FAQ's
When did you start teaching?
In the Spring of 2004 I believe it was. It seemed like a fun idea. I always wanted to teach art the way I thought it should be done. That first class was crazy! I learned that what I took for granted as easy didn’t come as easy for everyone else. That class of students probably sweated bullets more than any class I ever taught, but I think some of the best student paintings came out of there as well.
Why did you decide to teach?
Teaching is one of my talents and I felt that it would somehow be good for me to have to explain and articulate why and how I do what I do. I was right. It has been a great development for my own self and I have really grown from this. But It was never about the money since I make more income from painting than teaching. The greatest reward is to see all the lives this has effected.
Why do you teach in association with Roberts Arts and Craft?
When I first played around with the idea of teaching they had the closest facility to my gallery and it was just a matter of convenience. Since then I have been impressed and grateful to the extent of there cooperation in helping me turn this into a successful program. They treat my students well and make it easier for me.
How long does it take to really become a great artist?
Just taking a few classes now and then and painting perhaps a couple of paintings a year isn’t going to do it. I have set up an Appenticeship program to help my students who really want to take it to a professional level. I figure than if someone could paint about 15 hours a week, doing a small 11X14 inch painting, they would be able to complete about 50 paintings a year. This would be ideal. Everyone is different, but I think you could be up to a professional quality with the proper nurturing in about three years.
Are there some people who just don’t have any talent?
My definition of talent is when you have enough "desire" to take the steps necessary to learn the skills. There are some who have an inclination to do something, but that alone won’t make them great. I have seen some artists with natural abilities who never achieved anything because of lack of desire. I tell all my students the first day of class that they are all talented because they took the steps necessary to show up today! You can’t compare yourself to others. There is always going to be somebody better and somebody who is worse. You can only compete with yourself. Believe you can do it and with the proper guidance you will.
Why acrylics? Why not oils or watercolor?
I have done plenty of painting with both mediums, but I have found acrylics to be the most favorable to my personal method. I also find the durability, lack of toxicity, and drying time to be a positive. I tell my students that the method works every bit as well with oils, but with oils you have to wait between stages for it to dry.
Do you ever enter art shows or competitions?
No. I believe that once an artist starts to compete in art shows they become hungry for acceptance and they begin to loose some of their creative independence. This is my excuse for avoiding the stress of it all. I just try to please myself and I know there are enough people out there who are like me and will respond to what I have to say through my art.
Do you think your technique will change?
No. It’s kind of like handwriting. I’m just looking for more ways of expressing myself now. I’m always trying new themes. My future goals are to paint more paintings which are deeper on a conceptual level. I want McNaughton paintings to be about creating powerful positive feelings in the viewer. It’s all about the feeling.
How do you decide what to charge for these classes?
As you can see I charge a fraction of what I could for this kind of instruction. I simply charge enough to weed out people who would come because they have nothing better to do. I really want to see some great artists come out of this program. This is part of the reasoning behind the Apprenticeship Program I have just begun. I am only as good a teacher as the number of competent artists who come out from my tutelage.
