What Differentiates an Art Teacher from a Master Art Instructor?

What Differentiates an Art Teacher from a Master Art Instructor
(This article was inspired by Cynthia)

I wasn't always what I consider, a master art instructor. I began teaching because my friends asked me to show them what I was learning. I was an art teacher, a craft teacher, a fellow student and explorer – I was just . . . me. I was stumbling my way through the experiences just as they were.
 
I didn't feel like my work was any better than theirs. In fact, I usually viewed others artwork as way better than my own (and I still do). And I wonder why they were asking me then to teach them. "What did I have to give that was different?"

Then one of my college professors shared something with my then husband. He said that I was a Leader. "Wendy? A leader?" was his response (and also mine when this was related back to me). "Wendy who never tells anyone what to do or how to be? Wendy who moves through life with her head in the clouds, paint on her hands and a vague understanding of how the real world operates? Wendy who has no understanding of business or management or... or... anything??"

And this college professor replied, "Yes. It's the Wendy who is always, always watching, hanging on every word, demonstration, technique and soaking in every idea related to art. The Wendy who eagerly jumps into trying everything – who tries and fails – tries and fails – tries and fails over and over, searching for and gathering all the seeds of success. The Wendy who can't wait to begin a new project and asks in earnest for her work to be shredded in a critique so she can make it better . . . The Wendy who shares everything she learns with anyone who asks with infectious enthusiasm".

Ah! There was the key that changed my life.

How I ALWAYS See My Students:

• I see their vibrant joy and excitement as they learn and grow through their own personal journey of exploration.
• I see their beautifully completed paintings from the beginning and through all their progressions.
• I hold this vision when they cannot see it and focus on bringing them to it.
• And because I know they can do it – they know it as well and they have more faith in their abilities.
• When they have more faith in themselves, they relax and allow their best to become.
• They do this, not I.
• All I do is hold the vision by pointing to the doors and then keep them open.

Thank you My Students for the Gifts YOU Give to Me

• You don't know this but you teach me every day, and often many, many times in every class.
• You make me stretch and grow, to become a better artist and to be worthy of teaching you.
• I think about you everyday. I think about how I can help you see more and I look forward in delight to each time I get to add your photo to the Student Showcase.
• You show me better ways to see, gentler ways to share and higher methods to expand my knowledge.

• You open your hearts to me and trust me with your fear.
• I feel valuable because of your love and appreciation.
• My heart leaps with every single one of your successes, because they are mine too.
• You bring me up when I feel down and fill me up when I am empty.
• You are a blessing in my life. You are my reward.
• We laugh together in class and you bring me smiles in my quietest alone moments.
• You humble me with your creativity and the incredible beauty that you evoke every day.
• I am better because of you. Not only a better artist, but a better human being, a better woman, mother, daughter, friend and visionary – and better at just plain being happy.
• I love you all.

~ Thank you with all my heart and soul,

Wendy Froshay 

From 3 Generations of Artists
GrandDaughter, Mother, GRAND Mother