<p>Hello, internet strangers! I'm sorry if this is the wrong place to post something like this, or if this topic has already been covered, but I am still trying to decide on a major, and I have some questions about a painting + drawing BFA program. Basically I want to know what skill level is generally expected of new students. I used to draw stuff all the time in high school, but I haven't been able to do much of that for a long time.</p>
<p>You may have a hard time getting into the art program of your choice without a portfolio – which should include numerous drawing examples. I highly recommend finding a local state or community college and taking some foundation-level courses in drawing and life drawing. Painting? Your skills are not so critical at this time.</p>
<p>Some art schools also offer Portfolio Development workshops during the school year or as summer courses. I don’t know where you are, but our son took an 8 week Saturday course at Laguna College of Art and Design (CA) that was excellent. They aim sessions specifically at the types of figure drawing, etc., that most colleges expect in application portfolios. Critiques and direct portfolio advice were a part of the course. (As in, “Use this one. Cut that one, it’s weak.”) This helped our son get an objective view of his skill level and strengths/weaknesses. Like you, he’d been drawing forever, but had not had much formal art training, so this was very helpful. LCAD prices their portfolio development course very reasonably to make it affordable for many or most students. </p>
<p>A school local to you may offer a portfolio development workshop, as well as art foundation courses, as suggested above.</p>
<p>Thanks for the tips. I am applying to an in-state university, and from what I can tell from their websites, portfolios are only required after foundation courses.</p>