conté_crayon
October 14th, 2009, 09:25 PM
So, I'm a highschool junior looking at different summer pre-college programs. I am a very eager student who takes every chance to learn, which is why I really want to develop a strong fine arts portfolio, especially in painting. There is one figure drawing class in my area, that I was eager to take and has now been cancelled--permanently (my other "arts" classes are horrendous.) As much as I practice outside of school, whatever summer arts program I take will pretty much sum up my whole high school arts education. I'm so super eager to learn as much as possible that I wish I could start right now.
So far I've looked at RISD and MICA and haven't really been impressed by the senior thesis paintings on their websites. I know they have great reputations, but I can't help but see more "exploratory" styles in the paintings. I've heard though that the foundations program at RISD is a lot of work, but I don't want to go if I can't follow a more realistic painting program. Even the RISD rep I visited with at NPD seemed to think RISD's painting department... was, well, not a good choice for someone who was so focused on classical study.
I've also looked at Lyme precollege but I haven't heard any reviews about the program itself.
I really love what I've seen from the New York Academy of Art, but unfortunately they're a graduate program and I'm guessing would be near impossible that I'd be able to study there over the summer.
I've thought about atelier programs too, but don't know if I could advance fast enough to take painting/drawing in one summer of study. Plus, I'd rather stay at a pre-college where housing/supervision was available to students. However, it's not super important, I just need some good suggestions.
To sum it all up, what I'm looking for is a SUPER rigorous pre-college type program w/heavy emphasis on figurative arts, especially in painting. Links, or any advice would be super appreciated. Thank you for reading this whole thing and I hope I didn't confuse anyone. :D
So far I've looked at RISD and MICA and haven't really been impressed by the senior thesis paintings on their websites. I know they have great reputations, but I can't help but see more "exploratory" styles in the paintings. I've heard though that the foundations program at RISD is a lot of work, but I don't want to go if I can't follow a more realistic painting program. Even the RISD rep I visited with at NPD seemed to think RISD's painting department... was, well, not a good choice for someone who was so focused on classical study.
I've also looked at Lyme precollege but I haven't heard any reviews about the program itself.
I really love what I've seen from the New York Academy of Art, but unfortunately they're a graduate program and I'm guessing would be near impossible that I'd be able to study there over the summer.
I've thought about atelier programs too, but don't know if I could advance fast enough to take painting/drawing in one summer of study. Plus, I'd rather stay at a pre-college where housing/supervision was available to students. However, it's not super important, I just need some good suggestions.
To sum it all up, what I'm looking for is a SUPER rigorous pre-college type program w/heavy emphasis on figurative arts, especially in painting. Links, or any advice would be super appreciated. Thank you for reading this whole thing and I hope I didn't confuse anyone. :D