Sue Ann Dickey Painting Workshops:
Intro # 2 March 12-13-14
Intro # 1 March or April Date To-Be-Announced

"The Next Step for Beginning Painters," (Beginners II) March 12-13-14; from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.

"Introduction to Painting with Acrylics" (Beginners I)
Date To Be announced

Learn the fundamentals of painting with acrylics in three different levels of March workshop series coached by Gold Canyon artist Sue Ann Dickey who strives to "take the 'pain' out of painting" for beginners, and for anyone who was left frustrated by other painting or art classes, or has drifted away from painting and wants to try again."
To enroll in the first workshop series, or the second-level session, have a credit card ready and call Arboretum staff during daytime business hours at 520-689-2723
What did February class participants have to say following their workshops? Here are quotes excerpted from appraisals: "itwas relaxed and fun...in a friendly, non-stress atmosphere....our teacher, Sue Ann is very knowledgeable and positive....it's okay to experiment - the atmosphere was very supportive and affirming...there was ample time to work on our own with critique. I thoroughly enjoyed this class; Sue Ann's awareness of, and attention to, the varying skillsets and abilities of the participants - I'm already signed up for the next workshop."
Enrollment of $135 for Sue Ann's three-day workshops includes three afternoons of instruction and free admission to the Arboretum (park entry is usually $9 per day). The Beginners #1 class enrollment includes a basic set of brushes, paints and canvas boards valued at $65 that each student will keep when the class is over. Other art supplies, such as easels and design materials helpful for beginners will be available for use. 'Introduction' classes will have a mix of indoor and outdoor instruction each day and will cover brush stroke techniques as well as an overview of Composition, Color, and Contrast. The follow-up workshop March 12-14 is for experienced beginners and will pick up where the 'Introduction' workshops ended; enrollment for "Beginners #2" sessions does not include art supplies.
Graduates of Beginners II had these comments: "Sue Ann was very helpful to each individual - Relaxed atmosphere in which to learn - Sue Ann knows how to teach! - Positive attitude of the teacher and fellow students - Very friendly. Relaxed. We were challenged but not stressed - Personable instructor who knew how to get things across - We have something to take home to show family and friends. Finished (or nearly finished product). Sue keeps it fun and relaxed - Freedom to experiment and Sue Ann's instruction - Painting, painting, painting. I like Sue Ann's style of teaching - Sue Ann is an outstanding and encouraging artist."

Questions, Comments, Ideas? Sue Ann welcomes inquiries by email sueanndickey@hotmail.com, or phone calls to 480.982.1336.

Sue Ann Dickey is an Arboretum annualmember and Arizona State Parks volunteer who is donating her time coaching these workshops as a BTA fundraiser. Dickey welcomes inquiries from enrollees who are unable to commit to three days in a row, but who would like to be contacted about future art workshops during 2013.

Sue Ann Dickey was also the featured artist of 2013's Gold Canyon Art Festival; her poster design is shown at right.

Q. What do you enjoy about teaching beginners to paint?
A. Their enthusiasm. I love to see them keep that alive; painting is supposed to be fun!

Q. How is your teaching approach different?
A. My students know: "it's just paint." And they don't have to be skilled at drawing to become a confident painter. I've always thought it crazy that drawing is required at university level before you are allowed to take painting classes. In the beginning workshop, I provide the sketches so no one measures or lifts a pencil. We start with the basics: how to adjust the easel, what different brushes do - and don't do -, practice strokes, and what the labels on the paint tubes convey. Simplify!

Q. Who should enroll in your class?
A. Absolute beginners-to-intermediate painters who want a no-stress environment to fill in some blanks that were missed; to refresh or re-introduce themselves to their tools, and practice their technique.

Q. What elements of art and technique should they expect to learn after three half-day sessions?
A. We'll have covered their materials for painting with acrylics, useful brush strokes, and an overview of the '3 Cs': Composition, Color, and Contrast.

Q. What's your background?
A. I grew up painting with oils, standing next to my mother. She was, and remains, an amazing artist. I sold my art in college to make ends meet. After entering the business world, I rarely had time to paint while I climbed the corporate ladder.
I always said, 'Some day....' and someday finally came. Now, I walk into my studio and paint whatever I feel needs to be painted. The diversity of the Sonoran Desert has challenged me in fabulous ways. Artists look for and see details many do not.
It's a wonderful bonus.

For details about these and other classes Email sueanndickey@hotmail.com, or call her at 480.982.1336.