Why the Roaring '20s

In creating this space, I looked for a title that portrayed joy, strength, risk, movement and growth. I compared our current society to that of the 1920s. Instead of hanging out at the corner gathering place, we gather online, share ideas and support one another. Zoom has become our Brasserie, where ideas flourish and expand. We have a private forum where 'flappers' post work in progress or upon completion. It is a safe place to disagree on art, to exchange thoughts and brainstorm solutions. It is a place free from politics and divisiveness - a haven.

Who this is really for...

You're a practicing artist, working to take your art to the next step. You enjoy working independently, but sometimes need a little extra push or feedback to bring clarity to your process.

 

You enjoy thinking about different ways to approach your subject. You want to infuse your work with meaning and feel confident that it stands out as yours alone. This 6 month program is designed with you in mind. The extended format allows the luxury of the long thought.  Your instructor and fellow students are following your journey and cheering for your success!

6 months from now:

You will see growth in your work in the following areas

  • Content: We will work together via journaling to find unique approaches to your subject.

  • Individual Approach: Exercises and Challenges to help you imagine the best and most creative ways to express that content.

  • Understanding: You'll feel like you have a focused handle on which areas suit your artistic temperament and where you want to improve.,

  • Inspiration: Monthly demonstrations will spark new ideas for techniques and unifying your work.

About the Head Flapper

Ruth Armitage, NWS

Ruth Armitage

Ruth brings clarity to the creative process for her students. There is so much to think about: design elements, composition, content. Her goal is to help students solve the creative puzzle. She teaches them to put their inner critic to work rather than let it become an obstacle to success. Ruth enjoys teaching the creative process and watching lightbulbs come on in her students' eyes. She and her husband Marc maintain a small farm and studio in rural Oregon City.

Participant Feedback

Judy R

"I've pared down to the essential art notes that I've collected over the past ten years from the 3-4 teachers who have grounded me in the essential approaches to expressing my visual self. I now am returning to the basics, with different questions and yet really about the same basics. And, you've been there, all these years, along side, in such a lovely, open way."

What's Included:

  • Weekly Challenges & Journal Prompts released each month

  • Monthly Focus with Instructional Live video - recording available

  • Private Forum for sharing work and inspiration

  • Monthly Small Group Zoom Sessions with optional add-on sessions (additional charge)

Exciting Plans:

Program begins January 1 and ends June 30, 2021

  • 1

    Welcome! Roaring '20s Winter-Spring 2021

  • 2

    Weekly Challenges & Journal Prompts

    • January Challenges & Journal Prompts - Focus on Value

    • February Challenges- Focus on Texture

    • February Journal Prompts

    • Composition Thumbnails - From Edgar Payne

    • March Challenges & Journal Prompts - Focus on Balance

    • March Challenges, Examples & Journal Prompts

    • April Challenges & Journal Prompts

    • May Challenges & Journal Prompts

    • June Challenges & Journal Prompts

    • Book Discussion
  • 3

    Invitations and Recordings: Monthly Small Group Zoom Sessions

    • April Recordings

    • June Zoom Sessions Recordings

    • Small Group Zoom Session Recordings Links

    • February Zoom Recordings

    • March Small Group Session Recordings
  • 4

    Monthly Live Video Instruction - 2nd Thursday of the month 7-8 pm

    • April LIVE Zoom Session Recording: Thursday, April 8, 7 pm PST

    • January 14 - 7 p.m. Tune in Live via Zoom - Recording link will appear here afterwards

    • Start to Finish: Distant Shore

    • February Zoom Demo Recording

    • March Zoom Recording
  • 5

    Resources

    • Design Elements & Principles as a Resource

    • Composition Thumbnails

    • Are You Done with That? Guide to Finishing Your Paintings

    • More Composition Thumbnails

    • Tutorial: Taking and Editing Photos of Your work
  • 6

    Participant Roster

    • Roster of enrolled students

  • 7

    Optional Additional Zoom Session Upgrade

Participant Reviews

Success Stories

5 star rating

This was an excellent course. I really appreciate the ef...

Claudia Breese

This was an excellent course. I really appreciate the effort you put into it. It gave me lots of things to think about and ideas that appeared as I worked....

Read More

This was an excellent course. I really appreciate the effort you put into it. It gave me lots of things to think about and ideas that appeared as I worked. Thank you. Hope you will do some more. Perhaps simplify the computer steps. :)

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5 star rating

Texture explorations

Mary Duvall

I was able to explore a number of methods of making texture using tools and paint. I was pleased with the results and will take the surfaces further using a...

Read More

I was able to explore a number of methods of making texture using tools and paint. I was pleased with the results and will take the surfaces further using abstract techniques learned in other of Ruth's classes. Very satisfied. I enjoy this method of distance learning. it saves me time and money, provides easy and convenient access and is well done.

Read Less

Additional Bonuses

I want this to be a special treat for you!

  • Are You Finished With That?

    You'll receive a special cheat sheet in PDF format with a checklist - the things I go over when I'm trying to decide if a piece is finished. Print out this valuable tool and hang it in your studio to refer back to. Valued at $25.00

  • All Content Downloadable

    Save any or all content to your drive or dropbox and refer to it over and over again. I trust the artists I work with not to share or exploit the information they receive. Valued at $95.00

  • How to Photograph Your Work Like a Professional

    Presentation matters, and photographing your work to get an accurate representation is tricky. I'll walk you through the ins and outs so you can show off your creations proudly on social media, websites and applications. Valued at $95.00

Features

*6 months of Challenges and Prompts - 24 weeks of content delivered via email and posted in the lessons section of the website on the 1st of each month. I'll be making these challenges and prompts into .pdf files so you can easily download or print and save them for future use.

*Monthly small group review sessions via Zoom - maximum of 6 students per 90 minute session, scheduled for the first Friday of each month at 8:00, 10:00, 12:00 and 2:00.

*Monthly live large group instruction via Zoom on the 2nd Thursday of each month 7-8 p.m. to illuminate the monthly topic. These will be recorded and the replay will be available on the website in case you are not available at that time.

*All additional Bonus Treats listed above: Finishing Cheat Sheet, Downloadable Content & Photographing Your Work Tutorial 

Additional VIP zoom sessions will be priced at $75.00 on a space available basis. If they regularly sell out, I will consider adding additional sessions.

Comparable programs are valued at over $2000, but I want to serve my community during this pandemic. After this session, the tuition will increase, but by continuing your membership, you will continue to enjoy significant discounts. 

FAQ

Answers to all your burning Questions!

  • What if I miss a Zoom session?

    All sessions are recorded, so you can watch at a more convenient time. Even if you're not there, you can send questions in advance. In addition, we can usually fit you in to another session if you let me know you'll have to miss in advance.

  • What kind of time commitment will this require?

    Because this is a 6 month program, you will get out of it what you put into it. My job is to inspire you to do the work. Weekly challenges and journaling are at your discretion. I understand that life sometimes intervenes, but I am here to encourage you to get work done.

  • Am I really ready for this?

    The great thing about this type of program is that it meets you where you are. I discourage comparisons between artists. I prefer to help you set realistic goals and motivate you to achieve them. I have the experience to work with artists at every level.

  • Are the extra zoom sessions One on One?

    Yes, extra sessions are one hour of 1-1 time with Ruth to discuss goals, accountability, critique, or other art questions. Register at least one week prior to allow Ruth time to prepare & communicate with you. These sessions will be available each month, and Ruth may add more if demand requires it. Ruth will email you zoom info upon scheduling.

A Community designed to support & inspire

Just like a Parisian Brasserie in the 1920's

I've heard over and over from participants how valuable this space and energy are to their creative process. Here's just one voice: "I’m really enjoying this 6 month class. I love the writing prompts and weekly painting challenges. AND seeing all the wonderful work of everyone else. And their vulnerability in showing their work. This has helped me feel more open and secure about posting my work. And that’s huge for me!" - Linda Ralley

Still have questions?

I'd be happy to hop on a call with you to discuss. I want this program to satisfy all your artistic needs.

I know that investing in a program like this can feel risky. Will it be worth it? Am I ready? Whether you feel burned out with your work, uninspired or just lost, this is the place to be. We have a supportive and inspiring gathering here, a safe place to share, receive feedback & inspiration, and most of all, motivation. You really want your paintings to express your inner feelings. You want to find a process that feels natural to you, and original, not derivative. You are committed to putting in the time and effort, and YES, investment in a program that can dramatically alter your artistic path.