Surprises in Art Class: Discovering Unexpected Passions
During my time at the art college affiliated with a university, I had a goal to focus on my love for drawing and painting. However, the curriculum required a broader range of subjects, including sculpture. Initially, I was certain that I wouldn't enjoy this challenge. Little did I know, this experience would become one of my favorite parts of the degree program.
Physics for Artists: A Laughter-Filled Class
One of the classes that stood out was Physics for Artists. The professor's sense of humor made the class entertaining, even as we delved into the scientific principles that underpinned art. Physics opened my eyes to the underlying mechanics of visual arts, providing a new perspective on the way light interacts with surfaces and how colors can create depth and dimension.
Exploring Sculpture: An Unexpected Visceral Experience
As part of our coursework, we were introduced to the world of sculpture. At first, I reluctantly entered the workshop, not expecting to be so drawn to the tactile experience of working with clay. However, once I started modeling the clay, I discovered how supremely satisfying it was. Despite only having time to create two pieces during my studies, one of these—a bust of a woman—became my personal favorite. I kept it for years and eventually sold it for a decent profit.
Sculpture also benefited my composition skills in unexpected ways. The physicality of shaping clay and understanding how form and space interacted taught me invaluable lessons that I could apply to my drawing and painting. The hands-on experience with three-dimensional objects helped me to visualize and communicate spatial relationships more effectively.
Portraiture: A Tough Challenge
Challenging as my experience with sculpture was, it prepared me for another less enjoyable class: portraiture. As a plein air painter, I was naturally drawn to landscapes and the spontaneity of outdoor painting, but portraiture required a different set of skills. I found it difficult to capture the subtleties of human emotion and likeness. Despite this, my teacher, recognizing my efforts, awarded me an A- for my perseverance and growth in this challenging subject.
Nude Drawing: A Class to Look Forward To
One of the courses that became a highlight was nude drawing. These classes provided a unique opportunity to practice life drawing and learn to capture the human form. The models ranged in age and body shape, which helped diversify my practice and improve my range as an artist. Although some models were quite older and not as physically idealized as those in traditional art, this provided a more realistic and relatable approach to body representation.
Each class was unique. Some sessions featured a single model who remained still for the duration of the class, while others involved multiple models changing poses frequently. This variety pushed me to adapt my drawing style quickly and efficiently to capture different poses and expressions. We were given the freedom to work in different mediums, but most often used charcoal on newsprint, which allowed us to experiment and correct our work easily.
The environment itself was conducive to artistic exploration. The models were housed in a special room that cast an eerie light due to high northern-facing windows. This lighting made the models appear ghostly, which added a unique and expressive twist to our drawings. The freedom to sit anywhere and the variety of drawing surfaces provided a versatile and engaging experience. Many of these drawings remain a cherished part of my portfolio to this day.
In conclusion, my experience at art college taught me that sometimes the classes we least expect to enjoy end up being the most memorable and rewarding. From sculpture to portraiture, I have gained a well-rounded skill set and a deeper appreciation for the diverse nature of the artistic process.