Vincent von Frese 23 Dec 2008

The first painting I observed that inspired me was Carrivagio's 'The beheading of John the Baptist'. Super realism in the work of living illustrators like Frank Frazetta and Frank McCarthy(whom I've met and was suffering from long late nights up painting to finish for the printer)) has always inspired me as also has the work of Carl Rungius and Thomas Harte Benton. I love their attitudes about life as well as their approach to painting. In sculpture it is Donetello and Rodin. These days I've seen the best art ever from lesser known artists rather that the leaders in the art history list. Painters who over detail the subjects often loose the subtle and poetic aspect of jester and looseness. A painter would do well to study music to learn to loosen up. Most of my art education has come from living life in and experiencing many dramas. From being interested and curious and involved closely or not at all. I have a low boredom threshold. I have a large library. The best education comes from observing life and nature and developing a desire for discovering TRUTH. Like a physicist trying to duplicate absolute zero in quantum physics. An artist is concerned with what is really happening much as a scientist is. Neither can survive long by living a lie. A false person practicing art is known as a 'Non-artist"

I was going to a junior college and took one drawing class/hated it because the teacher was hung up on Picasso and played down Dali or Charles Russell who are painters who's work I admire. I was asked to leave after the following argument; She(the teacher who was Masters degreed) claimed that Picasso planned each painting and placed the colors (according to their most perfect compliment from the color wheel) in the only possible correct spot to make the painting work. I instinctively lamented that the work of Picasso must have been spontaneous and quickly executed once he had found a personal free flowing method of expression. His passion became revealed in truth and thus he flourished and that I didn't believe Picasso followed ANY rules regarding art. ( I did learn later in life that this great artist drew his inspiration from highly expressive primitive sculptures of Africa).I was only speaking from a gut feeling and not going by any actual proven fact I'd read or anything. The teacher was a hard ass 'knowologist' At the time (1969)I had been working art projects since I was 19 and in the U.S.Army overseas. I'd learned about art in Europe where there is so much great art. I was inspired by a great sculptor(the late Dale Eldred) who taught at the K.C.Art Institute(where Jackson Pollack went who was from Cody Wyoming). I could not afford the college but I spent many hours in the sculpture studio where welding and fabricating as well as bronze casting was happening. I learned that if you want to pursue the life of an artist you have to have BIG IDEAS. Most of the great artists I've met were willing to share their knowledge. Painters could learn and be inspired like I have by reading 'The Art Spirit' by Robert Henry.

jim rownd 24 Dec 2008

Painters could learn and be inspired like I have by reading 'The Art Spirit' by Robert Henry.

I second that. a great book

H.E. Drew 24 Dec 2008

there are lotz of masters amoung us. here is one of my favorite....

I wonder if this artist has a BFA.

http://www.artwanted.com/artist.cfm?ArtID=19579&SGID=1

WESTERN ARTWORK By Denny Karchner 26 Dec 2008

This artist earned two Masters in fine arts, art history, and art education. When you look at his work, it probably did not hurt him.

http://www.artwanted.com/artist.cfm?ArtID=22823&Display=Med&SGID=0&Page=0

Betty Schwartz 27 Dec 2008

Nope! No art background but I could always draw. Rather late in life I bought a book, learned how to "see" and started painting. The more you do the more you learn! Art school, if it's a good one, gets you there faster and may show you more avenues of expression. Wish that I'd had the time for it.

Suzanne Barrett Justis 08 Jan 2009

My Mother got her degree in art from Pratt Instute in Brooklyn NY. She became became and artist, and was quite a fine Equestrian Artist, but was more passionate about her family than her career in art (rightfully so). I have a BS in Agirculture and Animal Science from the University of Tennessee (Go Vols). I have never had any formal art training. My "training" was at my mother's knee who let me explore art at my own pace and style. I always wanted to study animals because that has always been a love of mine. My formal education has given more knowledge to paint the subjects I enjoy most. If I had any advice to give an up and coming artist, it would be....get a degree in marketing and finance to help you with your art career. That is what I find I spend my most time "studying up on" . The "art part" comes easier for me than the marketing part.

As for the second topic...no, I have never seen the movie "Art School Confidential", but I think I would like to.

Charles Jones 14 Oct 2017

I've never had any formal art training. I 'almost' took a life drawing class at the University of Texas here in Austin in the 70's but I wasn't on the second list---meaning it was solely for art majors, i guess. Here are my thoughts on 'artists' in general and maybe 'art students' specifically. They have a modicum of talent but are not internally driven to create on a frequent and consistent level. If you are not driven by that vague but undeniable impulse, you do not continue and if you do not continue you cannot improve. That's as simply and succinctly as I can put it without, I hope, insulting anyone.

And, yes, I saw the movie in question and found it a very nice dark comedy---which is a genre not in vogue at the moment, sadly. It pokes holes in the fabric (canvas?) of the so-called art world. Hell, it shows there are holes big enough to drive through with a SUV. :)

I try to ignore anything beginning around the time of the abstract expressionists until well after the dead shark in a tank/urine-soaked religious figures stupidities. That means I take up the mantle about the time of the last of the surrealists/expressionists, most all of which were borne in post-war(s) Europe.

Ginger Olansen 15 Oct 2017

I went and painted for an art studio with a wonderful portrait artist named Charlie Pasqualina, a true Italian. I went through 4 years of high school 5 days a week: portrait classes, nude drawing, mixed media, water color, pastel and charcoal. oil studies and collage., I got married a few years after that, taught drawing at YMCA's and YWCA's in my 20's. It was not until my 40's that I tried selling a few items, but I taught classes for ten years in "water color, acrylic, oils, pastels, pencil and charcoal”. I don't think I would have done half as much teaching if it wasn't for the art studio, I don't think I would have started my own art business (selling hand painted glassware, hand painted linens, my art work alone in my 50's) if it was not for Charlie. I know I never would have become a muralist and a consultant in that world if I never had those 4 years of professional art work training. Now in retirement from the working world, I sell a lot of my art work, in many art shows, chairman of an art gallery so I oversee many artists and their shows. The years through high school gave me the best background in art I could have asked for without working for "Monet, Van Gogh or Michelangelo" (which is a wish of mine)! So, remember if you want a good career in art, then read, practice, paint everything you can get your hands on, work in every media possible, take as many art jobs as you can for the experience. You will learn and improve from each one. Practice and knowledge in the field is the most important thing! Always remember to enjoy it along the way. I never have been able to get enough in the field! Good luck to you all, I wish you the best.

Joanie Holliday 21 Apr 2018

Not me. Self taught. Trial and error. Just have always loved to draw and paint.

Mark Peterson 25 Apr 2018

Self taught... as soon as I picked up a pencil I was hooked, loved the texture of Paint. Now days I am all about computer art...

Fred Rousseau 10 May 2018

To answer your question the following. How many Presidents worldwide were trained to manage,administrate or lead a country.Not many.Basically the world are run by suckers.This also applies to the art world.How many of the Old Masters attended art school or got a degree in art?It is not the degree or title after your name that makes you a good artist.When you pass your test as a motorcar driver it does not mean that you are a driver.You only become a driver after the test out there on the open roads with all its dangers and challenges.I am not against training,education and degrees.I myself worked at an university for almost 20 years.What makes you good is not the degree but the daily exposure and hard work,devotion,having a teachable spirit.If you want to become a recognised good artist put your degree paper in the drawer and take the brush in your hand.Qualified musicians soon sound false if they do not practise daily.Good luck.

Barbara Keith 01 Jun 2018

I am mostly "self-taught" I attended a commercial art school (which only did art) for 1.6 years and quit when they wanted me to specialize in fashion illustration. It was a 2 year course and I've never regretted my decision. Course, I probably would've gotten better jobs at a higher rate but that's all water under the bridge now seeing as I attended the school between 1964 and 1966.

Barbara Keith 01 Jun 2018

I forgot to add this, done in the oil painting class a lifetime ago

Dale Newman 07 Jun 2018

I really appreciate everyone's view referencing art school, I never attended art school , but enjoy art from the heart. I feel the true talent and skill is in the heart of the artist and school can only help to refine it. But so does practice and application of the individual talent and skill each artist has. I don't think I am in the category the rest of you are , good enough to make money , as I have never made money on my art, but i do have a passion for art anyway.

Scott DuBar 15 Aug 2018

I went to a four-year art school and got a degree in illustration. I am so glad I did. While there are certainly some people whose natural talent is enough for them to become professional artists without having to go to school, it is actually quite rare, and often (but not always) their lack of formal training is evident to some degree or another.

Haven't seen ASC, but I've heard it's pretty good. I was actually attending art school when it came out, but the trailer seemed too close to reality for me at the time and I really didn't want anything to discourage me.

Vernonette Gaddy 15 Aug 2018

I never formally learned how to be an artist. Never went to any type of Art School. I am a self-taught artist. Every since I was a child, I always enjoyed drawing and painting, and also drawing using the 'Etch-A-Sketch' mechanical drawing toy, and in school, art class was always my favorite class to attend. I do enjoy learning from and reading Art Instruction magazines and books.

Juan Gomez 29 Aug 2018

All my life, education and art is prevalent in my practice as a professional Creative visual artist. From Preschool, middle school, HighSchool to University...

Undergraduate degree, I have 5 years invested.

Graduate degree, 2 years invested.

Still, just that kid creating art in my studio/gallery...

I recommend taking the chance if that is what you are asking? just do it...

What I've learned, how much I still do not know... an ongoing journey. Yes, I saw that movie " Art School Confidential " an art crime movie of who did what and why.

Zoe Parkinson 30 Oct 2018

Not me. i am joining a painting class though :)

Ron Bedsole 30 Oct 2018

aonghas smith , that's me, I've never had any formal instruction nor do I consider myself very creative, but I do love to draw things of interest to me, have a nice day

Michelle Simpson 10 Nov 2018

Been dealing with William J. Griffith for the last six months, highly unprofessional and really difficult to work with, real arrogant ass. When the original finally arrived, it was tattered and torn, child’s scribble on canvas and looked nothing like the picture posted. My advice to anyone save your money and time and move on to actual artwork, I highly doubt any attendance at school was achieved by this person.