workshop FAQ

workshop FAQ

{ painted painted workshop & color pattern paint } 

WHAT: painted pages workshop & color pattern paint online workshop! it's an awesome new "combo class" taught by artist, author, and teacher Sarah Ahearn Bellemare, (that's me)! I've basically taken my TWO popular online courses, updated content, and rolled them into ONE self-paced online workshop that will be available to you for 6 months! 
WHEN: Class begins on APRIL 1st, 2016 and will run until October 1, 2016  ~ that's 6 whole months! hooray! Since it's self-paced, you are welcome to join in at any time that works for you. 
WHERE: This all takes place in the comfort of your own home, wherever you may live in the world, as that’s the magic of an online course! You can even paint in pajamas! (not that i know anything about that... he he! ) 

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So, how much does this class cost?
The DOUBLE class is an amazing deal - it's basically two courses for the price of one! It's just $249 for 6 months of a fun, positive, instructional, creative, painting adventure! Also, this is the LAST time I"ll be offering these courses so now is your chance! 
What else is included in the cost of the class?
My FAVORITE part! it's your {CLASS KIT}! Designed to be used throughout the course, I will mail you your own kit FULL of inspiring materials to be opened to the corresponding lesson each week! Think glassine envelopes, games to play, colorful patterns, and SO MUCH MORE. I'll send via SNAIL MAIL just in time for the start of class on April 1st. 
You'll also get ME! I will be here for you behind the scenes, answering questions, replying to your comments on the class site, and getting to know you and your work! You'll be able to share your work (if you choose) with our class too! A teacher at heart, it's important to have this feel as much as an in-person class as possible! 
In addition, you will be able to connect a creative community of like minded creatives from around the globe! 
Good to know: About halfway through our class, there will be an opportunity to sign-up for a one-on-one mentoring session with Sarah. This will be the time to receive in-depth feedback on your class work. How about that!? 
I took Painted Pages Workshop, but not Color Pattern Paint, or vice versa, so what's the difference?  
Color Pattern Paint is essentially "part two" of my Painted Pages Workshop. It's a perfect next step! Click on over to the April workshop tab above to read about the content for both classes and see the video sneak peeks! You'll get BOTH experiences when you sign-up, it's a win-win! 
What if I’ve never painted before?
This class is for you! Start at the beginning and work your way though- we'll cover the basics of setting up a studio space and getting started with painting in the first few weeks with the Painted Pages content. Then, you'll be ready to move onto the "advanced" content for the final weeks of class with the {color pattern paint} class. That's when I will be discussing some of the basics of painting, color mixing and such, but within the context of bigger concepts. We will not be spending a lot of time on painting basics as a stand-alone subject, and the class will have you painting BIG acrylic/mixed media paintings! (how exciting!) If you still aren’t sure, please write to me and we can chat to see if this class is a good fit! I want to make sure everyone is comfortable, so please don’t hesitate to ask questions before you commit! 
I’ve never taken a class online, do I have to be on the computer at a certain time?  How does it all work?
It’s easy and so much fun!  You do not need to be on your computer at a specific time, the beauty of an online class is that you can check in whenever is best for you, and most importantly, at your own pace. The class will take place on a private, password- protected web site, and we will send you the link and password via email before the start of class. 
What's the timeline for the course? 
The class is set up to support you as you work at your own pace. Although I do give you a loose weekly schedule for the duration of the class, you do not need to worry if you can’t complete an assignment “on time”. The beauty of online classes is for you to do at your own, comfortable and relaxed pace, in your own home! I want this to be a fun and rewarding experience for you. I cannot stress this enough, do this as it works for you. You'll have 6 months to access the course content. 
What makes this class unique? 
I'm a teacher! It's not only my background, but it's also my passion. My online workshops are designed to feel as "in-person" as possible, hence the fun and unique class kit! My teaching style is very "hands on", I want to connect with you and help you grow! Check out my testimonials page to hear what my online students have said about these courses. 
Do I have to share my work? I’d rather just work on this for myself. 
Absolutely not! Do what works for YOU!  Your level of public participation is up to you. Don’t be scared! This workshop is a positive, encouraging experience for everyone. There is no wrong answer and it is most certainly a judgment-free experience. We all define beauty differently – be bold and be confident with your artistic voice, we would love to see it, and this is the perfect, safe environment. That being said, you'll get SO much out of the class by working on your own though the class. 
What if I am an experienced artist, should I take the class
Absolutely! I’d love to have you!  You'll be able to use the material I share in your own way to expand and build upon your current creative practice!  Never stop learning, I say!  
How much time do I need each week for the lessons?
That’s really up to you, but I’d say if you could set aside a minimum of a few hours a week, you’d be off to a great start! If you have more time to work, wonderful, if not, not to worry- you'll have 6 months to work with the content! I want you to feel successful and not crunched for time, so that's just why I’ve designed the unique spread-out timeline to help with that. 

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How do I register?
If you’ve come across this FAQ and haven’t registered yet, don’t delay – space is limited! Go ahead and click on the register link above click over to save your spot! REGISTRATION OPENS on MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2016. When you register, be sure to provide me with an email that you check frequently as well as the current address you'd like me to send your kit to. The kit arrives in a small envelope via USPS. I certainly wouldn't want you to miss out on a thing! 
What kind of paint will we use? Besides the paint, brushes, and boards/canvas, do we need a lot of other supplies?
We'll be painting with basic acrylic paint and cheap brushes! It's not like you have to have a professional studio stocked with the best tools and supplies, so don't worry! A separate materials list will be sent along to you after you register which will include a list of supplies you need and/or some you might want to help enhance your experience. It’s up to you to decide how much you want to invest right off the bat, but it's my guess that you have A LOT of what I recommend already. There are more details on the materials list, but the I’ve done my best to keep the cost of a basic set of supplies low, it's a combination of needs and "might be fun to haves", but there's no need to spend a lot of money on supplies. I'll also include relevant links to Dick Blick which is a discount art supply site with great sales and free shipping. Believe me, you don't need any fancy extra "stuff", just the basics, things you most likely already have, AND the willingness to dive in an paint! 
Do I have to be at my computer at a certain time each day?
No you don’t! That’s the beauty of the online course! This is a self-paced class that you work through at your own speed. Therefore, you can be in Australia or Alabama and still get the same great experience! 
What online tools will we be using to interact? Do I need anInternet connection?
If you have a high-speed (non-dial-up) Internet connection, you’re pretty much set! There will be embedded videos that everyone should be able to access easily. The site will be password- protected, and we will distribute that password before class. You also might like to have INSTAGRAM account if you’d like to participate in that way as well. It's free and very easy to set up. I strongly suggest that you are pretty comfortable using your computer, as you may need to "clear cookies" or update your browser to work with the class site which is hosted by Squarespace. If that sort of "tech" talk feels daunting to you, it could be helpful to have a friend/spouse who'll be able to help with that sort of thing! I'll also have my sister/tech guru to assist behind the scenes if needed. 
Why does the site have a password?
The site has a password to protect your investment in the class! Therefore, the password is not to be shared with others, and by signing up for the class you agree that you are the only one that will be using the password and/or completing the lessons each week – the honor system!
How will you interact with the students/will she comment on my work?
The class will be limited in size, as I want to be able to connect with each of you as much as possible! Official interaction/comments from me will be done on the course blog, as well as on Instagram if you choose to share your work that way. I'll be checking into the class on a very regular basis. 
Will I be able to have individual feedback from you this time around? 
Yes! There will be an opportunity to have personal feedback on your finished paintings via email with me directly. More information on that will come this Spring. Because this is a self-paced course open for 6 months, there will not be specific dates or deadlines to turn in your work for feedback. This time around, I'll give you plenty of time/space to create, and then I'll announce the details of how to work with me for one-on-one feedback. 
When does registration open/close?
Registration opens on MARCH 7, 2016, and will be open until we reach the maximum amount of students for the class. 
Is there a class limit?
Yes, in order for everyone to get the best experience, I am going to limit the class size to no more than 100 students. Some of you may have taken online painting classes with 500+ students, but I prefer my classes to be a smaller to allow for a more personal experience.  By limiting the number of students, I feel that I am able to connect and get to know you.
What about refunds?
Unfortunately, there are no refunds once you’ve signed up. You had an inkling that this was a class for you, so you are in the right place, don’t worry, it’s going to be lots of fun!

More Questions?

No problem! Please give me a shout at paintedpagesworkshop@gmail.com