<p>I posted before about my 13 yo. daughter wanting a career in art. This term, she's wants to take some drawing and/or painting lessons outside of school (since her HS doesn't offer anything). I have a question for those that know much more than I about art and its instruction: Does it matter how good the teacher is? At least at the early stages?</p>
<p>We found one instructor who sounded perfect. She offers a popular class at a time that fits our really hectic schedules. I was ready to sign up. But then I googled this person's work, and I really did not think it was very good (and I think I'm someone who is easy to impress). What I mean is that I, as a non-artistic person, thinks her work lacks basic technical skills. It just looks "off" in various ways (and not in an on-purpose abstract sort of way but I mean in a basic way, like alignment and perspective seems off on what I think is supposed to be a realistic rendering). </p>
<p>Part of me thinks, okay, maybe I have no idea what I'm talking about (this instructor does have a BFA and I'm the non-artist, so what do I know?). Moreover, my D is only 13, and so does it even matter? I mean anyone teaching her more than she knows now could be beneficial and she's so early yet.</p>
<p>But the other part of me think that if a teacher at this stage isn't very good, is D just going to acquire bad advice and/or habits? Will she have to undo things she learned from this person? Should we spend time and money (it's not cheap) on this person if I don't like her work?</p>
<p>This person may wonderful inspirational person with great insights even if she's not a good artist. Maybe you should ask her what she thinks the biggest problems in her work are. If she points out the same flaws in her work that you point out, that's a good sign. Teaching only involves telling people how to improve, that's easier than drawing. In the end you should trust your instincts. It doesn't matter if she has an MFA. I'd like it if you posted some of her work though, I want to see if it's really bad.</p>
<p>Your daughter may acquire bad habits if she's that type of person. If she wants to be an artist she has to try to become the type of person who doesn't acquire bad habits. Your daughter will get bad art teachers no matter how much you try to avoid them, that's part of the process. Even if she had no bad teachers, ever, an artist always has to be open to learning new things and ignoring past teachings at times. It's an essential part of development. You have to know how to look at things as if you've never seen and drawn them before.</p>
<p>The worst habits an artist can acquire have nothing to do with drawing, they have to do with mindset. Certain ways of thinking are promoted by most people even though they are false. First of all, people think they need talent. They don't. People think they need inspiration before they start. Inspiration can be found before starting a drawing, after finishing a drawing, or while you are drawing. Or, you may never be inspired by a particular assignment, but that doesn't mean you didn't learn something. Michelangelo hated painting, but we still consider the Sistine chapel art. It doesn't matter if he hated it.</p>
<p>Yes, the teacher matters. You want someone who will focus on the fundamentals: light, perspective, etc. Drawing is the best place to start.</p>
<p>Thirteen is not too young to get started. D was in a saturday program starting 4th grade through high school, and had small group instruction a couple of nights a week in middle school. We did not push art classes on her; this was something she really wanted to do.</p>
<p>D is now a soph at MICA and is really enjoying her courses.</p>
<p>the teacher DEFINITELY matters. I've had ones on both ends of the spectrum-- my art teacher this summer was heaven-sent and I basically produced my entire portfolio under her guidance and loved every moment of it. then I've also had art teachers who at worst make me want to throw up and at best are completely uninspiring.</p>
<p>how to tell? sometimes talking to them isn't enough. in my case it's been pure chance. I will say, however, that it never hurts to have a teacher whose work you (in this case maybe your daughter more so) love and are inspired by. It just makes everything he/she says more illuminating and relatable.</p>
<p>oh and also--
I'm 17, and didn't start getting really serious about art until about a year ago. When I was 13 I had a pretty average teacher who did nice paintings, but basically had a bunch of kids hang out in a room and copy stuff from magazines. I don't think you need to find an absolute SERIOUS art mentor for your daughter quite yet, but definitely try to look for a teacher who 1) actually cares about the students' work and doesn't go watch TV or something (yes, I've actually had a teacher who did this during class), and 2) emphasizes drawing/painting from life, which honestly makes you improve like nothing else.</p>
<p>Thanks for your the insightful posts everyone! This is great. I love hearing how you think. </p>
<p>Linzoy, I like your work because it has a soul to me (I don't have the right words for it but in contrast, sometimes I see stuff that just looks 'empty'). PM me and I will send you an example of that artist I'm asking about.</p>
<p>It seems you came to good conclusion.
I just wanted to add my experience.
My son had wonderful YMHA art teacher when he was 12. It turned his life around. I did not look at the teachers artwork or anything; I just thought that she is enthusiastic, positive, happy and full of love of art and of ife. Young and pretty helped, too, for my sons case. Kids at that age does not want to be around scary smelly old hags no matter how good the teacher is; that happened in his middle school and he become hating art all together.
Have an interview with your kid in tow, let her take trial class if they offer one, and ask HER opinion before you decide. There is definitely chemistry in between no matter how young student is. Cannot always depend on reputation or other parents words.
I wouldnt have wanted the teacher even say, who guarantees acceptance to certain art high school if my son hated the person.
I found out after many parent induced mistakes that happy kids are continuing artists whom eventually develop on his own (still hoping )</p>
<p>This is so right bears and dogs. My daughter keeps me in tow on this one just because she's always been so opinionated and strong willed. Typical for a teen, of course, but even as a young child, her extracurriculars have always been driven by her. And if she doesn't connect with someone, it's a no-go. Doesn't have to be a reason. Took her three tries to find the "right" piano teacher, similar with tennis. </p>
<p>I try to help in terms of finding and throwing out options, and being check writer and driver, but my say is limited as mom (though if I tell her to look at what people on this board have to say, who know from where they speak, she'll listen).</p>
<p>I hired an art student from KCAI for my daughter. She was very much the "art student type". My daughter loved her and they worked well together. You have to be a bit flexible with the schedule, but if you get a great kid, it works. Plus, your helping an art student out with some much needed income. Try it!</p>
<p>starbright, At your daughter's age I don't think talent and creativity are as important in a teacher as are familiarity with process and media and the ability to teach. Just drawing alone encompasses so many choices -- e.g., pencil, ink, charcoal; if you get into print making the list goes on and on. Sculpture is infinitely multifaceted. Painting too is process first.</p>
<p>I think the biggest challenge for anyone who's first studying a new medium is understanding how to use the materials and getting the right instruction and encouragement early on is the key to success. The fundamentals can be so intimidating at first. </p>
<p>So I wouldn't worry so much about about the instuctor's artwork but would focus on his/her ability to teach. You'll know immediately by looking at your daughter's output. A good teacher will have her trying new media and progressing within a medium.</p>
<p>when my mother first signed me up for art school when i was in 9th grade, i barely knew how to draw a circle</p>
<p>in ONLY 3 years of working under my excellent teaher (who got MFA from NYU school of art), i transformed and won numerous national and international art awards, been praised at portfolio reviews, and received National Merit award from 2008 NFAA</p>
<p>Joining in with the chorus, yes the instructors ability does matter. Essentially what's incredibly important is that good instructors are able to convey technique and salient concepts. Creativity is often inherent, or developed through social memory and as such to claim to reach into someones mind and instill it is a bit delusional, arrogant or just silly. Creativity is usually either a very individual condition or a result of very complex social memory which inherently implies much, much more than what can be taught in an art class. Plus young artists need the abilities to convey their creativity, not the creativity itself. Generally they possess creativity in abundance, but not the disciplines to express it. And that's where a quality teacher comes into the situation
As far as BFA's well the teacher in question has some credibility simply because she's gotten that far. And is working in a difficult field. That said, and alas, sometimes the BFA/MA/MFA programs don't exactly provide the quality of artist (or teacher) expected by all the money and alphabet soup.
So if you've seen this artist, and the standard of work seems low-perhaps finding another teacher for your child might be appropriate. A competant artists work will show overall quality, even if they're painting aesthetic or conceptual roadwrecks.</p>
<p>I just wanted to send an update on my search for an instructor, given you all have been so generous with your help. I found this woman who happens to have a BFA and an art education degree and about 20 years teaching art to youth. She's a hassle to get to, and it's costly, but I think (so far) she's what we were looking for. </p>
<p>My D spent her first two hours with her and I could not believe what she produced! I was BLOWN away! Even the teacher and my D seemed amazed. It was nonstop for two hours, but my D was so engrossed she said it felt like 10 minutes. They have really good rapport. And I like that she has a really well thought out curriculum plan. It's mostly drawing, but they will also visit galleries (she's located downtown), cover art history, do some photography, all around teaching fundamental principles. </p>
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