Studies & Degrees in Fine Arts

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Fine Arts Study Programs

Fine Arts
Suffolk University, Madrid Campus

Level: Undergraduate Bachelors     Location: Madrid

Art is the expression of one’s soul. It is the mirror of someone’s feelings, thoughts, intentions, and dreams. Fine Arts is a branch of Arts that allows such expressions through painting, photography, cartooning, sketching, sculpting, drawing, and even architecture. There are various genres a fine artist may work on - it can be realistic; it can be abstract. There are also a number of themes to choose from – nature, people, objects, symbolism, etc. Fine artists usually take a specialization in terms of materials to use (e.g., some painters specialize in charcoal, while others in oil); in terms of genre (e.g., some are into realistic pieces, while others are inclined to abstracts and concepts); and in terms of theme (e.g., some specialize in having nature as object, while some specialize in people). Originality of artwork is paramount important in Fine Arts. The Monalisa, for instance, will always be known as Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece - even if hundred other painters reproduce it for commercial or whatever purpose. Artists sign their work as a symbol of authoring the piece.

The works of fine artists are seen in museums and art galleries, institutions, and in collections of private individuals. Some artworks are done per request of clients; while some are done by artists without prior order then they just sell it to museums and collectors once done. Due to very steep competition and a large number of fine artists, some of them tend to have full-time jobs in field outside the Fine Arts industry and keep fine arts as hobby or freelance job. Majority of fine artists are self-employed or freelancers. There are those who have it full-time by being an entrepreneur in this field – those who own art studios. Other artists who are into full-time job as fine artists are employed by publishing companies, cartoon design companies, and advertising agencies. In applying for jobs in other professions, it is important to have a comprehensive resume. In applying for fine arts jobs, on the other hand, it is important for fine artists to keep portfolio of their artworks as proof of capability. Portfolios, nowadays, are usually online. Many artists create websites to advertise their work.

Major universities and colleges around the world offer bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. While it is true that this field requires innate talent and creativity, formal education plays an important role in making Fine Arts a career (for beginners, for instance, companies look for official background or training of applicants). This degree program focuses more heavily on hands-on work in art studios than on classroom education and lectures (this makes Fine Arts courses relatively expensive than other degree programs). Courses also include knowledge in using graphic software for the students to be updated with today’s trend in Fine Arts. Depending on the extent of specialization, training and certification programs in this field may range from 1 to 5 years.

In this computer age, demands for artists who can work on computer-aided designs and with knowledge of different graphic software and techniques in coming up with arts are continuously increasing. This is especially true for cartoonists who are very in-demand nowadays, where cartoon stories are not only seen on televisions and comic books but even on cinemas. The immersion of graphic and design software leads to fewer opportunities for classical or manual fine arts methods; and this makes it imperative for every classical fine artist to find effort in equipping themselves with the latest in technological advancement. It cannot be denied, though, that for those who have established names in this profession, their classic or manual way of coming up with an artwork still produces masterpieces that are treasured by collectors, hobbyist, institutions, and museums. There are endless possibilities in Fine Arts industry. One just has to be flexible as to where the trend leads.

Some encyclopaedias would define Fine Arts as any form of art created for presentation of concepts than utility. Nevertheless, a piece of art is created to inspire individuals, and this is one noble thing every artist gets to contribute to mankind. Artwork is forever – its effect to individuals is forever. With that alone, the purpose of one piece of art is already served.