Patti Wickman is incredibly helpful and sweet, but will definitely require you to participate in crits. She is very approachable, and won't shoot down your ideas. If you'd like to pursue something in mixed media or using equipment not traditionally used in a beginning painting class, she definitely encourages it - she even helps you find the materials you need. A great, non-invasive beginning painting teacher.

What's most important in this class (as well as other studios, I'm sure) is crit participation. Even if you're not sure of what you're saying, or if you have to say it badly and explain it over again, just say it. Patty is more interested in what you have to say coming from your perspective as a painter than the actual work. For some really great, technical painters this can be a pitfall, since Patty tends more towards hints of narrative over technical prowess.

That's not to say you can get away with just slopping some shit together last minute. There's a balance you have to maintain between technicality and conception. Patty tends more towards concept, but remember always to paint in such a way that it brings your perspective to critiques.