Those who try to discourage us

[Leslie Ficcaglia]

Originally Posted by Heidi Maiers

Question: Do you have a formal education in art?

No

If you answered No then,

- did you want to pursue a formal education in art but succumbed to pressured against it?

- do you regret not pursuing a formal art education?

- are you working in the field for which you majored?

- did you not have a desire to pursue art as a career, but developed it later in life?

- did you not have the financial means to go to college at all?

- do you plan on going back to school?

- do you now attend artist workshops to make up for what you feel you missed out on in school?

- do you think a formal art education is somewhat worthless and everything you need to know to succeed can be gained by practical experience, practice, and networking with other artists?

When I was growing up I was interested in both writing and art as careers. Whether it was because of subtle influences from my family or my own practicality, I decided that neither could ensure me a steady paycheck if I needed one - and I doubt if it was because of my parents since my mother never worked. So I chose first French (same objection) and then psychology as my major in college, went on for a Master's degree, and spent my professional career working mostly with children in various settings. I found my jobs interesting and stimulating and am glad I spent my time that way, but am now equally happy to be able to turn my attention to art as a second career. I had no formal training but occasionally take workshops; I read magazines and also interact with other artists online and in our community. Talking to other artists, for me, is the best way to keep my mind and techniques sharp and be aware of new ideas and opportunities. I don't know how well that would work for others but for me it's been fine. My art income is a nice supplement, although it wouldn't be sufficient to feed and clothe us, and I also have a waiting list, so I'm happy.

[Judy Simons]

My family encouraged me, but they wanted me to go into teaching. They wouldn't pay for an art college, but that's what I wanted and I managed to get a full scholarship so they allowed it. The weirdest thing about my undergraduate education (this was a long time ago, but it still disturbs me) was that I was totally ignored by some male professors. They wouldn't critique my work. One told me it was a waste of his time since I was just going to get married and have babies. It was almost impossible for a female to be regarded seriously unless she acquired a well-known mentor.

I kept my studio alive, barely, and made money with other jobs. I learned to be content painting for myself.

After a life filled with the usual ~ craziness, love, and hard knocks ~ I decided to continue my art education. There are a lot of MFA programs out there today, but the top programs are expensive and harder to get into than Harvard Business school which accepts 10% of applicants. Highly rated MFA programs accept less than 7% of applicants, sometimes less than 4%. The whole enchilada was a revelation to me.

I wasn't accepted at first, it took two tries. I attended Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and found every kind of art is respected and figurative art is encouraged.

I feel it doesn't diminish portrait artists to learn that abstract expressionism was a response to the horrors of WWII, or surrealism began as a mining of the unconscious, or to become familiar with modern conceptual portraiture. Art is my love, so I want to know as much as possible. I consider painting similar to any other profession out there, having an evolving history, a specialized vocabulary, and an increasingly technical basis. I wouldn't begin to think I could understand physics without a knowledge of basic math, and art today, including some portraiture, has reached a similar level of complexity.

Now, is all that required to paint a wonderful painting/portrait? No.

Is it better to go the academic route than specialized portrait courses? I think it is just a different path to an end. We are artists because we engage in the practice of art. As we practice art, we learn what we need and where to obtain it.

Now, has it helped me ? Yes, being part of that community was/is wonderful. I try to maintain contact with many of the artists I met at school and we share information about exhibiting opportunities and commissions.

An artist follows his/her interests to continue to grow. I will try to share here - and, in turn, learn from you - the excellent portraitists who followed their own paths. It feels like completing a circle.