There’s an ongoing debate about whether an artist needs a ‘proper’ art education before they are considered a ‘true artist’. Some say yes, others say no. What do you think? Does an art education matter in this day and age?
First of all, what is an ‘art education’? Generally speaking, an art education can include anything like:
- studying art in college
- attending art workshops at a local center, or
- taking private art lessons.
For some people, a ‘real’ art education means getting a college degree or studying for years with a master artist, like an apprentice.
Yet, there are also many ways for budding artists to educate themselves without attending college for art or studying under a master – and without spending a fortune.
Instructional videos, artist forums and art websites are readily available for free on the Internet, where you can learn just about any technique you can think of. Plus, magazines and books are available from local libraries.
Attending college for fine art is cost-prohibitive for many people, especially since a fine art education does not produce any qualifications for well-paying jobs. Engaging in ‘self-education’ allows an artist to save money and learn what they want to learn, at their own pace, instead of being forced through the college structure.
On the other hand, there are undeniable benefits to learning art techniques firsthand from a skilled artist – whether it involves watching an art professor paint on a canvas in a certain style, or looking over the shoulder of artists sketching at a figure drawing workshop. Those benefits can’t be gained from self-education.
As you can see, there are many pros and cons to getting an art education versus self-educating. Is either one better, or are they just different? What do you think?
Be a Artist in 2 minutes with Segmation SegPlay® PC (see more details here)
Outside The Lines 