Philosophy of Teaching Art
Every one of us is unique. Every artist creates works unique to themselves. In all of human history, no one else has created the same art works we have created. We can create our own visual language and “universe,” and share it with others.
And the world has never seen such a thing before!
David Baggarly
At the Ready
There is a wealth of individualized creativity under our surfaces.
Each of us can produce work which is totally fulfilling and exciting for us. Each of us can produce work which is truly a reflection of who we “really are.” Each of us can, with courage and work and an open spirit, make art which stands apart from the crowd and is recognizable as our own.
The trick is how do we uncover it, how do we explore it and how do we find out who we really are as an artist? What manner of working would be the most thrilling and fulfilling to us? What type or genre is the “best fit?” Or are we “genre-breakers?”
David Baggarly
Coastal Plein
I’ve been on that search for all the years I’ve been making art. I have always wanted to show others what’s most important to me, to share my perspectives on life and this world around us. Along the way, I’ve made many “bodies” of work in various genres, with various subject matter, and using many mediums.
I have created (among others) large expressionistic, wild, mixed media narrative works, using paints, charcoal, pastels and collage; realistic landscapes in watercolor; Linoleum-block prints; acrylic paintings; abstract collages using natural materials, and abstract oil paintings. However, my “aim” has always been the same — to speak to the deeper, the unseen and the spiritual core of the human story and to celebrate the beauty of the world around us.
I want to assist others in their artistic search below their surface. I know that each student has artistic “gems” within them, just waiting to be brought to the surface. They have their own “voice,” their own strengths, their own unique imaginations.
David Baggarly
Summer Sundown
The purpose of my teaching is to help artists, with almost any level of experience, go beyond their assumptions and preconceptions about what “real art” is. To overcome fears. To be bold and self-assured as they widen the possibilities of their own art making. Do they want to make whimsical art? Want to be loose and expressive and more colorful? Want to dig into the discipline of realism? To speak about spirituality, society, politics or the psychological states of contemporary humankind? If we can overcome the uncertainty and fear of the unknown and of “failure,” we are able to explore the wide open possibilities of our art making. Taking these steps with others who’ve “been there” — and others going “there” — is an invaluable support.
In private lessons, or classes of many, we will brainstorm over the desires of and the possibilities each student, and enable each to discover and push further into their own artistic identity. We will touch on art movements and genres past and present. Through “soft critiques,” both individually and with the other classmates, we will look at what each student has been making and what they would like to try.
Work during the class time will be tailored to each individual. To illustrate the ideas we explore, I will give feedback to each student as the class works, as well as give short demonstrations of foundational aspects artmaking, as well as presenting the use of varying materials. Suggested homework will be tailored to each student.
It is recommended that students bring as many of their previous art works as they’d like, so that we can have an idea of where each currently “is” in their art making.
Students may bring any of their own materials with which they already work, and any materials which they would like to try out.
~ David Baggarly
Mattapoisett, Mass.
David Baggarly
