definitely do more of those and do a Christmas party of some sort. I'm excited. It's gonna be big. I know.
Yes, and you— well, and the other thing that I like is you can put it on a canvas, you can put it on wood, you could put it on glass, you can make it big, you can make it small.
And the multimedia pad, that is a godsend to practice.
Yes, yes, yes. It's been one of my— I mean, to teach you guys on, I'm like, why haven't I been using this for for years to show people techniques on this.
I always have it sitting there, like maybe doing the palm fronds or, you know, a flower. Okay, now I can.
Exactly. Yeah. And even just testing your brushstrokes, learning, yes, like pressure. If you want super skinny lines, you can test multiple times until you're finally— yeah, different brushes— until you finally are like, okay, now I can take it to my canvas. So that's very good. Well, thank you guys so much. Did you have anything else you wanted to say before we— It's awesome.
Join us.
Don't be sorry.
It's a good time.
You'll get all of this, all of the tutorials and information that we already have.
Yeah, you guys will get all that.
I don't know any other group that does that.
Well, thank you guys so much for taking the time out and doing this with me. Me, and I love y'all.
