SRI SRI UNIVERSITY

An artist is born and not made! An artist’s imagination or creation cannot be restricted; he has the whole world for inspiration. Although, however, the ingenuity of an artist requires a certain structure that he can achieve only if he takes professional training or opts for a degree course. There is a common misconception that artists, if trained lose their individuality and naturalness. Here we will list reasons on why there is a need for a degree in visual arts and painting.

Learn the Basics : To know the basics of any craft is key. In case of visual arts or painting, from knowing the colour palettes to brushes, everything adds to the final product. The creativity or imagination is in no way hampered, the training of the basics only helps better the output. An artist from France, Ms. Catherine Cheretien Dumont who had participated in the International Symposium of Painting ‘Cultural Ensemble of Hues’ said, “Learning the basics is important since it allows an artist to have knowledge of the varied options available and choose the one that best suits his imagination.”

Improved Exposure :  An artist is always on the look for inspiration. When he opts for a degree course, he gets an opportunity to interact with more and more artists. Interaction sessions and workshops with renowned personalities from the field have become a part of the curriculum. Another artist from Vietnam, Tra My Pham sharing her personal experience said, “I specialize in ‘Vietnamese Lacquer’, a painting technique that is unique to my country. However, whenever, I visit universities or institutes students are keen to learn more about it. Thus, when students opt for such courses, their reach widens, they get an opportunity to interact with artists and in the process develop their own style.”

Beyond techniques : “Understanding art is the real art,” said Professor Chakradhar Behera. A degree course or a professional training allows an artist to explain his art~ the choice of colours and paints and brushes. An artist can document the journey of art only if he is aware of the varied facets. “The communication between canvas and the painter can only be taught. A painter can create but to better that creation, he requires added knowledge that the courses offer.”

Freedom to experiment : Every artist has a style that is unique to him. Another artist, Ghysaline Seulliet, France who was in participation at the International Painting symposium said, “Although every artist has a distinct and natural style and approach. In order to grow, there is a need to learn the evolution of art that visual art courses include as part of the curriculum. Once an artist is attuned to the varied styles and techniques, he has the freedom to experiment and develop his own unique style.”

Better job prospects : “Students with a degree in visual arts and painting have an upper hand over others in terms of job prospects,” said Samjhana Rajbhandari another artist from Nepal. “I feel self-taught-artists are also doing great for themselves in their professional life, but a degree adds weightage.”

A degree in a particular field of art not only enhances your artistic talent but also improves personality and social skills.