Teaching art has been a part of my life since the age of 15 when I taught my very first art lessons. Throughout those years and into the present, I’ve always endeavored to share what I know and what I’ve learned along the way. I just had opportunity to share some of that accumulated knowledge with a nice group of people on September 6, 2013 at the Ginger Lily, a small studio and gallery in the West Texas town of Lamesa.

In regards to the class, owner Ginger Witte, said this:  “I learned more about oil painting today, than I’ve learned in the last 40 years, combined! THANK YOU! Your entire presentation was phenomenal!”

She also stated this on her Facebook page. “An amazing amount of information, wonderful presentation with examples, continuous personal attention and consistent help. Great demonstrations – a FULL day of oil painting! William Hagerman is a Fabulous teacher! WoW!”

I appreciate those comments, but I also really appreciate the students and the questions they ask. This is what makes it special for me. I never consider any questions as being stupid ones, even if they think so. Teaching forces me to translate the why’s and what’s of oil painting, often using verbal illustrations to help the students grasp certain concepts as well as offering encouragement and motivation to continue in their artistic pursuits. Plus, it reminds me of the reasons I do what I do in my own paintings. So teaching often teaches me!

The following is me reviewing and discussing some of the basics of oil painting such as how to analyze color and mix it with the classes rapt attention. Thankfully no one fell asleep during the morning lecture!

Here, I’m discussing and preparing to do a small demonstration to assist a student with the beginning stages of their painting as others also look on.

All in all, It was a fun filled day of art instruction and painting for everyone. I look forward to the next months session and see their progress.