heading back to school-need portfolio help

hey y'all

I think I want to head back to school and do a minor in fine arts(major in Religious studies)

so I havn't really worked on any sketches since 1999. so I may be rusty, but what should I do

landscapes? still life? I am/was never good at portraits

maybe do some watercolours?

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5 replies since 15th January 2011 • Last reply 15th January 2011

Reply #1:

portraits are good to get used to firmly do lines in the directions you want. start by some abstract stuff that just came to your mind to get started and go from there to something more precise.

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Reply #2:

I suggest doing what doesn't come easy to you. I was a fine arts major in creative writing and I focused on fiction because it was more difficult for me than poetry. I think when it comes to studying art you should always do what is most difficult so you can learn.

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Reply #3:

I'd recommend joining a life class. I did a life classes when I was doing my A-levels and it did wonders for my drawing skills and confidence. Also it will build up your portfolio quickly as the models rarely hold long poses, its usually a series of short poses which you can use to make a bigger piece or just have them as they are. The thing about life drawing too is that it usually goes down well as its shows off your skills and shows you can do the basics (I'm not sure thats the right word) - my art teacher used to say that life drawing is one of the foundations of art and it gives you really transferable skills. I hope that makes sense and helps.

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Reply #4:

great ideas

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Reply #5:

Life drawing is something that anyone looking at a portfolio will want to see. it is an essential skill for any art course. Also invest in some good quality sketchbooks and pencils/drawing pens. A pocket/bag sized sketchbook will become your best friend, take it everywhere and sketch everything! Cars, seats on a train, yourself in a distorted reflection, just quick sketches. spend no more than 5-10 minutes on them. Write notes of things you see/do as well. Doodling is also a good idea. Just give it a bit of variety.

Sketchbooks should (but not always) show a progression of subject, and experiment in it. its not a finished piece of work so play around with the composition. Check out google for some examples, they are quite amazing but don't be put off by them, take inspiration from them and find your own style.

I've always got my little fake moleskine and a couple of pens with me all the time. I even stick things into my sketchbook, things from places I've been with a little writing about it.

Hope this helps Happy

SLAP_art

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