PAINT TALK: Do you need art school?

In this episode of Paint Talk I give my option on art school.

Materials
Titanium White
Cadmium Red Hue
Cadmium Lemon
French Ultramarine

Hi, I am the son of two artists and began painting in my hometown of Richmond, Virginia before I could walk. I was a rare combination of artist and athlete so I moved to Los Angeles in 2008 to play football for USC. I left the team my sophomore year to focus on painting and filmmaking, applying the same focus and discipline from my football career to my art. I primarily work in oils, and spend most free days painting "en plein air" in my new home of Sarasota Florida.

Where to find me:
Also check out:

[HolyRaviolii]

I really appreciate all your advice. Your vids are my “art school” 😂

[susanjohnstonepersonalchannel]

Vincent van Gogh was self-taught. I think learning by your mistakes and learning where you went wrong is the best way to learn to do art. We all end up having our own unique style, while you may not be as good as you wish to be, if you are constantly improving and learning then eventually you will produce paintings even you like. We are our own worst critics at times as well. Sometimes people like the paintings you may think that sucks. I also learn by watching other people paint too.

[veroniquelosen]

Totally agreed!
My parents were at one point understanding enough to consider letting me go to an art school. I chickened out and went to medical school instead. Years later I can afford nice materials without the pressure of producing something equally nice to sell or to show for it. The process is more enjoyable in a sense that I am not indebted to anyone else opinion or aesthetic. Of course I still have regrets about never learning to paint professionally, but I think I would crack if I had gone to art school instead and would probably lose the love for it.

[adraevic]

I really wish I saw this video before I chose a major in college. I do wish I took a business major and art as an elective... I really enjoy your insights all the time.

[jackmjacobson]

Makes sense now, you dont see that many buff artists. You're a great inspiration, I jump for WSU and in a way am following a very similar school structure. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

[bear]

Great info! I went to two of the most highly acclaimed art schools, in the early '70s. I had innate artistic talent, but no real artistic/creative experience. Absolutely nothing was taught, demonstrated, suggested, at either school. The attitude was "You can't teach art". Well, for the immense cost it took to attend, they should have taught something. Fortunately, I went in knowing that red and yellow made orange. The weekly crits, for each studio course were uninformative and downright depressing. I think that these days, art schools have realized that one does need to get a job, once they earn a four year degree. Also, the advent of technology has greatly changed options for avenues of creative development and professional opportunities. Thanks for your videos!

[normdemers]

Down to earth, straight talk and honest, I love all your videos but this one confirms to me that you really are sincere in helping the artist succeed and you are a great teacher and mentor. Thanks for speaking my language, well done!

[carolesanetti]

Every artist I know agrees and wishes they had taken business classes!

[brothergrimaldus]

My son was really into art. I told him you absolutely can pursue that, but you have to go learn a trade first.

He went and took welding. Now that's kind of become his art.

[joshbrooks]

This video is interesting. When I first came across your channel, my wife and I were talking about it. We both were like, “this guy seems more like a type that would have an exercise tutorial” not an insult by the way. Never judge a book by its cover lol

[maddie]

great advice and i love your paintings in the background

[jeffallen]

Your assessment of art school is pretty spot on.

[amysbees]

Imho I believe the smaller "atelier" type art schools are the best value to fine artists, as they provide training in real skills at a far more reasonable tuition.

[MichaelBrooksmsb]

I took Independent Art, and concentrated on Oils and Acrylics in Junior year in High School back in 1982. I almost sold 2/30"x40" pieces at $450 per painting...one was in Oils, and one in Acrylics at County Fair.

[mariemartelloart]

Also- a big artist that uses them is Iris Scott. It’s how I found out about the paints in the first place! Cheers!

[AriesArtist]

Interesting I’m glad to hear that because I’m debating whether I want to go back because I don’t have time to paint when I go to art school lol

[patrickwelch]

Really good video Chris . I sent it to a couple of young artists going to art school.

[EthanRogers]

Thank you so much for the great video. You said you have been learning the business side of things recently. What resources do you recommend for someone learning business on their own?

[sreejithshankark]

Your videos helped me lot ❤️❤️❤️. Thanks🙂🙂🙂

[angelnunn]

To be honest I am still unsure if I should attend college for art. I am 15 and I like to paint and draw, and I like to consider myself pretty skilled, I just want to be able to sell my paintings and actually make a living. The college near me doesn't study traditional painting and drawing skills, so I know I won't learn anything there. Like you suggested I think I might study business, but I am still a little unsure.