8 January 2011 journal page

I've had several people ask me if I ever get to take any online classes? Why, yes, I have!

Right now I am taking Juliana Coles' Initiation class. Juliana packs her classes full of art journaly goodness. She gets you down and dirty and right to the heart of the matter. I have taken several in person classes with Juliana in addition to buying her online class booklets. She is one of the best artists and instructors out there. She keeps it real and gives her most to her students. This workshop is amazing and I would highly recommend it.

Another favorite instructor whose classes (both in person and online) I've taken is Carla Sonheim. Carla's silly, funny and inspiring. If you want to learn how to open your eyeballs and SEE things and be inspired enough to put pen to paper, then Carla is the woman you want to see. I have her book, too (ya need it!). Her classes are fun, accessible to everyone and just silly (in a good way. Join up and you'll see what I mean). I printed out three copies of the handouts and Tristan and I worked through them last summer on the airplane ride from Los Angeles to Boston. We had a blast. Her classes are perfect for ages 1 to 101!

Then, from time to time, I have someone ask me,

"Why are YOU taking THAT class (or ANY class)? Don't you know how to do that already?"

My attitude is that we can all learn something new from any medium-even a medium that we've been working in for over a decade (or longer). There's always something new to learn even if it's just a new approach or an inspiration flame that gets you going and sets you off in a new direction. Taking classes should be FUN and most of all inspiring! It's all about how you look at things and how open you are to new ideas and approaches.

What are some classes you've taken that you've loved (in person or online)?