Teaching With Heat and Light
Teaching Philosophy
The most effective way to promote learning and achievement on any level whether it is with adults or children is to give the tools necessary for the student to achieve, the expectation for them to achieve and encourage all the efforts which are made in the proper direction and see the results flourish. Students learn and excel at different rates, but one thing is certain, if excellence is expected, taught and modeled it will eventually be achieved if everyone, students and instructor are honest with each other.
In the visual arts many talk of “Talent” being the most necessary component for success. This is not always the case. It has been my experience that the most talented students are not always the most creative or successful. It is my goal as a teacher to tap into the inherent gifts each individual student has and encourage them in that area to grow and develop. This is not always easy and it takes time but it is worth the wait if all parties involved can be patient with each other. Talent and work are inseparable and I promote a work ethic in my classroom which hopes to inspire the student to do his or her best with each assignment. Most assignments can be re-executed if the student desires to re-work and apply the lessons learned from the critiques given. They will improve in the proportion that they are willing to do their work to the very best of their abilities.
I require a sketch book be kept as a requirement in many of my classes and this has proven to be a great challenge to the student as well as an indicator of the seriousness of the individual student’s commitment to excellence to be a visual problem solver with each assignment.
My students, whether foundation or advanced level learn from the first day of class the importance of integrity in their work. They learn that gaining a firm grounding in the art making process includes developing an attitude of honesty in their work without pretension. They come to know very quickly that we are seeking after excellence in their work, an excellence which is particular to each individual student.
To me teaching is enjoyable and challenging. My classroom is an open forum. My students feel free to present their questions for discussion as well as voice their opinions. I know that open communication within the classroom is vital to a creative, effective working environment. One of my main objectives in teaching, and perhaps the most challenging aspect is to motivate students to motivate and think for themselves.
I would like to close this statement by sharing the following remark, made to me years ago by one of my students;
“This is like no other drawing class I’ve ever taken – it teaches you what it means to be an artist.”
What I desire to accomplish in the classroom is to encourage artistic growth, in addition to technical excellence.
Fred del Guidice 9/2006
The most effective way to promote learning and achievement on any level whether it is with adults or children is to give the tools necessary for the student to achieve, the expectation for them to achieve and encourage all the efforts which are made in the proper direction and see the results flourish. Students learn and excel at different rates, but one thing is certain, if excellence is expected, taught and modeled it will eventually be achieved if everyone, students and instructor are honest with each other.
In the visual arts many talk of “Talent” being the most necessary component for success. This is not always the case. It has been my experience that the most talented students are not always the most creative or successful. It is my goal as a teacher to tap into the inherent gifts each individual student has and encourage them in that area to grow and develop. This is not always easy and it takes time but it is worth the wait if all parties involved can be patient with each other. Talent and work are inseparable and I promote a work ethic in my classroom which hopes to inspire the student to do his or her best with each assignment. Most assignments can be re-executed if the student desires to re-work and apply the lessons learned from the critiques given. They will improve in the proportion that they are willing to do their work to the very best of their abilities.
I require a sketch book be kept as a requirement in many of my classes and this has proven to be a great challenge to the student as well as an indicator of the seriousness of the individual student’s commitment to excellence to be a visual problem solver with each assignment.
My students, whether foundation or advanced level learn from the first day of class the importance of integrity in their work. They learn that gaining a firm grounding in the art making process includes developing an attitude of honesty in their work without pretension. They come to know very quickly that we are seeking after excellence in their work, an excellence which is particular to each individual student.
To me teaching is enjoyable and challenging. My classroom is an open forum. My students feel free to present their questions for discussion as well as voice their opinions. I know that open communication within the classroom is vital to a creative, effective working environment. One of my main objectives in teaching, and perhaps the most challenging aspect is to motivate students to motivate and think for themselves.
I would like to close this statement by sharing the following remark, made to me years ago by one of my students;
“This is like no other drawing class I’ve ever taken – it teaches you what it means to be an artist.”
What I desire to accomplish in the classroom is to encourage artistic growth, in addition to technical excellence.
Fred del Guidice 9/2006
A published testimonial...
We offer private art lessons in a variety of media, with experience teaching children, youth and adults from the beginner to the advanced professional desiring to sharpen their skills. We offer classes, private or online tutoring and artist workshops. Call 419-903-0982 or email for more information or to set up an appointment, class or workshop.