How does one become a master painter?
There is a difference between knowing something and being
able to use this knowledge to perform.
Mastery requires both knowledge and performance. How do we become “masters”?
1. Seek knowledge – be passionate about learning.
2. Acquire skills – manual, visual and mental
3. Rehearse - practice, practice, practice
4. Seek out constructive critique
5. Correct deficits (think and practice)
6. Become increasing independent from critique
7. Perform masterfully
8. Use mastery for expressive purposes
The Academy of Realist Art, Boston helps students develop skills in draftsmanship
and craftsmanship. We work hard at getting students to develop critical
thinking skills. We want our graduates to put these elements together with
their individual imaginative character and make compelling art.
1. Students come seeking knowledge. We have a systematic way
that we introduce our skills; each progressive skill builds on the last skill
acquired.
2. While students develop manual skills their visual acuity
improves; they can actually see things they weren’t able to see before. This is
learning by doing. For example by rendering very small shifts in the light
value of an object students perceive subtle values that previously they didn’t
even know were there.
3. We have an
ongoing dialog about thought process and visual analysis. For example we talk about the way the 2-dimensional
paper may be used to create the illusion of a 3-dimensional world, convexity versus concavity, perspective...
4. Students learn to develop strategies to help them find
the errors in their work. When students can self-correct they develop independence.
An example of this is the use of anamorphic shapes.
5. Students regularly receive constructive critique from
instructors. Additionally, fellow students are a great resource because everyone
has done all the same assignments; they can share their problem solving
strategies.
6. Introductory assignments in each level of the program
teach students new concepts and skills. The last assignment in each level of
the program offers the student the opportunity to demonstrate their
independence and mastery.
7. A respectful, supportive environment encourages students to express their thoughts. We look forward to having conversations that help
individuals to develop their imagination.
The cold hard truth about great art is that it requires a
lot of work and dedication. The only way a student can stick with it is if they
have a passion for learning new things and a desire to be the best that they
can. This mixed with imagination and intelligent thought makes an artist. At the Academy we’re motivated by having
the opportunity to help prepare students to make “masterful” paintings.
