Applying to art school.

[haiku]

Hey.
I've been registered in this site for a quite some time. I'm now 22 years old, and i've decided to pursue my passion to become an artist, i decided the best move for me is to try and get accepted to school overseas, perferably San Fransisco.

Since i've started drawing, i've been a self taught artist, i mainly focused my work on pencils, and haven't really touched any other medias.
I was wondering if that may cause a problem for my applying to art school.
I decided i want to get into a proper education on practising other medias, and now i'm worried that it was a wrong move on my behalf.
I would really appreciate any input on the subject, and also some suggestions from artist about schools in SF.

Thanks,
Sagi.

[Maxine Schacker]

Look for a program that has a strong foundation year. Right now you seem to be copying and the work posted indicates that you are probably self-taught and don't yet understand the language of representational art. This isn't about talent! It's a language you can learn. As I remember there's at least one good school in San Francisco that will accept anyone into year one! This may be the answer. I'm sure someone else will give you a reply who knows the school I'm thinking about...I think it's mentioned in the threads on this forum.

[haiku]

Thanks for the comment Maxine. Indeed i am copying, mostly under the lack of refrence's which i understand (atleast for now and my skills) are some what of a must, in order to draw 'proper'.
I was hoping of becoming a Concept Artist/Illustrator. I thought that studying perheps in CAA i will get a better perception and understanding about the steps, and it seems to be the best resource for the artist i'm aiming to become. I'm just not sure about the format, and if it is indeed, the right step for me.
As i checked schools here, it is unforutne for me that, for most of them i lack the financial resources in order to get there.

[Maxine Schacker]

If you are open to coming to Toronto, take a look at our website. At present, I don't think you have the skills to be accepted into the concept art diploma program, but it's a thought for the future, and our tuition is lower than other schools with comparable programs.

I'd look for books on basic drawing- things like positive and negative space, design and comp, point to point drawing, perspective and structural drawing. You'll need to do some painting as well.

Set up still life studies for yourself and go to it! Always keep in mind that we go from the general to the specific. See your drawing as a series of actions and leave the details for last.

Good luck!

[haiku]

Thanks for the kind words. I was just making a purchuse of a series of books - anatomy, perspective etc.
If you have any recommendations about book names in specific i would really appreciate it.
Thanks again.

[Brashen]

Coolios I'm kinda in the same boat you're in right now. Tho I've been accepted to a number of schools, I havent applied yet to the school I really want to go to ( Art Center) I'm still working on he portfolio for their ED program. The things is I've been advised to think more on the lines of mass production of ideas rather than taking one idea and working on that. I think that's helped me focus more on what these schools look for in an applicants work.

But this is the first I've heard of Max The Mutt.....Do you guys have a scholarship program?

[Maxine Schacker]

1) "Drawing Lessons From the Great Masters" by Robert Beverly Hale

2) "Expressive Drawing" I think the author is Goldman...I'm on vacation and am not totally sure, but try looking for it. I think he also wrote a good book called "Design and Composition."
3) There's also a book by Berry on figure drawing that's excellent, and
4) If I could only recall the artist's name...he taught at Yale... aha!- Bernard Chaet...a very good book on drawing. he also wrote an excellent book on methods and materials.

And of course, if you have access to life models, use Nicolaides book, "The Natural Way To Draw."

If I think of something, or find something, really basic I'll let you know.
Look for a basic perspective handbook. D'Amelio wrote a good one (if you can find it).

[Maxine Schacker]

Brashen, Please take a look at the Max the Mutt thread. I'll copy and paste your post onto our thread and answer there, ok? I think that will be better, since as the Director of the school I want to be sure I'm following the rules of this site.

You should also look at our web site and blog. That will give you a feeling of what the school's about.Could you post some traditional drawing and painting? I'd really enjoy seeing it.

[jackpot_anjr90]

Look for a program that has a strong foundation year. Right now you seem to be copying and the work posted indicates that you are probably self-taught and don't yet understand the language of representational art. This isn't about talent! It's a language you can learn. As I remember there's at least one good school in San Francisco that will accept anyone into year one! This may be the answer. I'm sure someone else will give you a reply who knows the school I'm thinking about...I think it's mentioned in the threads on this forum.

I believe the school you're thinking of is the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.