DD is just beginning her college exploration, and has an interest in both science and “realistic” art (think Michaelangelo). This type of art is not always taught - many programs are more experimental in focus. Can anyone comment on the art program here, and whether a student like this would be excited working with the current faculty? (Bonus points for any specific professor recommendations!) Believe it or not, figure drawing, realistic portraits, etc are not a current focus at many schools - kind of out of fashion. Thanks so much!!!
I’m not an art student and I don’t know anything specifically about the MHC art programs, but here is the course catalogue: https://cat.mtholyoke.edu/, where you can search for courses from previous years (for some reason, next year isn’t available right now. Odd; it was the last time I checked in May). Here are some course descriptions I got off the search for classes function (unfortunately this is only viewable by students):
Drawing I: ‘Visual Exploration’: An introduction to both the technical and conceptual aspects of drawing as a primary tool for visual expression and analysis. Art historical contexts as well as the dialogue between the arts and other disciplines will be considered. Emphasis is placed on learning to see, and to think visually.
Sculpture I: Introduction to fundamental sculptural techniques and three-dimensional thinking. Various media are explored, with an emphasis on understanding the language of sculpture through material.
The description for drawing I especially seems to indicate realistic art would be explored. Sorry I can’t be more help!
I’m a current studio art major (and adult learner), and the core curriculum at every liberal art school I’ve been to for a studio art major includes dabbling in just about every medium out there. I don’t think there’s a way to escape drawing 1,2,3, painting 1,2,3, figure drawing, and then something along the lines of ceramics or sculpture as part of your core curriculum (not that you’d want to, btw.). I don’t know any schools that don’t do some sort of drawing/design requirement, either, like 2d and 3d design were the exact same class last year at my regional georgia university as they were at Carnegie Mellon back in the late 80’s.
Some things don’t change wrt art. Some things do-like there’s a big emphasis on digital art now, but it’s not replacing the fundamentals. It’s just an addition for most schools.
It sounds like your daughter may be interested in illustration as opposed to “art”. I can’t tell you which schools have stellar programs in illustration. I would imagine that there is a job market for that skill–accurate illustrations are found in textbooks, technical manuals, etc.
Thank you so much for your replies…really appreciate your time!