So I've been drawing for years, and have always been focused primarily on portraits. I've taken art classes to broaden my skills, but to be honest...I've rarely been loyal to the class. I've always gotten bored. I think I'm just one of those stubborn students who takes the class as an outlet and a place to meet ppl like me, not to have someone teach me how to draw like they do.

Yes...there is a lot to learn from a veteran artist, but I think it's more important to feel like you have a place and time for drawing, not for being whipped into shape.

Anyways. When I first realized I had a talent I fantasized about going to an Art School, but of course self-doubt came in to play. In hindsight seeing artists better than me has been the greatest contributor to my personal growth. I've come to specialize in portraiture, and have only sometimes excelled in other areas and rare occasions. I started to realize that even though I had a talent, I couldn't see myself making a living off my work. People have constantly asked me if I'm going to school for it, or have harassed me because I'm not. However, I don't let it go to my head, just because they're not used to seeing work like mine doesn't mean I'm the hottest thing since sliced bread. In reality I'm barely coming out of the intermediate phase, although I've been scolded for being too modest.

TO get to the bottom line...I'm curious about how many people have pursued art as a major, or how many of you truly believe you can do it, or how many have. Would you recommend it? How do you want to benefit from the schooling, how are you, or how have you? Are you really truly trying to do what your instructor tells you, or do you attend hoping to get some praise?

I know you can be successful without the schooling, in fact I think the schooling tricks the youth into thinking that with a few classes they can be a pro, or will have guaranteed success. Clearly, I'm interested in opening up a discussion about art (and its various mediums, styles, etc) as a major. I am not trying to insult art teachers, you guys are awesome, and maybe you signed up to be a teacher, but a think a lot people sign up to be famous, and settle for teaching, which is what will probably happen to me even if I major in English, or Psychology . I've appreciated all my art teachers, but I've always had this nagging thought swimming in my head...should I have taken my artistic schooling for seriously? Or should I do what would arguably be considered the more rational and stable thing...study something that is more likely to yield a successful and fruitful career?

Well I haven't pursued a major in arts either, so I don't know if I can answer those questions you have asked. I have taken art classes (though it was a long time ago) and I had a really great teacher, who made us go outside of our comfort zone and try new things. Most of the times the endresult were not fit to print, but she made sure that art class was always a fun and challenging time. It is so easy to just continue with what you have already more or less mastered, but it is very rewarding to try something new. It is very important however (and here I completely agree with onlyme) that there be no trying to whip the students into shape. As with anything else art is a personal way of expressing yourself, and this must be respected.

I find it so curious that self-doubt can make us avoid trying for a career in arts, when we are actually equally ignorant about anything else we start out to learn..I never seriously entertained ideas about making art my career, but I would probably have had the same thoughts as Onlyme. However, I didn't know anything about the theories of political science, but I was interested in Africa, so I took those studies anyway to learn more. It would actually be the same situation if I had taken Arts. I would have known some of the basics and I would have had a love for the subject, which combined should have been enough. But maybe the expectations for the end-product are different. As Onlyme says maybe some people sign up to become famous - and if they don't, then they consider the major wasted? I do not aspire to become the general sercretary to the UN (though it would probably be a very interesting experience) because of my education, but I will take it as far as I can in the directions that are of interest to me.

As for regretting those decisions of not taking art seriously enough, be they for the sake of getting safe jobs or not, it is never too late to change your mind.

I'm self educated in art so I can't discuss that part of your question. But I've often wondered how it would have been if I'd had the opportunity to take art in school. I'm not sure of course, but I feel I would have burntout if I had tried to major in art. I had so many other interests back then.

I would never harrass you, because I have been harrassed in so many ways concerning my art, but I've seen your gallery and I think you could find a vocation in some field of art. I also think that if a person wishes to self educate themselves they can suceed, not only in developing their talent and skill, but in a vocation.

I am not sorry that I kept my art as a profitable hobby and had another vocation for my main income. My art helped me in every vocation I've ever had.

bob

Dear Friend:

Unfortunately...I did not go to art school. So I cannot help you with that.
However..I did go to college and got an Associates Degree (2 year)in general studies.
It was a great experience...and I would love to study arts/drawing in school.
One of my professors told me 'Do what you love, and the money will come' I believe she
was so nice and so true. I believe you can succeed in any vocation in life..If you are decent
and hardworking. And also believe in yourself.
An art school education will not hinder your pursuits..it will probably do you better.
If you have faith in God and yourself...you can succeed.
Hope this helps!!!

fernando bartra
rednova
-mobilis in mobile-

I love your thinking! I have been told so many times advice through things in the ways of you have to enjoy your work before stressing about money. Also I believe that if you work hard you can pursue an art carreer.

And I don't believe every student majoring in art is seeking fame. Well, first of all if you wanted the most fame you would go into movies or music but not really visual arts. Like a lot of people I have always been critical of the Media and that would ruin me by intruding on my goals.

Should you pursue an art major? Of course you should! Art teachers are paid very well and earn pensions. Teachers have a lot of free time to pursue personal interests (art).
My personal desire - Curator of a famous museum; or be allowed to restore fresco's in an ancient Chapel; or be part of the art restoration going on in the Capital of the United States, in Washington, DC. Perhaps as a small business owner; to restore paintings found in attics, for whoever....

The point: you can make a living using your artistic skills, still create and sell your work; and have an income as you pursue both.

You can receive a solid College education as an art major; that can take you outside the world of art; if you desire to leave the pastel scene of calm and personal satisfaction. or. best of all, use your training to expand your abilities far beyond that of a "starving artist"

I'm a Physics and Mechanical Engineering major who, quite frankly, doesn't enjoy either wholeheartedly. It's my dream that I be able to really get into my artwork and little crafts one day and hopefully also learn several languages (then eventually settle down with my own house and start a family); but I can't see that happening any time soon with all the work that my majors demand.

I have too strong a fear of poverty to allow myself to get into art professionally, so I continue to pursue more technical fields. This is, of course, not to mention that I'm an old-fashioned conservative and a majority of artists are rather liberal and disagreeable towards me. I don't think I'd "fit in" (or would want to) with the kind of people I know I'd be surrounded by if I went after that silly dream and was actually successful.

But anyways, as a result, if you are a lover of the arts and know you would enjoy working in it, don't let anything discourage you. I did, and look what it got me! Studying modern quantum physics! Ha! ;)