Calvin deRuyter's Workshops
Participant's comments:

Thanks to everyone in Alexandria in July 2011 for a 3 day workshop. Here are some of their comments:

"I liked the 3 days ratehr than 2 days. It was fun and helpful to 'paint along' with you. You were very good about answering questions and being willing to help us individually as well as when you where demonstrating. "

"Calvin is very nice and informative. His feedback was very helpful and given in an extremely kind manner. His focus on the painter painting their emotions and in their own unique way is very inspiring."

"Excellent and thank you. I loved all the new ideas, methods, etc. Calvin, you are so well versed. Comfortable in your method and willing to share everything. You have inspired me and I am anxious to pay more with watercolor from the tube. The way you talked through your last demo was fabulous."

"Loved the experience you shared with us and was much more than expected. You are helpful and encouraging. I will remember this exerience! Nice to come away with a challenge. Thank you."

"You could easily do a week. Very non-threatening. Excellent."

"Painting direct from the tube is wonderful. Let's hope I can focus on colntrolling color as I play with it. White is more chanllenging than I realized, but I love additing it to paintings. Wonderful. And thank you for the permissions to do and not do."

Thanks to everyone in Alexandria in July 2010 for a well received 2 day workshop. Here are some of their comments:

"Loved the whole thing and made me want to go home and paint some more..."

"It was experimental but not threatening. The critique time was the most thorough and helpful of any I've been to!"

"Your critique comments were illuminating - specific but always kind. i loved devoting enough time to the critique. Some workshops are exhausting...this one was relaxing."

"I gained a whole new way of thinking regarding watercolor painting. Anxious to try painting more loosely. Would take the class again! Very inspirational. The critique at the end could have been shorter."

"Liked how eaasy Calvin made it seem -- so I coudl engage with each task. His humor was an important fun part. Give us permission to make mistakes when we tried new concepts."

"I am going home with a number of paintings that I like -- this is a first!"

Here are some comments from the 2 day workshop at Studio 321 in Janaury 2010:

"Cal is FUN! "

"Glad you kept repeating 'it's only paper' to help me remember it!"

"Loved it AGAIN! And, thanks again for sharing your extraordinary talent."

For three years in a row I have been honored to be the workshop leader for full classes in Battle Lake MN
that are sponsored by the Art of the Lakes. Here are some comments from the one, specifically "color and
texture" in July 2009 :

"Cal, you are most helpful. Each class I have learned and I think improved."

"I always look forward to Calvin's class -- good lectures, informative, inspiring and a lot of fun always. Always willing to share. Only suggestion, come back!"

"I absolutely love teh class and I will drive 200 miles anytime to learn from you!"

"Thanks Clavin! It was fun, informative and very motivational. You do a great job at encouraging creativity."

"I didn't need to hear abuot the gauze and sponges, etc. because they're not 'Calvin' and everyone else does that bit! Very enjoyable time! Good critique."

"Your involvement as a teacher is positive and entertaining. I think you should allow students to take one each of your paintings home! SMILE

Here are some of the comments from the workshop at Hopkins Center for the Arts,
sponsored by the Minnesota Watercolor Society:

"Class was entertaining: A rollicking good time! [If someone can’t have fun at your workshops, we better check for a pulse.]"

"You are a wonderful teacher, and you have the gift of preserving the joy in learning....You were so free with sharing your knowledge and you gave helpful criticism in a kind, non-threatening way.  Thanks for a great workshop!"

"So much fun I didn't want to quit."

"I enjoyed the class immensely. it stretched my creativity and color usage. I explored new colors, a new technique, and new subjects. Thank you."

 "Your attention to the class artists was impressive and helpful. You made yourself more available than most other workshops I have been at."

 "I loved the permission to break the rules and loved that you told us that having fun was a priority--to stop working and struggling--and have fun!"

These were some of the comments from my workshop in Hackensack MN:

"The critique period was made into a good learning experience!"

"I learned I don't have to be perfect with watercolors."

"I have never done anything before with painting, so actually gettting results was fun. Amazing what you can see in a piece of art. Imagination is a wonderful thing!"

"Very informative and helpful -- but not sure I'm free enough in painting -- I'm too rigid. But now I am motivated to continue experimenting."

"Great to take the workshop for the second time! I continue to learn more. I hope to practice throughout the coming 12 months."

"Excellent! Need to have you back for more. You were tireless -- encouraging and informative."

"It was totally fun -- I wouldn't change anything!"

"Loved losing the "rules" and exploring the freedom! Thanks!"

Some comments from previous workshops:

"Technique along with nurturing personality--a total package! Non threatening to beginning painters. Excellent experience and critique was very valuable!"

"Enjoyed the freedom of painting! You have a great way of communicating with us and it was easy to follow. Love the 'no rules' process! Thank you!"

"I'm bummed -- I thought it would be sooooo easy -- I want to take more lessons!"

"Very educational -- truly made people STRETCH and try new techniques. I appreciated the basic art instruction as well."

"This is my second Calvin workshop... I just may e becoming a "groupie"! Let's have more!! Fun Fun Fun"

"I wanted to try new techniques and while it may not have 'felt' comfortable, it got more so with each painting attempt. I did more work than other classes I've taken, and that is how one 'learns'!"

"Excellent therapy!"