FAQ Online Courses

Both the Art Boost and the Creative by Nature Art program are offered online. It can be hard to imagine how you can learn hands-on nature based drawing and painting in this way. I hope some of these frequently asked questions and their answers help. If you still have questions after reading this don’t hesitate to contact me.

17bphoto

Spontaneous heart painting

 

When and where is this class?
I haven’t painted before. Is this class for me?
I am already a professional artist. Is this class for me?
I have taken an in-person workshop with you before. What is the difference?
I’ve never taken an online class before.  How does it work?  Do I need to be at my computer at a certain time?
Do you offer a home study class so I can work at my own pace?
What materials will I need?
How much time will I need?
How much physical space will I need?
Will I be able to communicate with others during the course?
Do I need a high-speed Internet connection to view the course videos?
I live in a far away country. Can I take this class?

Does the class “meet”, e.g. via skype?
Can I use a mobile device to access the class materials?
Do I need to be available or online at particular times?
Do I have to participate in the online classroom?
Will I learn a lot of new painting techniques in this course?
I will be away for some of the time the class is running.  Does this matter?
Will the classes be available after the end of the course?
Can I give this to a friend as a present?
How do I know if this course is for me?
What teaching materials do I get to keep after the class?
How much are your courses and how do I register?
How can I pay for my class?
Are registrations accepted on a first-come first-served basis?
What if the class fills quickly and registration is closed?
I missed signing up for this session. When will the next classes run?


When and where is the class?

The Art Boost will be hosted on a private Facebook page and Creative by Nature Art program will be hosted on this website. Both begin April 1st, 2015.  Registration for these courses opens February 1st, 2015.  I will be offering these course two more times in 2015 (dates to be announced).  To be the first to know about new courses as they are announced, please sign up to receive my newsletter.

I haven’t painted before. Is this class for me?

Yes! These classes are for anyone who loves nature and wants deeper presence with her, to become more creatively confident, and to be more relaxed with drawing and painting. It is for anyone who wants to explore their creativity in new sensory and intuitive ways. The Creative by Nature Art method is very simple to learn and no prior painting experience is necessary. The same core method underlies all that I teach.

I am already a professional artist. Is this class for me?

Yes! Even if you have been painting for years, this class will bring a fresh approach, new techniques and a whole new way of looking at painting. You will be approaching painting from a place of intuition, sensation, wholeness, freedom and joy. Even though I am a 20-year veteran of painting I practice what I teach. I am always surprised by the magic of new discoveries and experience fresh affirmation in the form of deep connection each time.

Like energizing a meditation practice, trying new approaches opens us to the field of possibilities. Especially valuable is sharing your process and images with a group of co-travellers over a period of time. Because painting can be a solitary activity, experienced painters often enjoy the structure, camaraderie and motivation provided by participating in an online class.

2drawing shadows

Drawing with shadow

 

I have taken an in-person workshop with you before. What is the difference?

There are two main differences: Although the course has been designed to feel as much like an in-person workshop as possible, there are also additional elements that will help you learn a great deal: 
1) You will have access to the inspiring instructional videos for six months, so you can revisit what you learned in each lesson (compared to a workshop where you might not recall everything said).
 2) You will share this experience with a community of like-minded people from all over the world.  You will be part of this creative family as you connect and support each other for the duration of the course and for up to six months afterwards. Maybe you’ll stay connected even longer!

I’ve never taken an online class before.  How does it work?  Do I need to be at my computer at a certain time?

Posts will go up on Monday every week for four weeks for Art Boost participants, Mondays and Fridays for six weeks for Creative by Nature Art courses. It is up to you when you check in. Some people will choose to log on every day, while others will set aside time each weekend to go through everything. You do not need to be in class at a specific time so it doesn’t matter what time zone you are in. You will also be given a bonus six months’ access to the classroom after the end of the course, so you can watch the videos again or review any content at your leisure.

The workshop materials are delivered in modules. On Monday (and also Fridays for Creative by Nature Art) you will receive an email that has a PDF attached. The PDF has very clear, informative text, and lots of pictures to illustrate each art encounter. You can also access the materials by logging in to the online classroom. In the online classroom there will be at least one video for each encounter.

Do you offer a home study class so I can work at my own pace?

For strictly home study classes (coming soon), you receive all of the teaching materials for the class at one time for you to work through at your own pace.

 

2handsoundpaint

Two hand painting

What materials will I need?

When you register you will receive a materials list for your course. The key to choosing materials is simplicity and portability. Unlike usual painting courses we are not as concerned about the finished product as we are of having non-fussy materials that don’t get in the way of creative process. Materials are easily available and inexpensive but please note these items are not included in the registration fee.

How much time will I need?

For the Art Boost there is one theme to focus on each week and a number of quick drawing and painting activities to try. For Creative by Nature Art courses there are usually two “deep dive” art encounters each week with extensions, exploration and weekly live sharing.

It is worth trying to set aside at least 1-2 hours for each activity day so you can watch all the videos and really get into the flow.  The other days are open for sharing, resource exploration, responding to others’ work, extending activities, participating in online discussions and for Creative by Nature Art participants participating in a live video chat with me to get questions answered and check in about how things are going. You can do each day separately or catch up on everything at the end of the week – whatever works for you.

How much physical space will I need?

The actual space you use is ideally outdoors. If you must be indoors it’s best if  you can access living beings like plants and pets. Some visually oriented art encounters work well if you are able to look out of a window. For some of the “Heart Art” encounters in Level II of Creative by Nature Art you will be drawing and painting from your inner landscape so where you are is less important than having a quiet space, uninterrupted time and privacy.

Will I be able to communicate with others during the course?

Yes, you will have access to a private community area (on a private Facebook page for the Art Boost and on this website for Creative by Nature Art) where you can connect with others and share your experiences and paintings. This space will remain open for 6 months after the course has finished, so you can continue to connect with other participants.  For Creative by Nature Art participants you can also connect with others and with me via weekly Spreecasts, a form of interactive, live video chat.

Do I need a high-speed Internet connection to view the course videos?

Yes!  You will need a fairly high-speed Internet connection to view the videos on this site and to be able to upload your images and view others’ work. The videos are a vital part of the content of this course so please do consider this. We are not able to provide alternative viewing options for people on dial-up or very slow connections (and we cannot give refunds if you are having issues viewing the videos due to your internet connection) so please bear this in mind when registering. If you have regular broadband and can see the video on this page you should be fine.

I live in a far away country. Can I take this class?

Absolutely. People from all over have taken this class. It is wonderful to get all of your different perspectives on our shared love of drawing and painting from wherever you live. The online format makes these classes ideal for those who live in remote places with little access to workshops. As long as you have a good Internet connection, it will work for you!

Does the class “meet”, e.g. via skype?

Yes, the Creative by Nature Art class meets in real time on Thursdays once a week on Spreecast. The Art Boost does not but you can post pictures of your work on the Facebook page in addition to questions and comments, and for both courses I carefully review your work and questions then offer feedback. In the online classroom you can post comments to share with the other students.  It’s a pretty rich and comprehensive learning environment. By doing it this way, it doesn’t matter what time zone you are in, or when you work on a particular part of the class. Everything is available all the time.

Can I use a mobile device to access the class materials?

Yes. Tablets/ ipads work really well. Some students may want to use their phones to access the teaching materials, but you may find this a little small and limiting to get most benefit from the pictures and videos.

coulterwithpainting

Painting beside a waterfall

Do I need to be available or online at particular times?

No. You can work at your own pace. This is a wonderful aspect of an online class. You have access to the online classroom until six months after your course is finished. I am hoping that’s lots of time to catch up on anything you’ve missed!

Do I have to participate in the online classroom?

No, you don’t have to, but I do love to see you there! Many students like to log in and just follow along with the conversations, and some students don’t use the online classroom at all, preferring to work through the materials on their own, in their own way. It’s the same with Facebook sharing. Many participants simply enjoy checking in and seeing other people’s work and comments. That is totally fine.

Will I learn a lot of new painting techniques in this course?

You will learn the unique Creative By Nature Art hands-on drawing and painting method. It is a contemplative, process based form of art-making that engages the senses, intuition and heart. We use both hands and often work with our eyes closed. You will not learn the specifics of how to work with particular kinds of paint or how to improve in a particular area of drawing and painting like portraiture or landscapes. Instead you will learn fresh ways to approach your artwork and will be able to apply what you have learned to any medium.

I will be away for some of the time the class is running. Does this matter?

The lessons are posted weekly and remain accessible for the duration of the course and for six months afterwards.  It therefore shouldn’t be a problem catching up if you are away for a week or so during the course.

Will the classes be available after the end of the course?

Yes, we are offering a classroom extension of six months additional access to the classroom after the course has finished, so you can watch the videos and revisit any class posts as often as you like during that time. The community space will remain open until six months after the end of the course as will the Art Boost Facebook page.

Can I give this to a friend as a present?

Yes! Please email me for details.

How do I know if this course is for me?

This course is for you if… You want to discover a unique approach to drawing and painting, which can translate into a deepened connection to self and nature, increased joy, and the ability to more quickly shift into fuller awareness in the present moment.

This course is not for you if… You are looking for a course on specific painting techniques or want to learn how to master realism or perspective, for example. Although many useful techniques will be shared, Creative by Nature Art courses are much more about process than individual techniques and saleable finished products.

What teaching materials do I get to keep after the class?

Creative by Nature Art participants will have the full colour, step-by-step PDF art encounter instructions. They are yours. You can print them if you wish, but I do ask that you do not share those materials. They represent countless hours of work. Thank you so much for your understanding.

The videos are accessible only while the Facebook page and the classroom remain open. This is for up to six months after the end of your course.

1messyhands

Two hand painting

How much are your courses and how do I register?

The Art Boost is a 4-week course that is meant to be supportive and inspiring but light. The course includes access to a private Facebook page, inspiring instructional videos, regular weekly art encounter posts and PDFs, creative prompts and challenges, access to a community of like minded people from across the world, regular online feedback from me plus six months extended access to the classroom after the course is over. This course fee is $99.

Creative by Nature Art Courses are for those who have more time to devote or who may be more serious about wanting to strengthen their art practice in a supportive environment. These courses are also what I recommend if you hope to share this method with students, your children or clients. There are three levels with each being a prerequisite for the next. Level 1- Foundations lays the ground work for drawing and painting with nature. Level 2 develops drawing and painting with heart, and is an exploration of your inner landscape using the skills learned in Level 1. Finally Level 3 weaves both creating with nature and creating with heart into a seamless practice.  Art encounters develop qualities like reciprocity, sense of abundance, balance, cycles, and many more. The skills you gain here you will have for the rest of your life.

Each 6-week Creative by Nature Art course includes bi-weekly instructional PDFs, access to an online classroom which hosts inspiring instructional videos, multiple art encounter posts each week, creative prompts and challenges, live weekly Q+ A conversation with Lisa, a take away downloadable full colour PDF with all encounters in chronological order, access to a community of like minded people from across the world, plus six months extended access to the classroom after the course is over. Each course is $249.

How can I pay for my class?

Registering through the PayPal button that will be on the workshop registration page is the simplest and best way to register and pay. It’s all set up so you get added to the workshop list right away. It’s hard for me to keep track of people when they register by mail, phone or other methods. It can be done, so if you need to, please email me, but the PayPal shopping cart buttons are by far the best and most efficient method. You don’t need a PayPal account to use these buttons, you can use them to pay with your Visa or MasterCard.

Are registrations accepted on a first-come first-served basis?

Yes.

What if the class fills quickly and registration is closed?

If there are enough interested people, I’ll open another session of the class to run at the same time as a new group. As long as we are all working on the same class content, it’s easy for me to answer questions and offer feedback. I missed signing up for this session. When will the next classes run?

The next session will start October 1, 2015. Registration dates and information will be announced December 1, 2015 for all courses in the 2016 calendar year.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions.

Let’s create beauty together!
All the best,

Lisa

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Lisa LipsettFAQ- Online Courses