Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When do classes start?
A:
Our classes officially start September 1, 2008.

Q: I can’t locate the course prices.
A:
Here is the link you need: http://www.brushandpencil.com/program.aspx (please scroll down to the "Add to Cart" button. The price is right above it.)

Q: I am not in the USA. Can I still take classes and participate in Webinars?
A:
Yes! If is perfectly possible to take classes and participate in our Webinars from other countries. The only factor you must keep in mind is the time difference.

Q: How are the lectures distributed?
A:
All lectures and assignments are recorded on high definition DVDs. This allows you to have access to lessons 24 hours a day 7 days a week. This totally eliminates any problems you might have with bandwidth limitations, downloading, image quality, etc.

Q: How can I submit my homework?
A:
You will be provided with all assignments for the entire course and a schedule for homework submission prior the start of the class. You will need a scanner or a digital camera to take pictures of your completed art assignments. Submissions will be made over regular email with attached images of your completed homework. The teacher will review them and reply to you together with comments and suggestions. Remember that email providers often limit file sizes. Please keep your images under 1MB.

Q: I would like to take classes but I have my own art supplies. Can I have a discount?
A:
The provided art supplies are a complimentary addition to our service. Our goal here is not to sell art supplies to the students, but to provide all participants with the exact same learning environment. We want to ensure from the very beginning of the course that we are all on the same page and talking about the same colored pencil names, etc.

Q: I took colored pencil workshops with other instructors and I don’t consider myself a beginner, but rather an intermediate artist. What options do I have?
A:
The basis for a school versus a workshop is the transfer of a large amount of information from the teacher to the student. In this manner the teacher offers knowledge about a particular style and technique. This includes materials, their application, design ideas, technical execution of the project, presentation, etc. It can’t be parsed into smaller pieces than it already is without damaging the effect. Major attention in our school will be paid to practical assignments. Guidance will be provided to each student personally, as it would be in one-on-one tutoring. The goal is not just to give each and every student the same information on the set of DVDs, but also to help them obtain maximum knowledge and personal skills in this media.

Q: Do I need a phone to participate in Webinars?
A:
Yes. Our audio connection uses a phone conferencing format. This is preferable to voice over IP or other options because of better quality and less technical confusion for all users. Using something called bridge conferencing, our students follow instructions sent via email prior to each meeting and dial the phone number provided. Obviously, the cost of the phone call to you would depend on charges by your phone service provider and the amount of time you are in the conference. 

Q: I don’t have a high-speed Internet connection. Is this a problem for participating in Webinars?
A:
Yes. Unfortunately I don't think you would like the result of a dialup videoconference. The best result would utilize high-speed Internet for video and a phone line for audio
 

Q: Do I have to have a web cam or microphone?
A:
No, you don't need a web cam or a microphone.

Q: What is the schedule for Webinars?
A:
Webinars are a major part of our program. We will have weekly meetings (Saturday mornings) for live discussions regarding any questions developed during the learning process. Webinars are an important ingredient to the class providing immediate verbal and visual answers to questions that can be shared in a group environment.

Q: I am not in the USA. Can you still mail me art supplies including odorless mineral spirits?
A:
Regarding mailing restrictions, the US mail system still allows a small amount of properly bottled odorless mineral spirits to be shipped in packages. This will be more than sufficient for a single course of the Colored Pencil Painting class.

Q: I am not in the USA. When will your package arrive?
A:
I have scheduled the mailings in a manner that would allow the package to reach the student at least one week prior to the beginning of the course. If for some unusual reason the package arrives late you can always let us know and take the subsequent class.

Q: Can I write a review about Online Colored Pencil Painting School?
A:
Several articles about our school are upcoming in various magazines and publications over the next few months. We would certainly appreciate your reviews of our unique art method training system.

Q: Where can we get OMS? What brands do you recommend?
A:
You can purchase “Gamsol” OMS (recommended) or other acceptable solvents from vendors in this list for use with my particular colored pencil painting techniques.

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§         http://www.aswexpress.com/discount-art-supplies/online/443/art-supplies/5

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