As an Art Instructor with U3A
I'm honoured to be invited by U3A (The University of the Third Age, Malaysia) as art instructor for watercolour painting classes since 2018. U3A is a program under the “Lifelong Learning for Older Malaysians” project started by Prof. Dr. Tengku Aizan Hamid, Director, Institute of Gerontology, Universiti Putra Malaysia. The project was supported by the Government of Malaysia and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) [Country Programme Cycle 2008 – 2012].
More info about U3A, please click https://u3aklsel.wixsite.com/malaysia/about-us
As art instructor for adults who come from various academic and professional background with different level of art knowledge, teaching becomes challenging and yet interesting for me. As U3A is driven on the philosophy of “learning for leisure”, the teaching of watercolour painting is not solely emphasized on the mastering of techniques or skill. Instead, it should act as lifelong learning initiative for the elderly to enjoy togetherness, happiness and positive energy through the beauty of art.
Watercolour is an attractive medium that enable us to enjoy its unexpected, spontaneous and amazing results by just mixing water with watercolour paint. Although it has a reputation for being a difficult medium to learn, a wide range of effects could be achieved through repeating practices, effort and learning. Hence, it is a popular medium for beginners.
Teaching members of U3A is always a happy moment for me. I treat every lesson a joyful and meaningful gathering where i could have chatters beside sharing knowledge for enlightenment. From indoor classes to outdoor en plein air sessions, improvement and laughter from my adult students are always my momentum towards creating better art pieces. Through teaching art, it is part of my social responsibilities and contribution back to society as well.
Videos above show both physical and online classes conducted with artworks painted by participating U3A members.
