Anita Kaplan brings to the classroom careful planning, a thoughtful presentation, and her own admirable aesthetic vision.. Like all good teachers, she loves her subject, and is happy to share her expertise. Her teaching techniques combine a successful balance of general instruction, classroom hands-on activities, and individual guidance. All in all, a most satisfying experience, that leaves you ready for more!
by M. L.
Think like an Artist
(Workshop report-Anita Kaplan's class)
You never know when a workshop is going to change the way you think.
Anita Kaplan's class on Color, Value & the Triangle, offered by Gualala Arts nudged each of her students to think like an artist.
From the first exercise to the last one, playing with carefully cut triangles on our design boards-we moved towards a new way of expressing our own art and craft of quilting.
Anita helped us to discover the power of VALUE, even more than color, to give life to any design. Einsteins we're not, but this is clearly an artist's theory of relativity. Anita's organized teaching process helped us to limit the chaos of choosing our fabrics.
To our delight, balance, unity, variety, and focus, the four vital elements of design, began to emerge on our design boards.
So, did this workshop change the way I quilt? It may be too soon to tell. If there's a chance that thinking like an artist makes us better quilters, Anita's class was a good place to start.
By P. O.
It's rare to find artists who are also good teachers. However, Anita is not only an extraordinary quilter, but a patient, knowledgeable and creative instructor. I learn so much in every class I take with her; I can't wait to get home to try out my new ideas.
by R. B.
I have taken a number of classes from Anita Kaplan and find her to be an exceptional teacher. She is always well prepared and thoroughly conversant with her subject. She relates beautifully to her students and is extraordinarily sensitive to their individual needs. She makes learning fun, even if it's a difficult skill that she's trying to impart. Everyone who leaves one of her classes feels it's one of the best they've ever taken. She is, in short, a natural teacher.
From J. T.
anita@anitakaplan.com