Unleash Your Inner Artist: Join Rose State College's Creative Painting Class with Gabi Telcocci

Get ready to unleash your creativity with Rose State College's exciting new creative painting class this summer! Designed to provide a dynamic outlet for students, this course will help you develop a unique skill set and dive into the world of artistry.

Leading the way is the talented artist Gabi Telcocci, who will be the instructor for this upcoming course. We had the opportunity to sit down with Gabi and delve into her experience throughout her career and her aspirations for the students in her class. Read our Q&A below as we explore Gabi's teaching style, project approach, and the valuable takeaways she hopes each student will carry with them.

What inspired you to teach a creative painting class?

I used to do art projects with my kids at their schools when they were younger. At some point, they got old enough that they didn’t want their mom at school anymore, so I had to find a new outlet. After learning that anyone could propose a class to Francis Tuttle, I reached out to them with my idea, and they gave me a shot!

How long have you been teaching?

I started teaching adult art classes in 2016 at Francis Tuttle’s Rockwell campus and am excited to begin teaching at Rose State this year.

How has your experience been teaching a creative painting class?

I love teaching adults my techniques, especially those who don’t feel creative. My approach focuses on enjoying the process and the imperfect results. Someone may be unable to draw something to perfection (me included!), but it doesn’t mean they can’t paint a beautiful picture.

What type of painting styles or techniques do you plan to teach?

My painting style (and mixed media) uses many layers – acrylic paints, pencils, Stabilo crayons, oil pastels, stencils – the list can be short or lengthy. This means there is also a lot of forgiveness using my technique. If I don’t like something I’ve done, I just cover that part up and keep going! The part I didn’t like will often show through in the final piece, but for me, it’s kind of like a scar. It’s still beautiful because it’s part of the growth process.

Can you describe a project students will complete in your class?

I feel like I’m a guide in the painting process. My “assignments” are more about the process and not the outcome. We may start by writing a note or a meaningful word on the canvas before we start or use our non-dominant hand to create some marks. Empty canvases are often a stumbling block, so I like to get my students started with something that most likely will be covered up. I try to have ideas or a theme if a student “needs” an assignment; however, I allow my students to create something meaningful for them, so I offer them the freedom to choose their own subject and then help guide them through it.

What do you hope students take away from your class?

I hope they take away that they ARE creative, they ARE artists, and that someone doesn’t have to sell art or teach art to call themselves an artist. I hope they feel inspired to get creative in their own spaces after the class, and I always love when I connect with my students and share the art they create long after the class is over.

How do you think a creative painting class will benefit students?

I hope it gives them happiness and confidence. Creating is such a fun process. I hope my students gain the confidence to try new things and keep creating.

How do you help students develop their own painting styles?

One of my favorite books is “Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon. It discusses that there is rarely a new idea but that each individual can create individual pieces. I teach a process that I use and have developed to make my own, but learned from watching several other artists and putting my twist on what they were doing. I hope that I inspire my students to do the same.

What would you say to students hesitant to enroll?

DON’T!! If you have the desire to try it, you absolutely should. You never know where it might lead!

Take advantage of this chance to unleash your inner artist and create something meaningful. Enroll in the creative painting class today, with the next classes scheduled for July 11, 18, and 25. To learn more about Gabi's incredible work, visit her website at https://gabitelcocci.com/