I am living on Zoom

This week I delivered 18 online workshops!  I am living on Zoom.  
 
I’ve lost track of the number of online workshops I’ve delivered since April or the number of students I’ve taught.  I’ve spent more time with students than I have friends and family, and people I previously saw once a week, have now become firm friends. 
 
I’ve taught ages 6 -12 with parents joining in the classes and adults, bound to the same desk all day, ready for the opportunity to be creative.  I’ve covered a wide range of subjects and mediums and had to be more inventive than ever in terms of my teaching practice.  
 
A big difference is the amount of art I have done and the variety of it.  I wouldn’t normally draw or create along with my students in the studio, perhaps I might have done a short demo to show techniques or mediums.  But on Zoom I’m drawing along with my students.  For me it means I’ve drawn subjects and styles I wouldn’t normally even think of, which has been great fun.  
 
A benefit of online classes throughout this time has been the social aspect.  Its really nice to spend evenings drawing with others with a glass of wine all from our own homes, which creates a certain intimacy and encourages some lovely chats.  And without needing to commute I’ve even found time to attend a few online life drawing sessions for myself.  
 
I teach illustration online every Thursday evening with the conservatoire, come join the fun and don’t forget that glass of wine! 

Blog originally posted on 21/01/2021 on The Conservatoire website - artists blog www.conservatoire.org.uk/latest/news/292-lockdown-blog