Art Talk - Education of Art

Art Exchange

Education of Art

On December 10, 2007 Jerry Markham wrote:

The education of art is something that I have always been quite passionate about and yet find it quite confusing as a student and teacher, due to the elusive nature of art itself. Where is the best place to learn art and how do you know if your skills are improving?

I believe art is for everyone. Therefore, all I can do as a teacher is try to enhance the appreciation of art and create a more serious form of art appreciation than the mere enjoyment of picture study. However, as a student I find myself in constant search of paintings or painters that stir something from within - good or bad.

Recently I had the opportunity to see the Robert Bateman retrospective show at the McMicheal Museum north of Toronto. I must admit that going to the show was somewhat of a bitter sweet experience for myself and the large slice of humble pie was more bitter than I thought it would be. Before going to the show I had already formed an opinion of Mr. Bateman. Though I respected him as a painter, I viewed him more as a picture maker than an artist. This was a preconceived idea that I had created through years of influence and a lack of education and edification on my part. The show raised my appreciation - not for the style of painting so much as it did my admiration for the compositions that Robert Bateman can conceive and produce in a painting. His method of arranging elements on a canvas is amazing. It has changed the way I look at painting. I take a lot more time in producing a painting now. I think about the best way to show the viewer more than just a picture of a thing but the best way to present my idea, the feeling behind the piece and intention for the painting. Viewing the Bateman show has increased my art appreciation as well my understanding of what art is and how to create it.

My point is, the education of art is hard to pin down and that’s why it requires a passionate student - one that is not quick to judge or be too critical as I was, but a learner, “a perennial student”, as Harley Browne says. Educate yourself. Learn the things that are important in the production of good art - drawing, value, edges and color. Imbed them deep in your consciousness and then and only then release yourself from the barriers of rules and paint with your heart while keeping the rules in mind. Mind your principles! Use them to help you say what you want to say. Without laws you have only anarchy.

I will post more on this subject - the education of art - and other topics soon.

Also, Doug Swinton has a new feature on his web site - an online critique - which I think is a great idea. I know Doug quite well and he gives a grand critique - tough, honest and fair - and I think that’s all we really can ask for. I also know Doug is a great student and educator of painting and art. His Drawing For Painters Class (in Calgary) is one that should be embedded in the depths of your brain. I hope you will look up his web site at www.dougswinton.com. If you have any questions or comments, please click on 'Add Comment' below. I look forward to reading your comments.

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