Picasso, Botticelli, van Gogh – they are the most famous figures in art. If you want to achieve a profound understanding of art, take a look at their masterpieces. You’ll find out uniqueness of their masterpiece by checking out if all the elements of art are present.

Art Studies is a discipline that is concerned with the artistic culture of society as whole. It involves analysing various types of arts, its characteristics, and relationships to reality, origins, law of development, roles in the history of social consciousness, and other cultural phenomenon. It has a wide coverage that needs deep internalization to grasp the subject.

Nevertheless, this article can help you understand art study, the importance of art and what makes a good art and how people draw inspiration from it. Plus, practical tips to finding the best art schools in the US.

Let’s get to it!

What actually is art study?

Art study is a practice piece created by an artist. It can be a painting, drawing, or sketching that is used to create the main piece to help the artist plan the elements of the masterpiece such as colour scheme, composition, subject, etc.

Famous artists have used an art study to create their major works. Historians have traced various studies during the Italian Renaissance – Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci’s studies are in museums and private collections all over the world.

Art study is important because it encourages self-expression, creativity, uniqueness, and beauty. It also helps people develop critical thinking and the ability to interpret the art by relating it to the artists’ life and stories.

In other words, art study influences how a masterpiece is crafted. It is important because it draws out creativity and encourages personal art style and identity.

What is art and why should you study it?

Many people argue that art cannot be defined. On the other hand, people’s perspective toward art varies depending on the background, education and culture.

For now, let’s stick to the basics:

Art is often defined as the process or product of arranging elements that appeal to the human emotions and senses. It covers various human activities, creations and ways of expression which can be in literature, music, film, sculpture, painting, carving, etc.

Art is any activity or product that conveys message, emotions, ideas, and world view, in general. It is a part of culture that reflects economic and social substrate in design. The role of art evolves through time because of the new aesthetic function and socio-educational function.

The definition of art is explored in a branch of philosophy known as Aesthetics.  

Generally speaking, studying art is important because of self-exploration, chance to broaden the horizon and build mental dexterity. It is also an effective stress reliever and can increase personal enjoyment.

Art brings people to new horizons which becomes the opportunity to strengthen mental dexterity and critical thinking. Art is also therapeutic which makes it an effective stress reliever.

Moreover, art is subjective. There is no clear definition of art – even art historians did leave any trace about its definition.

In that case, people were left with so many definitions of art.

Types of Art

Let’s look at the different types of art:

  • Painting

Painting is the most common type of art. It is a broad field with various sub categories. It is the practice of applying paint, colour, pigment or other medium to a solid surface. The medium is commonly applied to a base using a brush, but others use knives, sponges and airbrushes.

In Art Studies, painting is described as the act and the result of the action. (Painting is the final work) Walls, paper, canvass, glass, lacquer, copper, and concrete are examples of support for painting.

Painting is important in visual arts because it brings the element such as drawing, composition, gesture, narration, and abstraction which make up the quality of the masterpiece. A painting can be naturalistic, representational, photographic, symbolic and political depending on theme and art technique.

Colour, tone, shape, texture, temperature and line are a few elements of painting.

Painting is beneficial to kids and adults. It allows people to communicate differently and easily, especially those with communication problems, shyness and autism. It also raises one’s self-esteem and confidence which are important when working in a competitive environment. It helps people to be distracted from their daily life problems which sometimes lead to depression, stress and anxiety. It strengthens mental health by taking away anguish and transforming it into something different. That’s how art is all about!

  • Sculpture

Sculpture is a branch of visual art that operates in three dimensions. The sculptural process involves carving and modelling in stone, metal, ceramics, wood, and any other material.

Sculptures in stone are durable far better than those made of perishable materials – majority of the surviving works from ancient culture are sculptures in stone.

Sculptures are popular in religious devotions of many cultures. Sculptures are large and expensive for private individuals to create; it became an expression of religion and politics.

The different types of sculptures include: relief, carving, full round sculpting, modelling, casting, and site specific sculpting.

Sculpture techniques include: clay modelling, wax modelling, wood carving, ivory carving, bronze casting and more.

A sculpture can be freestanding or light sculpture.

Freestanding sculpture is a stand-alone object with three-dimensional features. It uses a subtractive sculptural process where unwanted material is removed by carving and additive process where material is added to form an object.

Light sculpture, on the other hand, utilizes light bulbs, sun, and laser beams as the primary expression. It is a form of visual art in which a sculpture produces light or light is used to create a sculpture by manipulating colours and shadows.

According to studies, sculpting shows significant benefits to people suffering from dementia and other health conditions. The experience reinforces corporality, space and orientation which lead to increased personal awareness, identification with oneself and relations to others.

  • Photography

Photography is a relatively modern type of art. It is the art of capturing light with a camera using the digital sensor to create an image. You can photograph wavelengths of light invisible to the human eye such as UV, infrared and radio wave lights.

It was in 1826 when the first permanent photograph was captured by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in France. Since then, photography has evolved. Now, there are various tools and technologies that can help improve image quality.

In today’s world, the phone is a convenient tool for photography. They’re quicker and easier to use with seamless integration to social media. On the other hand, the image quality may depend on phone specifications.

DSLR and mirrorless cameras are also great tools for photography. It allows you to take better quality images with the right texture, light, colour and composition.

Photography is an art that promotes immortality. It documents people’s life journey, culture and significant events that took place throughout their lifetime. It relieves stress and it can also boost self esteem. Moreover, it can be a career if you pursue your true passion in photography art.

  • Print

Print is a two-dimensional art form created by an impression made by a method involving transfer from one place to another.

It is also an impression of any creative design made over fabric and garments that uses paints or dye during the manufacturing process. It also signifies the application of colour to a surface to create the desired pattern.

Printmaking is a type of art that utilizes the ability to create multiple pieces of art. It typically use an ink or paint to create a design on the surface – which can be paper, cloth or another medium.

It can be divided into four basic categories: relief, intaglio, planographic and stencil.

Prints are cheaper to buy which means that mainstream consumers will be able to display your work because of cost-effectiveness.

Print art is also used in advertising. It is a marketing medium that focuses on reaching the target audience through impactful messages.

Colour accuracy, durability, and texture are important elements that make up quality art.  

  • Film and Movie Making

Film and movie making is another type of modern art. It includes script writing, music, songs, dialogue and story writing.

Film making and movie making  involves different stages including initial story, idea or commission which leads to scriptwriting, shooting, sound recording and pre-production, editing, and screening the output before it is released for viewing.

It takes in many places in the world through social, economic and political context with the use of technology and digital techniques that can improve the quality of the movie.

Watching and studying films broadens one’s horizon. It takes people to different dimensions which build critical thinking and the ability to form personal analysis regarding the masterpiece.

  • Digital Art

Digital art is a type of modern art. It uses digital technology as a part of the creation and presentation process.

Art historians categorize digital art into two: object oriented artwork and process-oriented visuals.

Object-oriented artwork uses digital tools to create traditional objects such as painting, photographs, prints and sculptures.

Process-oriented visual, on the other hand, is the case where an artist explore “new medium” to create their masterpiece. The term is also associated with “new media” which refer to computable art that can be distributed, created and stored digitally.

Digital art saves time. With the right software, you can paint anything in less than ten seconds. It also saves money because you don’t have to purchase the physical art. It can be saved on your computer or phone which is also practical to save space.

If you want to pursue digital art, try this software: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Artrage.

What is Art Appreciation?

Art Appreciation is the knowledge and understanding of the qualities that define a great art. People need to study it to appreciate it, know its value and understand the idea of the artist. It involves interpreting and analysing artworks with different styles, movements and techniques.

Art Appreciation is taught in school. It does not only involve looking at a masterpiece but also observing and responding to different perspectives.

Art has a subjective nature and the role of Art Appreciation studies is to help students construct their own interpretation of an artwork in a way that they can articulate their thoughts and opinion easily.

Art is a diverse field. So, be open to other perspectives.

Top Art and Design School in the US

Here are top art and design schools in the US to consider if you are interested in art studies:

  • Yale University

Yale is one of the oldest and prestigious academic institutions in America. The school offers numerous specializations, including painting and photography. Some of the most noted programs include Painting and Printmaking, Photography and Sculpture.

  • Bard College

Bard College is located in New York. Some of its most noted program includes Painting, Sculpture, Film and Video. The school is famous for starting the first low residency MFA program where students gather for eight-week summer sessions and split up their studies to fewer than three years. 

  • Maryland Institute College of Art

MICA is the oldest degree-granting art school in the US. It is also one of the nation’s producers of Fulbright fellows. The course of studies in MICA includes Communication Arts which focus on “art practice as a means of civic empowerment, community organizing and development, activism, education and more.” They also offer courses in filmmaking, graphic design, and a low residency summer program for Studio Art.

  • Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU is one of the top two art schools in the US. The school invites established talents as visiting faculty or visiting artists. The most noted programs in VCU include Sculpture, Glass and Graphic Design.

  • Cranbrook Academy of Art

Cranbrook Academy of Art is located in Michigan. The school offers different programs in Fiber, Ceramic and Print Media. Cranbrook Academy of Art was once known as the cradle of American Modernism. The school only offers graduate level degrees and all students must be enrolled full time with a requirement of 60 credit hours to graduate. However, Cranbrook Academy of Art uses a DIY curriculum where mandatory classes are not required. So, students have the freedom to create their own schedule.

  • Hunter College, City University of New York

Hunter College offer MFA program with concentrations in painting, photography, clay and casting, printmaking and other disciplines and studies. The school is located in central Manhattan and tuition is cheaper compared to other MFA programs in the city. Hunter graduates are required to gain six to nine credit hours during the semester to complete the program less than three years. The schedule situation allows students to seek part time jobs while studying. Hunter may sound like a bargain but the curriculum is top-notch and the school has talented faculty members who can help shape your knowledge and expertise.

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Program in Art, Culture and Technology (ACT) is the newest program offered at MIC. It is the product of a merger of MIC’s Visual Arts Program and the Center for Advanced Visual Studies. The program only admits six students per year and focuses on artistic practices with combined studies and experimentation. It offers artists the opportunity to work between other programs and labs at MIT.

  • School of the Art Institute of Chicago

SAIC is one of the most expensive private institutions in the country. It is also included in the top three art schools in the US. SAIC is a museum school – students have the privileged access to the art collection of Art Institute of Chicago.

  • Rhode Island School of Design

RISD is an institute that is ideal for those who love to work in the studio, than read critical theory. Classes are pretty small with a student-teacher ratio of 10 to one. Painting, sculpture, photography, furniture design and glass are some of the programs offered at RISD. At least 90% RIC graduates find a job within three years and 60% landed on a job related to their field of study.

 Tips to Finding the Best Art School

It is important to find an art school that is best for you. It can be exciting and daunting because it involves checking for various things such as the facility, faculty and making sure that the program you like is offered.

So, here are a few tips that can help you find the best art school:

  1. Check out the faculty.

Find out who you studying under. Do some research about the professor and find out if you have similar interests and if he/she has the skills that you want to learn. It would also help if you talk briefly with the professor to test if the two of you are compatible.

  1. Check out the graduates.

If graduates are regularly recognized for art, exhibitions, prizes and awards, it is an indication of a quality school. The name of the school doesn’t really matter – quality of education and learning gained is the most important.

  1. Check out the facilities.

It is important to check the facilities to ensure that the institution is conducive for learning and that students can make use of the facility to hone their skills and become the best in their field of specialization. A good art school should have not only top-notch educators, but also state of the art facilities for its learners.

  1. Check out their financial aid program.

Financial aid programs are beneficial to students because it helps you get through your study. In that way, you can pay for miscellaneous and other fees required. Check the financial aid program offered, if you qualify, go for it!

  1. Look at other options.

Expand your choices – do not stick with one school. Other schools have something good to offer as well. Looking at other options means considering other fields of specialization and perhaps school? Also, it is convenient to look at other options especially when the desired field of study  unavailable in one school.

What to consider:

  • Location

Choose an ideal school location. It would be perfect if your school is close to your home. It saves time and money. It gives you more time to study and practice art at home.

  • Cost

Cost is the most important factor to consider. Setting and defining a budget for art school is important because it allows you to plan properly on how to find an institution or program that is within your budget.

  • Facilities

Consider the facilities in your prospect art school. Make sure laboratories are accessible and the classroom suitable for learning.

  • Reputation

Research your prospect art school. Find out the necessary details such as when it was founded, its mission and vision, and the success rate of their graduates. Get all the details and form a conclusion if the institution is best for you. Also, look for online reviews and see what others have to say about the school.

Bonus Tip on Art Study:

Art school is fun and interesting. You’ll be exposed to different art forms which can shape your life perspective and the world in general. Look at other pieces of art – make them your inspiration when crafting one. Art study is important to create quality art where all elements are at play.

Key Takeaways:

  • Art has no exact meaning. People interpret art differently, depending on their background, social status, political stand and culture.
  • Art study involves looking at a masterpiece to gain new ideas the artist can showcase in his/her work.
  • Art Appreciation is a subject that focuses on understanding, analyzing, interpreting and appreciating art.
  • People should consider practicing art because it promotes self-expression, personal identity, and an effective way to release stress.
  • An art can be a sculpture, painting, print, or digital art.
  • There are various schools all over the world that specialize in offering art programs. Proper research is important to narrow down your choices and find the best school that suits you.
  • Cost, location, reputation, and facilities are the important factors to consider when choosing an art school.
  • Art is beneficial to all, especially during the wake of COVID-19 virus. It can occupy people’s mind which enables them to create new techniques and discover personal art skill.