Artist Tutor
Maura explaining how to create a stronger composition and demonstrates practical ways to a student
The role of artist tutor involves numerous activities:
- Ardgillan Castle - artist in residence
- Art holidays
- In-service teacher training
- Schools educational art programme designed for young children
- Careers advice
Ardgillan Castle - artist in residence
Ardgillan Castle is the setting where I have been tutoring art students now for twelve years, as the artist in residence I run three different classes each week. We originally set up a Sunday morning class for people who were working Monday to Friday, and soon had to add extra classes. The idea behind the teaching is to work individually with each student hence the name workshop, whether you are a beginner or more advanced you can join in with which ever group suits your time scale. Students may work in any medium they choose, watercolour, oils or acrylic. Each student is encouraged to complete their art pieces and to finish and frame the finished work.
During the year the Ardgillan Artworkshop which is the name for the group exhibit their work in an exhibition which is professionally produced, many paintings are sold each year at this show. The group exhibition for 2008 was an abstract show entitled Rendezvous with Abstraction, it was a challenge to the students but very well received by the viewing public. We always have an official opening with wine reception and we usually invite a professional artist eg, Paul Darcy of the Daffodil Gallery, Ian Fleming of Creative Exchange or sometimes we invite a local TD. Eg Trevor Sergeant, John Gormley, Jim Glennon, to view the show and open the exhibition for the public.
Art holidays
Holidaying in France with its wonderful scenery and warm weather is the ideal way to spend a week or two. Groups of students have had many good experiences, made many good friends and produced beautiful paintings while visiting different areas in France. 2008 was the year for île de Ré, we stayed on a holiday site beside the sea and visited local villages to paint and browse and dine. We flew in to La Rochelle and within ten minute taxi ride were at our destination, Campéole. Le Platin, Riverdoux-Plage. www.campeole-satisfaction.com On arrival there, we were greeted and shown to our accommodation where wine, bread, tea, coffee, cheese, milk, and basic necessities for the morning had been thoughtfully left along with a welcome greeting card from Didier Vayrac the director. The teaching method used is a little different than in the classroom as it is outdoor work. I teach the students how to sketch, size and how to transfer the view into a format which will fit on to their pages or canvases.
Maura describes how to handle perspective when drawing outdoors to a group of students
The group all work in the same vicinity and the atmosphere is fantastic all having fun and interacting with the passing public who show a great interest in the work. We break for lunch and then either return to base or people are free to explore the area for the rest of the day. Some evenings the whole group eats together, barbequing and wine tasting and enjoying the balmy evenings. There are many very good restaurants and a range of food to suit all palates, also the Island has a bus service which is very easy to use. Information about these holidays is available directly from Maura O’Rourke at artistmorourke@gmail.com or by phone 00 353 1 8433331 mob 00 353 1 872368634.
In-service teacher training
Primary school teachers in Ireland now have an increased interest in art as it has become an integral part of the school curriculum and as educators and parents they see the benefit of art in the classroom. Many teachers find it difficult to transfer knowledge where art is concerned as it is not an area of speciality for them, but are prepared in their own time to take a course with a working artist such as myself to learn some of the ways to teach this exciting subject. Art is one of those areas where every child can succeed and with a clear method of teaching the basics a huge success rate is achieved by young children, who develop a life long love for art something that can turn in to a future career. Information about the courses for schools or teachers is available directly from Maura O,Rourke at artistmorourke@gmail.com or by phone: +353 (0)1 8433331 mob+353 (0)87 2368634
Schools educational art programme designed for young children
As a professional working artist I possess a lot of skills that make art work both professionally finished and alive which are acquired skills through the long hours that I spend in my studio working. Teaching children is different in every situation as I tend to access what stage the children at and move on from there. The first class is nearly always is based on flowers, firstly I get the children to draw for me then I ask if I can draw for them. The effect is amazing when I compare the differences and how easy it is for them to change a little to get a lot of effect. We proceed to paint the work mixing the colours on the art piece rather than mixing the colours on the plate, hence little no mess. We use no water so we are getting maximum colour strength from the pigment in the paint. Many teachers find this method very useful as the finished paintings have a life and colour which stands out and is effective.
Careers advice
Inquiries are often made on behalf of students who wish to follow an art career, their next stage and what courses to follow. Some times it is good to talk to a working artist to understand how their work schedule is and how they attend to the business side of their work.
Maura O'Rourke speaking to final year art students at Indiana University USA about the Art of Business | Business of Art
How much a gallery will take in commission when work is sold using this method and how long it takes to get paid after work is sold. I would also talk a little about the commitment it takes to keep an art career going forward as there are always pitfalls along the way. An art career is most satisfying but however it should be said that there is no established career path to follow .
