Frequently Asked Questions
Are your classes online?
Our classes are studio programs, which means they are offered in-person, in our studio. We don't offer any online teaching. A principle of our teaching philosophy is that there is no substitute for having your teacher there to guide you, walk you through decision-making, and instruct you as you gain mastery of artistic skills. We know that it is possible to learn online when no other options are available, but we also know that direct instruction brings results more quickly and with less frustration.
When can I start?
You can start learning in any of our scheduled classes. All instruction is individualized, in a group class setting. This means everyone in the class is at a different level. This means you can step into your first lessons in oil painting right away.
What if I have never painted before?
Most students at Driftless Art Academy have either never painted or don't have much experience, and quite a few have never done any sort of art. Like all students, you will start at the beginning, ensuring that, as you progress, you have all of the skills and knowledge you need to take the next steps.
Iwould like to paint, but I am not any good at art.
What people call "talent" is the result of knowledge, technical skills, and experience gained through perseverance. Are you good at playing the accordion? If you wanted to become skilled in accordion, what would you do? You would find a skilled and knowledgeable teacher to guide you through the learning process. Painting, drawing, sculpting, throwing pottery, glass-blowing... these are all learned skills that come through education and experience.
What kinds of supplies do I need?
We believe that poor or "student-grade" supplies are a barrier to learning. They add an extra layer of burden students have to fight with to do their work. It makes painting less enjoyable. As a part of your tuition, Driftless Art Academy provides the supplies needed--brushes, canvases, medium, reference materials, clean-up supplies--except paint. To reduce waste, we sell the paint required at our cost (to enrolled students only). We use Old Holland oil paint, which is the highest-quality paint made anywhere. It has been produced in a small town in the Netherlands since 1664, so they have learned a few things about making a great product.
Isn't oil painting hazardous?
It is a myth that oil painting is hazardous. Much of the hype about oil paint being dangerous is because of the misconception that you need to use turpentine or other solvents. These are not at all necessary. We do not use them. As with any kind of paint and many other things, there are a few pigments sometimes used in oil painting that are toxic only if you ingest them. For these, there are equal-quality pigments available that are not toxic, so our students do not use them in their program paintings. Regardless, we recommend not eating your oil paint.
The Academy is a solvent-free studio?
When experienced artists enter the studio they notice there is no solvent smell. We do not use turpentine or other solvents in painting or cleanup. The closest we come is occasional varnishing of paintings, and the outdoor use of spray fixatives on some of our canvases. Advanced students may use a medium of linseed oil with a tiny amount of alkyd medium added to speed up drying time. We clean up with soap and water.
My schedule changes all the time.
We have a number of students who have hectic, ever-changing schedules. That is one reason our class schedule is so broad. We are happy to work with you so that you are able to get your classes in.
What if I have to miss a class?
If you are going to miss a class, let us know at least 24 hours in advance. You can schedule a make-up class at your convenience--it doesn't even have to be the same month! You can carry up to three make-ups. You just can't use them to pay tuition. We aren't able to offer make-ups for classes missed without notice or with late notice.
Can I just come for one class or for a few classes?
We don't offer drop-in or single classes. We follow a carefully developed, dynamic curriculum that supports learning over time. Learning to paint is a process of knowledge, manual skills, experience, and perhaps most importantly, perseverance. Like a sport or playing an instrument, you cannot expect to read about it and then go do it well. Skills must be cultivated, nurtured, and refined, and experience gained. There is nothing that will accomplish this better than direct instruction, and this takes time.
How long does it take to become a good painter?
Like anything you learn to do, whether it is playing the violin, learning a language, or playing rugby, the experts make it look effortless, at least some of the time. Most of our students can expect to be painting with a high-degree of proficiency in about two years, and at a professional level in three to four years, by consistently coming to class once per week. There are ways to speed that up, such as coming more than once per week, or taking part in our intensive programs. There are also ways to slow that down, such as missing classes, taking breaks from the program, or being focused on other things during class.
Do kids do as well as adults?
Some of my most advanced students are in high school or middle school, because they have chosen to be focused on doing excellent work and have been diligent in their progress. Often, younger kids move more slowly in the program, but over time they will get the same level of skill as adults. Kids are more likely to be able to attend intensive programs in the summer, and it is really something to see the rapid, superb progress they make. As they develop, kids tend to make rapid progression in their skill level.
Can I come more than once per week?
Many students do come more than once per week. An interesting phenomenon in learning skills is that progress is more than twice as fast for people who engage in that skill twice as often, which is why students cover so much ground in the intensive programs. The cost for coming twice per week is two times regular tuition, for three times, it is three times regular tuition. If you want to come more frequently, we should talk about a lower-priced plan for students who want more access.
Please make an age exception for my little artistic genius.
Often we are asked by parents of younger children who want to make art all of the time to let kids younger than third grade come into the Driftless Art Kids program. We have learned over time that this is not a good idea. Driftless Art Kids is not art play time (which itself is an important part of child development), but is a curriculum-based program that requires focus and intention that younger kids may not be ready for. More than that, though, as students progress in Driftless Art Kids, they are preparing to enter the regular oil-painting program. If they are too young, they may have the wish to spend that much time on their art, but they are not developmentally ready for it. We believe it is better for them to make a smooth transition, rather than having to take a break while their brain and body catches up with their art goals.
How long is the Driftless Art Kids program?
Kids move through Driftless Art Kids at their own pace, at least to some degree. We have had students as young as nine years old do so well, so quickly, that they have been ready immediately for the oil painting studio program. We have had a few who have worked through the entirety of the children's program over a couple of years, who were still not ready for oil painting. Most kids spend anywhere from a year to two years in Driftless Art Kids before transitioning into oil painting. We believe they will all be able to attain their art goals given the time to develop and learn.
Can I get college or high school credit for this program?
I have had students who have gotten credit for the work they do in here, and I am willing to look at whatever you propose. You will need to check with your school to see what is required, and bring me the information. If you set it up, I can do whatever minor paperwork, curriculum description, or other process is needed. Any associated costs or legwork is on you. I am an experienced educator, and will expect that you fulfill what you agree to.