FAQ – Tracy Everly’s Online Classes

I’ve tried to cover everything here, but please feel free to contact me directly at tracy@tracyeverly.com if you have additional questions.

What kind of classes do you offer?

I offer several kinds of classes:

·       Live online classes are held as Zoom meetings with me. During the Zoom meetings, there will be live discussion, Q&A, and I will share slides and recorded painting demos. Most of the time the recorded demos will be created specifically for each class. Classes are recorded and participants have lifetime access to the replays. Multi-session live online courses include individual feedback on homework assignments. Live online classes that are one session only do not include feedback on work.

·       Online courses are not held live. They are self-directed courses you can work through at your own pace. Participants have lifetime access to the course. Online courses do not include feedback on work.

·       Replay courses. These courses are recordings of live courses that were held at an earlier date. Participants have lifetime access. Replay courses do not include feedback on work.

·       In-person classes. Information about these can be found on tracyeverly.com/in-person classes. 

Will I get feedback on my work?

See above question. To reiterate, live multi-session online courses include individual feedback on homework assignments.

Live online courses that are one session, and online and replay courses, do not include feedback on work.

Can I still take live online classes if I can’t attend live?
Absolutely. All of the live Zoom classes will be recorded and available for unlimited replay. Many people never attend the live classes and participate by watching the recordings later.

How soon are the class recordings from live classes available?
Usually within 24 hours. A link to the recording will be posted within the course and in the private community.

Do I need to have a Zoom account?
No. You will receive a link for class. However, if you have not used Zoom before, I recommend that you log on early the first day to become familiar with it. The Zoom meeting will open approximately 30 minutes prior to the start of the class. This is when I typically make sure everything is setup. You can logon at that point to test your video and audio and get familiar with Zoom settings.

Where can I find the Zoom link for class?
The Zoom link can be found on the class page. It will not be visible until the day before class starts. Use the same link each week.

What happens if I lose connection during the workshop?
Try not to stress about it. It happens to all of us at times. Exit and then use the link to rejoin the workshop. If your connection is slow, sometimes it helps to power down your computer, wait a few minutes, power up and try again. Sitting closer to your router can also work, should you need to boost the connection.

Can I view the class on my phone?
You can, but it’s not recommended. The best way to see the class is with a desktop, laptop, or tablet.

Am I supposed to paint during the live Zoom meeting when you are painting?
It’s not recommended, but you can. I find it’s more helpful to focus on the slide talk, discussion, and demo entirely so you can ask questions. Since the class sessions are recorded, you can always watch and paint along on another day.

Will there be homework?
For multi-session live online classes, yes. At the end of each class, I will give an assignment for you to complete in the time between class sessions. You can share your work in the class Community where I will provide feedback. Completing the homework is optional, though. Many people take the classes and complete the homework at a later time. Please do not skip class just because you haven’t done the homework!

For live one-session classes, there will be no homework or critique of work.

For online courses or replay courses, assignments will be given to guide you as you work on your own.   

Do I need to do the assignments and share my work?
No, not if you don’t want to. The homework is optional, though you will get the most from the class if you are able to work on the assignments.

Can I work from photo references?
You can, but I recommend and prefer that you work from direct observation. I realize that not everyone has a studio space, but nothing elaborate is needed. You can keep the setup simple. You can work from photos if you prefer, but I request that you use your own and not the ones I use. This is because part of the learning process includes finding/creating your setup and composing.

What is the Community?

Each multi-session live online class comes with a private class Community. This is a place for you to post your work for feedback from me and share it with classmates. You can also ask questions of me or other students and get to know each other. The community is private and only those in the class will have access to it.

Live online classes that are one session only do not include access to a private Community.

Online classes also do not include a private Community.

Replay class participants will have access to the private Community for the original course. There they can see the work that was shared, as well as Tracy’s comments, even though they will not receive feedback on their own work.

Will you provide individual feedback on my work?
Yes, I do give individual feedback and suggestions for all posted work related to the homework assignments in live multi-session online classes. I typically do this in writing in the private class Community. Unfortunately, I am not able to offer feedback on work that is not related to the homework assignments.

Are the classes private?
Yes. Only registered participants attend the classes and have access to the demo recordings. Please do not share any of the Zoom links with anyone else.

Are your classes only for oil painters?
My classes and workshops are intended for oil painters. All of my demos will be in oils.  Most of the concepts are relevant for all mediums, so other mediums are welcome. But many of the methods and all of the materials discussed will be specific to oils.

Is it OK if I am a beginner?
Yes, all levels of experience are welcome. It is helpful if you have some oil painting experience, though.

Do I need to purchase all of the materials on the materials list?
Not necessarily. I offer the materials list for those who want the guidance but my general preference is for students to use the materials they are most comfortable with.

Can I ask questions in class?
Yes, please do! I love lively interactive class sessions. Usually, it’s best to use the chat feature in Zoom to ask questions. I check the chat several times during class and will respond live to each question.

Do you offer refunds?
Unfortunately, no. If something dire comes up such that you won’t be able to participate, you will still have lifetime access to the class materials and recordings to work from when you are able.