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

Heidi Maiers · 06-03-2004, 01:45 PM

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

Richard Bingham · 03-06-2006, 07:37 PM

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!

Lacey Lewis · 03-27-2006, 05:18 PM

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.)