<p>My middle son is something of an artist. Drawing, mostly, with an interest in painting and computer graphics. Not unknown in the family, but not common either. </p>
<p>His older brother was more into math and computer programming and we knew how to get him in to more advanced classes and in summer programs that went beyond what he could learn in school. That was in a school system with decent math and science programs. The art program is miniscule by comparison.</p>
<p>Any suggestions on how and where we can get #2 into better art training?</p>
<p>Thanks, Marite. That might be a little much for a 14 year old in Texas. I was sort of hoping there was something more like computer camps or locally available kinds of training. I admit the only thing like that I'm aware of advertises on the back of a matchbook cover.</p>
<p>Walnut Hill would actually be an excellent choice for a 14 year old. My daughter is a visual arts major at WHS and it is a wonderful place. The summer art program is new, but they have had dance and theatre summer programs for years. Since those programs are held in part to recruit for the high school the ages tend to be 12-16. RISD is more of a pre-college program that one would attend in order to develop a portfolio for college but not before completing one's sophomore year. When my daughter was deciding to switch majors from dance to art, I signed her up for classes at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. If you live near a city with a museum check their summer classes for high school students.</p>
<p>Strick11
I don't know whereabouts you are in TX but what I did (years ago) was
contact the art departments at the local universities to see what they offered in the way of summer programs. My D ended up taking an architecture course at UT-Austin. If you're in the Dallas area, try:</p>
<p>Oh, one other thing - ask the Art Museums in your area if they know of programs. I know, here in Houston the Glassell School of Art is associated with the Museum of Fine Arts and offers adult and childrens art classes.</p>
<p>Stark,
Have you contacted your local art museums to see if they offer workshops or classes? My daughter has hooked up with excellent teachers this way and, through them, has been referred to other art class opportunities in our community. These have really supplemented her school art classes and helped her build a wide-ranging portfolio.</p>
<p>In terms of summer programs, Skidmore College has an excllent summer program focusing on art. Pratt Institute also has several excellent summer programs in NYC and Europe for high school students, but there are others out there as well.</p>
<p>I'd also suggest that your son look into attending the National Portfolio Day - it's offered in many cities across the country. Reps from art schools and programs come and give on the spot reviews of high school student portfolios. My daughter found the feed back very helpful in terms of planning additional classes and in terms of strengthening her weak areas. I think you can find the schedule by googling National Portfolio Day. It usually runs in the fall.</p>
<p>Mauretania and I posted at the same time. LOL! But seriously, my daughter has found the art classes at our local museums to be quite good. At least here, they focus on specific aspects of art in a way in which regular school classes usually don't. Daughter has taken portrait classes, painting classes, abstract art classes, and several go-rounds of figure drawing that have been wonderful.</p>
<p>Strick, Like writing the most important factor in developing artistic talent is to keep making art. I think what frustrates most young artists is not a lack of creativity but an unfamilarity with materials and technique, thus instruction early on in a variety of media is essential. </p>
<p>14 is about the age that kids start to get self conscious about their creativity so it's beneficial to get some positive feedback from people who are used to encouraging young artists. Once that willingness to experiment and take chances freezes, it's hard to get it flowing again.</p>
<p>I think the idea of pursuing classes at a nearby museum, community center or Y is great. If you have the resources, there are also many summer camps and on campus summer programs that offer fine arts training. </p>
<p>Another thing that's important for budding artists is exposure to art --museums, galleries, architecture. To read about and talk about it. Travel if you can. If access to museums is not possible you could choose a few periods or styles that appeal to your son and invest in some good art books. Let me know what he's interested in and I can give you some suggestions.</p>