Choosing the Right Art School: Navigating Your Painting Journey

Should I attend an art school when they don’t teach the material I need? This can be a critical question when your goal is to study classical oil painting, but an art school predominantly teaches impressionism. Finding the right school is crucial to ensuring you gain the skills and knowledge you need.

Find the Right Art School

I personally recommend finding the American Academy of Art, known for producing many well-known realistic painters and top illustrators. However, the key is to learn from artists who can teach you the techniques and styles you desire. Unless your teachers are well-versed in the material you want to learn, how will you acquire it?

Why Worry About What You Don’t Want to Learn?

Life is short, and money is limited. Choosing wisely is essential. Do thorough research on art academies that focus on the techniques and styles you want to master. If you can't find the right program, consider finding an artist who paints in a similar style and subject matter as yours and becoming their student or apprentice.

Follow Your Interests While Keeping an Open Mind

Consider how your personal artistic interests and familiarity with art history drew you into painting. Sometimes, a structured program can prompt new ideas and areas of focus. If your interest is purely in technique, find an atelier that teaches that specific technique. If you are unfamiliar with art history, auditing a survey class might be a good option. Art is a lifelong pursuit; you can study the technique you like now and delve into something else later.

Consider Private Art Teachers and Self-Study

Art schools are very expensive, and they often cover a wide range of skills rather than a specific medium. If the admissions process or the cost is prohibitive, consider a private art teacher. A professional artist who specializes in your medium can provide personalized guidance. While it is possible to become a professional artist without a degree, it requires a significant amount of time and effort. My art teacher emphasizes the importance of entering TONS of juried art competitions to get your work noticed by galleries.

Conclusion

The decision to attend an art school depends on your specific goals and the resources available to you. Find an institution that aligns with what you want to learn, or seek out a professional artist who can mentor you. By choosing wisely, you can ensure you develop a strong foundation in your chosen art form.

Keywords: art school, classical oil painting, professional artist