Changing career to Art

[csouligny]

Hi! I'm a new to ALL of this.
I wonder if anyone else here is in the same boat. I am taking art classes at a University to prepare for retirement. I have always enjoyed creating with what I later learned was found art. As I have grown older I have gained new friends (Dia Betes, Arthur Itis, Osteo Porosis, etc.) and decided the best way to maintain a HEALTHY relationship is to change careers (I left teaching).
I have chosen one profession (painting and drawing) which, I hope, will allow me to choose my "friends" more closely and control my future lifestyle by allowing me to work from my home (perhaps giving lessons and hopefully selling some of my work) to supplement our retirement (which will be relatively soon).
Has anyone else made a major career change to Art?

[sejal1]

hi there,

i think we are in the same boat.i am a science post graduate,not formally trained in painting but painting as long as i remember.but now i am trying to find i their is any university where i can enroll or any course related to art.
anybody please help.
thanks

[Omman542]

I have been dreaming of changing to art too. I work in a university right now. The art department here wants a portfolio of 20 or so pieces. My plan is to take an art class with a private instructor. She offers classes throughout the year and ask her to help me create a portfolio and see where it takes me. The other option might be to take some nondegreed art classes at the university. That way, you don't need a portfolio but you probably need the permission of the department your pursuing.

[yoyita_yoyita]

Nice to see people changing careers, I did it too.
I can tell you my approach, get the brushes, the paints, canvas, turpentine and a model. Get a light for a single source lightning. Pick up some books of the masters.

Start posing the model and just start working. The only advice I had when I stated portraiture (before even painting 1) was shadows are transparent, light is opaque.

Getting a paid model makes it easier in case you don't get the likeness right away. They don't complaint. (Family does)
not ready for portraiture? get still lives or landscapes , the good thing, they don't move, but light does moves :) go on location.

work from life, get some color theory books, draw, draw and draw everything you see. The natural way to draw by Nicolaides is good.

The best book on perspective in my opinion is published by www.doverpublication.com # 0486201864

Research and practice seem to be a wining combination in art.
If you want you can reach me in my website directly.

Good luck!