Portrait Painter Timothy J. Chambers

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FAQs re classes, supplies, Tim...

Online Art Curriculum ~ Workshops ~ Leave Feedback ~ Register ~ Materials

Re Your Philosophy of Teaching:
- Essentially, painting is simpy problem-solving: How do you interpert what you see and then comprehend it? And secondly, How do you get on canvas what is in your head? My goal is to help students be able to answer these questions by giving the tools and insight. How do I do this? Simple- teach what questions to ask, and also how to implement this on your paper, canvas, etc. trhough training how to use the tools (pencils, brushes, paint, color, shading, perspective, and so on). Note, however, that a BIG part of effective teaching is a proper worldview. Any endeavor is important, but the heart is moreso. I teach with a concern for my students, and desire to see them encouraged and building confidence to tackle whatever God allows in their life, whether it be painting or any other vocation. Trials will come, let's grow from them.
Re Children's and Teen Workshops...
1. How early can my child begin serious study and development of their artistic gifts? I'd begin providing all the paper, crayons, pencils and paint you can for them to be creative from the moment they show interest. Regarding my workshops, the ability to focus is essential, so don't take students under the age of 10 (some exceptions!). Younger children typically have too short an attention span to benefit from the info I share. For kids interested in art as a vocation, I recommend consistent study beginning at about 16 years of age. I will be happy to offer parents advice for training at home.
2. What kind of feedback have you received from parents? Consistently positive, affirming that their kids love the workshops, are challenged, continue what they learn long after the workshop, that they enjoy my teaching, gentleness, and encouragment.
3. What supplies will I need for your children's and teens' classes and workshops? Essentially, all materials are provided, except where noted. You may be asked to purchase a few reusable item or two, such as sketchbooks or brushes. See individual class announcement for details.
Re Adult Workshops...
1. What supplies will I need? Refer to my material list for items. The essential items are marked with an asterisk (*), and once you purchase the items, you'll be set for quite a while, not having to replace (spend) for some time.
2. Will I need all the colors you've listed on your material list? Essentially, yes.
3. May I use some older brushes I've found? The right tool is critical for success in any endeavor, including painting. The brushes I recommend in my material list will give you the most flexibility and control when painting. Bring your older brushes to class and I'll take a look at them. You cannot use watercolor brushes for oil, however.
4. Do I need to do anything to my canvas or panels prior to class? If you have time, I encourage you to rub a thin coat of your medium (see material list) mixed with a small dab of umber and ultramarine (or other color to tint) on your surface a few days before class. This will give you a nice toned surface to paint on, one in which the paint will flow and not sink in.
5. What is the best size canvas/panel to work on in class? For portraits, I suggest 16"x20" or 20"x24". Landscapes can be smaller, as suggested on the material list.
6. Must I use maroger medium? Maroger (pronounced "mer-ro-jay") is a great medium for oil painting, but use what you're familiar with. Purchase maroger medium at www.oldmastersmaroger.com.
Re General Questions about Workshops...
1. Is your online registration secure? Yes, via PayPal and Google Checkout.
2. Why register online? For two reasons. 1) It allows me to order enough supplies for each workshop, and 2) It secures your place in the workshop.
3. Do you teach people with disabilities? Yes, and I consider it a privilege to do so. I relate to feeling "unnormal" compared to most of the people I see, as I have Usher Syndrome, a disease that is slowly taking away, of all things, my sight! Yet, I have learned to press on in spite of it, and enjoy painting and teaching immensely. I have learned to "comfort others with the comfort with which God has comforted me." So, I am especially patient and helpful to those who need a little extra help.
4. If I want to draw instead of paint in your class, is this okay? Absolutely. You can use vine charcoal (medium grade) on good-quality charcoal paper, (4-6 large sheets of a good paper stacked and clipped to a support board. See material list for details.
5. Do I need to bring donuts to class? Actually, anything with dark chocolate will do.
6. What is one item students most often forget for class? The all-important notebook. I believe taking good notes of what you're learning is essential to improving
Re Tim and Life...
1. Are you a religious person? Glad you asked. No, I'm not, though I do live with hope and conviction. Like most people, I have faith, but the difference may be in the object of that faith. Instead of it being in success, material things, control, etc., as it once was, my faith is in Jesus Christ, the one and only Son of God. Through Him God has graciously and unequivaclly demonstrated His great love for you and me. I have learned (the hard way, of course) that religion won't bring me the peace and joy I seek, but instead realize that through Jesus Christ I am loved in an incredibly tender way by God. I am overwhelmed by His mercy and grace to me, and so, when I cast aside my fears, my hurts, and my rights, I am able live in response to this great love, and viola! the joy and peace pours in! So, it's not religion, but a friendship with the God I once feared. Can't imagine living any other way, pursuing any other course. I'm forgiven, once and for all, and I have an amazing eternity to look forward to. All who accept His offer of love and then follow and treasure Him can enjoy life forever. Oh yeah! Awesome. In a nutshell, I believe Jesus Christ is who He said He was. Life may not be easy, but there is a purpose to it all. BTW- I won't impose my convictions upon my students. Ask me, and I'll be glad to share the Good News with you.
2. Do you struggle with your disabilities? Yes, some times more than others. I have Usher Syndrome, a disease that slowly degenerates my sight and hearing. Though I have lousy peripheral vision, I can see what I'm looking at! Thus, I am able to enjoy painting and every other beautiful thing to see- including my family. Hearing instruments enable me to go from almost dead silence to hearing well enough to communicate and enjoy hearing music, lawn mowers, the neighbors' dog...
Re Your Philosophy of Painting and Teaching:
1. Building on what I just stated above and also in the first question at the top of this page, you can probably tell that I give a good deal of attention to the purpose of each day I'm given. I learned a long time ago that there were two things for me to seek and understand: 1) who God is, and 2) who I am in relation to Him. This understanding (paradigm, if you will) gets adjusted as I continue to seek to understand these two things. No doubt it's been humbling as I realize (slower than most) that it's not about me, but about the One who created me. Teaching, then, is an opportunity to serve my students and glorify God by showing them the beauty and excitement of pursuing and presenting truth.

Honors Award - Portrait Society of America
1999 International Portrait Competition
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Timothy J. Chambers can be reached at
studio@timothychambers.com
800.680.0958
540.338.8332
Philomont, Virginia

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