Taking classes

There are many ways to learn to paint: from books, videos, regular classes, workshops, to name a few.
I find going to a regular pastel class very beneficial, for a number of reasons. One being that, since I already paid for it, I'm likely to attend and work hard. Another is the group environment, where you get to socialize with fellow students and learn from each other. The obvious one of having a teacher must not be forgotten. I am currently taking classes with Margaret Holland at the Calgary School of Art, and I'm very happy with her instruction.
I use all four aforementioned methods and enjoy them all.

This painting was part of a class project, were we all worked from the same photograph using the same paper (Canson Mi-Teintes). It was interesting to see the results - we each have our own style and the paintings looked very different from one another. Private collection.