Blog Post #10 - The Art of Time: Setting the Right Expectations for Your Creative Projects

At Oakwood Art Studio, we believe creativity should feel like a joy, not a race. Whether you’re joining us for a paint-and-sip evening, a watercolor or acrylic class, or one of our after-school programs, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of starting a new piece and want to rush to the finish. But here’s something we’ve learned time and again: great art takes time.

Art isn’t just about the end product; it’s about the process too! And depending on what you're creating, that process can look very different. Paint-and-sip nights are designed to be completed in just two hours. They’re lighthearted, guided, and perfect for beginners who want to leave with a finished canvas by the end of the session. Kids’ classes and after-school programs are paced for learning and fun. Watercolor and acrylic sessions focus on building skills over time, not rushing through projects. Each type of class or event has its own rhythm, and that’s okay.

One of the best ways to enjoy your time in the studio is to know what to expect before you pick up a brush. If you’re working on a more advanced painting or joining a multi-session workshop, keep in mind:

• Progress looks different for everyone. Some people paint quickly and instinctively, while others are more meticulous. Neither approach is wrong.

• It’s okay not to finish right away. If you don’t complete your masterpiece in one session, don’t worry. We can help you schedule a time to come back and wrap it up!

• Practice builds patience. The more you draw and paint, the more comfortable you’ll get with the natural pace of your creative flow.
  

Our instruction is designed to guide, encourage, and help you set goals that feel good, not overwhelming. Whether you’re painting for fun or pursuing your skills more seriously, remember: every brushstroke counts, and every moment in the studio is a chance to unwind, express yourself, and have fun.

Want to book a class or have questions about how long your project might take? Contact us here or stop by the studio, we’d love to chat!

Peter and Debbie Scott

PS - Also, please follow us on Facebook, to see more in-progress pieces and studio highlights! Here’s a wonderful example of a “Finish It Friday” project Debbie has recently been working on.