Self-Taught Artists: Beyond School Art Classes

In today's creative landscape, the distinction between a self-taught artist and one who has received formal art education is often blurred. The title 'self-taught artist' has become a versatile term applied to individuals who have honed their skills independently, often without the confines of a formal educational institution. But what happens when you've taken a few high school art classes?

Defining a Self-Taught Artist

A self-taught artist is someone who develops their artistic skills and knowledge independently, without formal training or education in art beyond basic classes. This can include learning through practice, experimentation, online resources, books, and observing other artists. The key aspect lies not in the lack of formal training but in the self-directed nature of their learning process.

The Impact of High School Art Classes

If you have taken a few high school art classes, you can still consider yourself a self-taught artist. The distinction often hinges on the amount of formal training you've experienced versus the extent to which you rely on self-directed learning and personal exploration in your art practice. Many artists use high school courses as a foundation, but continue to grow and develop their skills through independent learning.

Art as a Continuous Process of Learning

It's important to note that every artist is engaged in a "self-teaching" process if they are actively creating and pushing their skills and techniques. There are no "self-taught" artists because everyone has learned something from someone else. An artist is in charge of their activity, making a multitude of decisions, most of which involve expressing their internal ideas in material form. Most artists are always learning, whether from books, fellow artists, or personal experiences.

The key here is awareness and active engagement in the learning process. Forget about rigid labels and stop focusing on qualifications. What matters is the authenticity and passion behind your art. As a sculptor once said to me, 'If you are an artist, be an artist.' This resonates with the principle that artistic growth is a lifelong journey.

The Diagnosis of 'Borrowing' and 'Stealing'

The idea that good artists borrow and great artists steal, attributed to Pablo Picasso, further emphasizes that artistic growth is a collaborative and continuous process. Whether you are drawing inspiration from a high school class, a friend's artwork, or an online tutorial, the essence of art creation remains personal and unique. Just because you've taken a few art classes, it doesn't diminish your status as a self-taught artist or a true artist. Your mom showing you how to hold a pencil or other advice and criticism from others does not invalidate your self-taught status.

Conclusion

A self-taught artist is someone who develops their skills through self-directed learning and exploration. Whether you took a few high school art classes or none at all, the journey of becoming an artist is a personal and continuous process. Focus on the passion and dedication you bring to your work, and embrace the learning journey that defines your artistic identity.

Key Takeaways:

A self-taught artist is someone who develops their skills independently, often without formal training. High school art classes can be a starting point, but self-directed learning is crucial. Every artist is engaged in a self-teaching process, and there is no definitive distinction between self-taught and formally trained artists. Artistic growth is a lifelong journey and should not be defined by formal education.