Hi everyone this is kind of a stupid question but how many of you have taken art classes, and how many are just natural born artists. I am not saying you aren't as good as the ones with no instruction but It was a question out of curiostity!!!!! I hace never had instuction and would love to improve so those of you who have taken classess what are the pros and cons????




Thanks!!!!!!!!!

Independentdrawer, hmmmm good question. I have had art classes in school as well as retaught myself everything I learned then. After being out of school and not doing any art in over a 10 year period. I would say the pro's of an active art class would be:

1. a teacher to explain things to you
2. other students to intereact with
3. hands on interaction with class and teacher

Now the same would be for cons really:
1. If you have a teacher that tries to explain things to you, it going to be mostly their techniques and style.
2. & 3. Sometimes others students are distracting if you like quiet areas to concentrate with your art work and teachers can be annoying when they sometimes voice their opinions if you go outside of their area what they think art is.

Now see, I have even gone so far as doing online classes as well. I really liked it, because I could go at my own pace and there was no set deadline of when any of the assignments had to be returned or finished, and quizzes were all open book. So, even though they were open book doesn't mean I aced them either. I just think its more fun to actually be around other artist who share your interest and having someone to inter act with. But that my opinion.

I don't see why you should be afraid to start taking art classes. You can only learn from it. I think every self taught artist can't learn everything from himself/herself. I am sure the class would push you to do things you wouldn't normally do and you might like it.

nice insight thanks!!!!!

There is no such thing as natural born artist, unless you consider everyone to be one. I dare anyone to find me a new born baby that can draw even a line. Everyone, everyone, everyone learns how to draw, some people learn faster than others, some people see more than others, some people may have more talent in the beginning than others, but no one is born with the ability to draw or paint what they can after 30 years of practice and study. Anyone with the desire and motivation, and willing to work at it can learn. And you learn anyway you can from everyone you can, and practice as much as you can.
The world is the artist class room and your eyes and ears are your teachers.
The advantage of going to a art school, is that alot of time you are told what to draw and paint, how to do it, given a deadline, and graded on it. Now why is that an advantage you may ask? Well one is it forces you to practice, and two they train commercial artist. When a Company wants an artist to paint or draw a picture for them they want it the way they want it. Meaning if they want it red, you paint it red, or you don't get paid. The way I think of art schools breaks you into this kind of thinking. If you don't burn out then you can handle the full time job. That's the way I felt when I took art in school anyway. But you do get some good instruction on this and that, that can help on personal projects.
But there are thousands of books, videos, and WEBSITES, that are full of great information. And you can still get jobs. You just have to figure out what you want to do, and can afford.

P.S. There are no stupid questions.

Thank you very much!!!! That was very helpfull I really appriciate the information!!!

very well put pencilnhand!
Lori

What he/she said.

I have never gone to art classes, instead I learnd myself by just drawing, picture after picture, doodle after doodle. And after awhile you'll become good at drawing. Just draw as often as you can.

Or you could just go to an art lesson, and look at all the people who are better then you at drawing, make you think that you can never become that good and never draw again.

Thanks!!!!!

P.S......I love your cat eye!

If you have the chance get the art lessons. Theres nothing better than the pros teaching you first hand and you can see how they do it. Seeing everyone else whos better than you should not discourage anyone only motivate them drawer32.

Not in my opinion, sparkyy.

nicely put drawer32...I think you are a fantabulous artist and I think you really put thought into this!!!! Thank you for your opinion!!!




Thanks for the insight sparkky!!!!I can't say I totally agree but everyone is intitled to their own opinion and I value yours! Thanks again!!