Newcomers to folk art and decorative painting, and those contemplating to learn, are often curious about the ringgit and sen of learning. Naturally, the cost of taking lessons is among the most popular questions asked. Other popular questions include the amount of time needed to become proficient, and whether one has to be gifted in order to paint beautifully. To the first-timers, the questions are pretty obvious, but unfortunately the answers are not so straightforward. So when someone asks me about the teacher's fee, I cannot give straight answers. Firstly, the fee is actually the smallest component of the total cost. Secondly, the fee and other costs depend very much on what the learners want to accomplish. And thirdly, the choice of teacher is very personal - teachers are different, not only in terms of ability and personal style, but also in a matter of teacher-learner chemistry. The fee should not be the main criteria.
The biggest component of the learning cost, and also the painting cost, is actually the tools, materials and supplies - brushes of different types, sizes and purposes, wet pallettes, the range and types of colours, unpainted base materials such as wood pieces and wood-based products, patterns, transfer papers, etc. Another significant component, and this one gets bigger and bigger as one gets better, is the reference materials and inspirational input such as imported publications, works by famous artists, and attending seminars and workshops by prominent artists. Therefore, to manage time and cost, it is important to know where to shop for the painting supplies. A dependable supplier should have most, if not all, of the things that you need at the most competitive prices, is reliable in terms of stock availability and turnaround, is one where the friendly and helpful staff make you feel at ease, and is one where the staff there remember you when you return. I think Craft Haven here is on the right track.
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