In another of Jeff Watts’s videos, he mentioned that his wife was worried about publishing the video above because of all of the things he said. And I can see why she had concerns. People don’t want to hear it that this is a long process. Too many of us want instant gratification. We don’t want to hear that some dreams only can be achieved through struggle, time, and sweat equity.
But he’s 100% right.
Some people assume art should be “fun” and will come easily. They don’t realize, it’s not about being “born” talented. He says in the video that the less-talented ones who aren’t lazy will get farther ahead than the naturally more gifted who are lazy.
When I was attending art school, I instinctively was trying to do what he talks about here. Lots of repetition. I couldn’t do it as efficiently as the students are able to do at Watts, alas. But, at least I was going in approximately the right direction.
I devoured every class available that had anything to do with drawing from life, drawing figures, anatomy—anything related to that. It had always been a weak area for me. I’m still not “there” yet with figure drawing, but thankfully I’m farther ahead than I would have been, had I taken the “recommended” amount of semesters in school and left it at that. (I’ve continued to take figure drawing classes—off and on—all through my life. This I certainly don’t regret!)
That’s why many college grads lack traditional art skills—they take the standard foundation classes, but never are encouraged (or realize the need) to continue to the next level in those areas. They are given the impression that those classes are all they need, and when they complete them, they’re “done.” But without the added repetition, they’re not done.
Another thing he talks about is the ability to choose our classes and more importantly, to choose our teachers. I was too poor to get in a degree program, so just took continuing education (at a fancy art school, but still!). Because of this, I got to pick which teachers I wanted to study from, and got to cherry-pick my areas of interest (drawing and anatomy, especially) and for this I am eternally grateful.
I’m currently taking online classes at Watts Atelier because…better late than never. I always knew that I wanted to get better, to learn more, but the opportunity didn’t present itself, until now. I could tell as soon as I saw the artwork on the site and the YouTube videos that they were going in the right direction and I only wish a school like that was available when I was attending college way back when.
