Personal Art Coaching…

Want to hear the conversation between Sally and Ginger?

What's it all about?

Are you looking to take your art to the next level but feeling unsure about Personal Art Coaching? You're not alone. Many artists, both beginners and experienced painters alike, question how coaching works and whether it's worth the investment. Today, I'm sharing a conversation with Sally that addresses common concerns about Personal Art Coaching, helping you understand why it might be the perfect next step in your artistic journey.

Sally: Hi Ginger, I've been considering signing up for personal art coaching, but I wonder if it's really for me. Can you explain how it works and why it's important?

Ginger: Absolutely! Personal art coaching is one of the best ways to improve your skills quickly because it gives you tailored feedback. When you're painting on your own, it's easy to get stuck or feel like something needs to be fixed, but you're not sure what. With personal art coaching, you get a second pair of eyes—someone who can point out those little things you might not see.

Sally: I want to try personal art coaching, but honestly, I'm embarrassed about my skill level. I'm worried my paintings aren't good enough yet, and I don't want to waste your time. What if they're really bad?

Ginger: Oh, my heart goes out to you because I often hear this concern! Let me tell you something important – every painting that comes to me is valuable, regardless of skill level. I started exactly where you are now and remember those feelings of uncertainty. Here's the thing – you're not wasting my time; you're investing in your growth, and that's precisely why I'm here!

Think about it this way: if you were learning to play piano, would you wait until you could play perfectly before taking lessons? Of course not! The same applies to painting. I've worked with hundreds of artists at all levels. Do you know what excites me the most? Seeing the potential in each piece and helping artists discover capabilities they didn't even know they had.

When I look at your paintings, I'm not judging them as “good” or “bad.” Instead, I'm looking for ways to help you grow and develop your skills. Sometimes, the paintings artists are most nervous about sending to me become the most amazing learning opportunities. Everyone started somewhere, and creating art should be a joy, not a source of anxiety.

Remember, my role isn't to criticize but to guide and encourage. I'm like a friendly art mentor with a few decades of experience to share. Whether you're painting your first tree or working on your hundredth sunset, I'm here to help you take that next step forward. So please, don't let fear hold you back from something that could bring so much joy and growth to your artistic journey!

Sally: That's really reassuring to hear. Maybe I've been too hard on myself.

Ginger: You absolutely have been! And you know what? The fact that you care so much about improving already tells me you will do great things with your art. So, what do you say we start this journey together? Send in that painting you've been nervous about, and let's see what beautiful things we can create!

Sally: That makes sense. But can't I just watch tutorials or read books? Why would I need a coach when I can learn on my own?

Ginger: Tutorials and books are fantastic for learning techniques and exploring new ideas, but personal coaching is about “you.” Tutorials are designed to be one-size-fits-all, while coaching is specific to your painting. Everyone's style and challenges are different, so the feedback I give you is tailored to your strengths and areas for improvement. It's like having a custom roadmap for your artistic journey!

Sally: I hadn't thought about it like that. One thing I'm worried about, though, is getting too much critique. What if I feel discouraged?

Ginger: That's a common concern, but my goal isn't to discourage you—it's to guide and uplift you. I focus on constructive feedback, meaning I'll show you what's working in your painting *and* where you can make improvements. It's all about helping you grow, not tearing down your efforts. Think of it as a conversation about your art rather than criticism.

Sally: That's reassuring! Another thing I wonder about is whether I'll lose my personal style by following too much advice. I want to avoid ending up painting just like everyone else.

Ginger: Oh, I love this question! The last thing I want is for you to lose your unique style. Personal art coaching is about enhancing “your” vision, not changing it. I'll help you refine your style by suggesting ways to make your ideas clearer or more substantial, but you always stay true to your artistic voice. My role is more like a guide who helps you realize your full potential, not change who you are as an artist.

Sally: I see. And how does the process work? Do I just send you my painting, and you give me feedback?

Ginger: Exactly. You send me a photo of your painting, and I'll take a close look. I usually respond with a video where I walk you through what's working well and what could be adjusted. Sometimes, I'll suggest color tweaks, compositional changes, or techniques to bring out specific details. It's like a mini-lesson focused entirely on your painting. Plus, you can ask follow-up questions if you need more clarification.

Sally: Can I send in the same painting more than once? What if I make changes based on your feedback?

Ginger: Yes, you can! It's all about improving the painting, so feel free to send it back multiple times if you want more feedback after making adjustments.

Sally: That's good to know. What about sending in original work, not just things from tutorials?

Ginger: You can definitely send in original work! You can submit one original painting and up to three tutorial-based paintings each month for Red members. Purple members can submit all original works if they'd like or mix them up with tutorials. Remember, we don't do coaching for work based on other artists' tutorials, including my daughter, Cinnamon, The Art Sherpa, or any other YouTube artists.

Sally: Got it! And how much does it cost?

Ginger: Red memberships start at just $44.95 a month, giving you access to more than just personal art coaching. Red members can also access our vast library of acrylic tutorials, with over 600 lessons ranging from beginner to advanced. We add new tutorials each month, so there's always something fresh to try.

Sally: Wow, that's a lot of tutorials!

Ginger: It really is! And you're looking for something even more specialized. In that case, our Purple memberships include everything from the Red membership, plus advanced tutorials on painting water—like waterfalls, ocean waves, lakes, and streams—as well as portrait work and adding people to landscapes. So, it's a great option if you want to dive deeper into those areas.

Sally: How quickly can I expect to see improvement in my work?

Ginger: The rate of improvement varies for each artist, but most students see noticeable progress within their first few coaching sessions. The key is applying the feedback consistently. Think of it like learning a new language – you'll pick up basic improvements quickly, and then develop more refined skills over time. Many of my students are amazed when they look back at their work from just a few months ago!

Sally: What if I'm working with limited supplies or budget-friendly materials?

Ginger: Don't worry about that at all! While having quality materials can help, it's more about how you use what you have. I can show you techniques to get the most out of basic supplies and suggest affordable alternatives when possible. Many successful paintings have been created with just a few colors and basic brushes. As you progress, we can discuss which supplies might be worth investing in for your specific goals.

Sally: Do you offer guidance on specific techniques like blending or glazing?

Ginger: Absolutely! These techniques are crucial for creating depth and interest in your paintings. During our coaching sessions, I can demonstrate techniques to enhance your painting. For instance, if I notice your painting could benefit from better blending in the sky, I'll show you exactly how to achieve that smooth transition. We can focus on any technique you're struggling with or want to master.

Sally: Can I get feedback on my color choices and palette selection?

Ginger: Yes, color guidance is a big part of what I offer! I'll help you understand color relationships, suggest combinations that work well together, and show you how to create more harmonious paintings. Sometimes, just tweaking a few colors can transform an entire piece. I can also help you build a versatile palette that works for your style and subject matter without breaking the bank.

Sally: What if I struggle with a particular subject, like landscapes or portraits?

Ginger: That's exactly what personal coaching is for! We'll break down the challenging subject into manageable parts. We might focus on creating depth or perfecting tree techniques if you're struggling with landscapes. For portraits, we could work on proportions or skin tones. I'll provide specific exercises and approaches tailored to help you overcome whatever's giving you trouble.

Sally: How do you handle different learning styles in your coaching?

Ginger: Everyone learns differently, which is why I use a combination of approaches. I include visual demonstrations, verbal explanations, and practical tips in my video feedback. Some students learn better by seeing, others by doing, and some by understanding the theory. I adapt my coaching style to what works best for you, and you can always ask for clarification if something needs to be clicked.

Sally: Is there a minimum skill level required for personal coaching?

Ginger: Not at all! I work with complete beginners to advanced artists. The beauty of personal coaching is that it meets you exactly where you are. If you're just starting out, we'll focus on fundamental skills and building confidence. If you're more experienced, we can work on refining techniques and developing your unique style. Every artist's journey is different, and that's what makes coaching so exciting.

Sally: That sounds amazing, especially for the price. Thanks, Ginger! I think I'm ready to give it a try.

Ginger: You're welcome! I'm excited to see what you create. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions. Remember, it's all about enjoying the journey and growing as an artist!

Conclusion

Personal art coaching is more than just feedback—it invests in your artistic growth and confidence. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, having a professional guide can make all the difference in your creative journey. Remember, every artist was once a beginner, and every masterpiece started with a single brushstroke.

Why not take that next step today and see how personal coaching can transform your art?