Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I’m the only one in class that has never painted? A: Seeing other students produce realistic artwork or easily fill a canvas may feel uncomfortable at first. I’ve learned that many novitiates bring a sense of fun to the class, which is very important. They also display a fresh artistic point of view, which even professional artists can enjoy and learn from.

Q: What if I’ve painted for years and shown my work; won’t I be bored in a class with beginners? A: Cover-the-White classes have many layers of emotional, artistic and technical expression. wisdom of abstract and realistic painting intertwine, painting can be a shamanic journey.

Q: What if I can’t find or can’t afford the materials suggested for Cover-the-White classes? A: Almost any dry medium will do until you take the leap to buy paints. Sam Feinstein created amazing portraits using Crayola Crayons. Students have used Cray-pas, pastels and colored pencils. Paints are easier, if for no other reason than you can easily white-out “mistakes,” and perhaps learn quicker.

Q: What if I really want to paint but only want to learn realistic painting, not abstract painting? A: Classes focus on both realistic and abstract. As time goes on, many students prefer one over the other. I feel it’s important to experience both. Creating “wild ones” at the start of each class is particularly useful. I think of those initial, expressive abstracts as warming up exercises, much like an athlete would stretch before a marathon.

Q: What if I have to travel or focus on work or family issues and miss classes? A: First of all, you may sign up and pay bi-monthly if absolutely necessary. Secondly, what you miss as I instruct a fellow student, you will hear when you reach that point in your artistic growth. Lectures reoccur, so you’ll catch up easily. Cover-the-White classes are organic.