Why should I study Visual Art in school as a required course?
Sometimes students will question whether the study of Visual Art in a studio setting or in an Art History course, is valuable in their education. Visual Art develops the individual from a holistic standpoint and creates a foundation of creativity and critical thinking that can be applied to a variety of fields of occupation.
Observational skills
- Visual art trains our eyes to observe like a scientist. Leonardo da Vinci used skills in observation to accurately depict ideas into designs for mechanical engineering. This continues to be used in industrial design, such in the creation of automotives and home design and construction. Additionally, science requires skills in observation to document work in laboratories.
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking in visual art causes the creator or viewer to question “why?” Some questions might be:
Why did the artist create this?
Why does mixing red and green yield a different color brown compared to mixing yellow and purple?
Why does a 2HB pencil render differently than a charcoal pencil?
Collaboration
When working in the field of Visual Art, we collaborate with a variety of people--it could be a valued and trusted colleague or with a fierce critic. Either way, we consider the source, analyze, and move forward. Visual Art teaches how to give truthful criticism and more importantly, how to receive constructive criticism. This type of communication skill teaches resilience, which is a valuable skill in any field
Creativity
The creative process demonstrates that the process is just as important as the final product
Using process as a tool for products with connected themes
Technology is always used; however, it could be as low tech as a ruler and pencil or as high tech as an illustration software program
There are multiple ways to solve a problem. Our results can be different, but still answer the same question
There are often multiple generations involved prior to a product’s completion
Visual Art is perfect for the lifelong learner due to the richness and depth of the field.
Still not convinced? Need more information on this topic? These are some helpful resources that can allow further discovery on Visual Art as a critical component to any education:
From Study to Skills: Art & Design (University of Michigan)
4 Ways Getting Creative Can Boost Your Career (Forbes)
In-Demand Careers That Use Art Skills (Houston Chronicle)
Transferable Skills in Art in Art Careers Sarah Henkel intro to course Why Study Art?
