About Tara
If we haven't met before, hello! I'm Tara. I've been teaching online since 2013, and making art and writing about it for a lot longer.
The courses I create all revolve around a single theme, about which I am passionate: you, making the most expressive, true-to-you art you can make. Not copying, not trying for perfect accuracy, not being heavily influenced by the artists whose work you love so much. Sounds pretty simple, but for many of us it's a challenge we can spend years trying to overcome. I did, and I discovered and developed all sorts of tools and processes along the way. I put them first into my blog, and then into online courses, which have helped hundreds of people from all over the world.
The Happy Artist Studio brings together all my courses under one roof - a bit like an art school, but without the timetable, intimidating critiques and grades! My approach is process oriented, and rooted in experimentation, exploration, and encouragement all the way. You don't need an art degree to make art that is a true expression of your deepest self. {I don't have one.} It's entirely possible to be a fully expressed, happy artist, and to do that in a way that works for - and with - who you are. {And if you're not quite sure about that part, the art will help you with that too.}
Why 'The Happy Artist Studio'?
Well, the short version is that I believe the world needs more happy artists - and yes, we each get to define what that means for us as unique individuals! It needs more people fully expressed, self aware, self fulfilled, and making work that reflects who they are and what they're here to share. I use the hashtag #happyartistmovement on Instagram, have written about it on the blog, and one of these days I'll finish the book I've half written on the same subject!
To me, a happy artist is one who understands that art is not always about rainbows and unicorns and public admiration; it's about getting up close and personal with your process, and honest and real self expression. Sometimes that's murky and frustrating and deeply challenging. But that willingness to dig deep and tell the truth is where the happiness comes from; truth is empowering and gives us agency in our own lives.
{Yes, that really is the short version! For the long version, go here.}
"Tara is a brilliant facilitator with a warm heart who brings out the best in people who love making art. I’ve gained so much by playing, working and learning in her Happy Artist Studio. I highly recommend this excellent online learning place."
Carol-Lynn Bond