Poll #1 - The value of a formal art education, part 1
 

Some of us thought it might be a good idea to put this question into the form of a poll. Answer part 1 if you have a formal background in art education. If not, answer the questions in Poll #2.

It will be interesting to see the percentages as a group from a large number of established portrait artists. Feel free to verbalize your answers in the topic in this section entitled

Those who try to discourage us

Howabout "none of the above" ??

I chose the nearest true answer, (I am making a decent living as an artist) although it's not 100% true in the sense of the poll, hence my elaboration.

I went to art school partly because it was a "backup strategy" (you can always teach, if nothing else) partly because my parents and I perceived the value of a BA degree, and partly because my Dad expected a local U art school to pick up for me in 1966 where he had left off in 1942 . . .

Since my Dad had been instructing me nearly since I was able to grasp a pencil, much of the technical inadequacy of my university art school experience didn't have much impact for me. Before matriculating, I could draw reasonably well, I had been painting for years, and in my early 'teens I had attended several workshops given by noteworthy artists.

I left the university short of an MFA, and pursued a career in commercial art and sign-making, establishing my own shop in 1972. It certainly doesn't qualify as a career in "fine art", but it is art-related, and I have made a reasonably good living since.

The computer has removed much of the joy of direct-skills illustration and sign layout and execution, as well as lowering the bar for that class of work to the current dismal levels. It's mostly in self-defense that I've concentrated much energy the last 6-7 years on easel painting, and although this facet of my work effort has not yet been notably profitable, it is exceptionally soul-satisfying!

Hello,

I am doing another OPAL program in a couple weeks and my subject this time is formal art education. I know there was talk of creating a new poll, but if anyone would be interested in leaving their thoughts here, voting if you did not, or PMing or emailing me I would be very interested to hear what you have to say.

(This message will be repeated in both poll threads.)