I love the decorative aesthetic! I love your art Helen! There is far too much snobbery around 'art' I find. You are one of my guiding lights Helen and a source of inspiration for me. You are probably more successful now than if you did go to art school and you have created your own path as an artist. x
This is a PERFECT demonstration of how one person's experience with finding the good, finding other paths through rejection can lead to where you are supposed to be. It's an incredibly important and impactful share Helen - one that should be stapled at the top of every RUclips feed of any aspiring artist. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and doing it with such optimism and joy. ❤🧡💛💙
I find it so interesting that your style developed "despite' not having a traditional art education. It's possible that, had you got your place on the course, you may have gone in a different direction and never arrived at your wonderful vibrant and dynamic style. I took a Fashion & Textile Design degree in the early 80s and although I left the world of fashion behind in the late 80s I have still been creative in other areas, particularly Photoshop. Recently I decided to take a beginners' painting and drawing class at the local adult ed college. I loved getting back to the basics on one level, but declined to take the subsequent classes because it was all very traditional and I didn't feel I was getting anywhere new. Since the pandemic I've been really interested artists' vlogs and a few months ago began making art more seriously. Your videos have totally inspired me and in a very short time I have developed my personal style (different to, but inspired by your work). What I've realised is that I would never have taken this journey and found my style had I continued down the "college course" path. Self-directed learning can sometimes be more relevant and take us on a more personal and fulfilling journey. Thank you so much for carrying on despite your 'rejection' and putting yourself and your work out there. If you hadn't I would never have found my own style. I don't want to sound like a star-struck groupie but I also bought your book. 😊
Oh this is flipping brilliant. I love your observations on this! And I also love your enthusiasm and encouragement! Just brilliant. Thank you so so much. Love Helen xx
This reminds me of my own (late) Aunt Helen, who took some art classes in college. One of her professors told her that her art was always so pretty - but like that was a bad thing. I think she took it personally and didn't pursue art as a career, although she should have -- her drawings and creativity really were lovely -- like yours! Keep on being your own true self and never look back!
Thank you, Helen, this was a really touching video, I’m grateful that you shared your experience and grateful you continued with your art: it contributes joy to the world and encourages others to find their unique voice. Take care 😊🙏
Our family has had a recent disappointment with art school. Our grandson was beside himself with excitement to begin his aim of a bachelor of fine arts. He was excited about learning so much …but left with a diploma after being disillusioned with the course. He felt that you could draw stick figures and be congratulated as long as you could explain what it meant to you. At 24 he is carving a name for himself as a tattoo artist and is sooo happy. Thank you for your video Helen. Late today our power was restored after cyclone Gabrielle hit our region. We are so very fortunate to have been mildly affected…but know people who have lost everything. To get to watch your expressive and inspiring video makes life feel more normal!
Oh I'm so glad you grandson has found his own way. Sending lots of love to my kiwi friends, I know the weather has been just devastating . Love Helen xx
I was in art school 1 year and I was told over and over again that my work was “illustrative”. I was thrilled. Yay! All I ever wanted to do, was tell visual story. Mission accomplished, right? Not according to art school. My grades were deplorable. And students who early in the morning shared they hadn’t done any work and who threw something together with no plan but later buttered up the teachers with outrageous fabricated stories about their vision hit straight A’s. And really great artists were graded ‘mediocre’. It was such a disillusion. I left the place before the year ended.
Oh I’m sorry that was your experience Mandy. It’s weird that the institutions that should be nurturing our individual creativity want us to conform to one mould. Thank you for sharing and I hope you’re relishing in your illustrative work now x
Awww, ni need to be sorry. It was like you say, a mold. And I feel MUCH happier exploring on my own. And yes, I did manage to do my illustration work and even exhibit. Then there were a few years of online teaching and illness, but I’m back in the saddle now and loving my own path😊
I'm so pleased you didn't go to art school. I used to work in one and I prefer what you do over anything that came out of there. I'm so pleased you saw the blessing in disguise. I love your teaching. So generous for you to share your practice on here.
And now look at you and your beautiful decorative art ❤❤❤. Art school was hard for me because I had a family and mental health struggles. If anything, the rules at art school hindered my growth, plus the big fat debt I still have. I dropped out and decided to find my own way through. Now that my children are grown, I have more time to commit to my creative growth. I've realized that having an art practice was always primarily for me. It is the one thing that has remained constant. I love being creative and now there are lots of online ways to learn art that are affordable. I have taken both your courses and they are fantastic. I believe this video will encourage so many others like us that haven't taken a traditional path. I accept gladly than I am an outsider artist. I've never fit in to systems and I think there are many renowned artists who didn't either. Bless you Helen for being a light for others like us. Rachelle, Australia xo
I think you probably had a great escape tbh and I say that because my experience of going to uni was one of 'self learning' on the practical front. Yes, they took us through art history which was interesting and valuable but in regards to being taught and learning technique they were less than helpful. The personal critiques were meant to strengthen your resolve but often destroyed some of the younger students. Criticism is important but in giving it some appeared to enjoy an element of it little too much wallowing in their own voice, others were honest even if it didn't go how you wanted it, and useful. On my 'Fine art' degree we weren't 'allowed' to do life classes so anyone wanting to do that had to pay for extra classes outside of university! I thought we'd learn so many things such as making our own paint etc but no, anything we wanted to learn we self taught as we were pointed to the library for the 'How to's' or we learned from each other. I'm not exactly sure what the fee's were for! Other than a place to work and a set of hoops to jump through to tick boxes which validated their jobs. You've continued your practice and I totally respect that above all things, not letting others determine. your worth. They put too much emphasis on the rhetoric of 'talking' about work and the intellectual side of being able to convince the viewer the deep meaning of their work. I don't deny some artists work like that but many don't and some, simply can't although their work is amazing. On the other hand my foundation course was a complete dream, so much so I did it twice for the experience! I learned so much there before the degree. You escaped and are not only an artist but you are inspirational and your teaching skills are fabulous. Well done. I wish I had your resolve! Your work is fab, you can see the journey throughout your sketchbooks. Lovely.
Oh wow thank you so very much for sharing your experience and I'm sad to hear it was not as enriching as it should have been. Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. Love Helen x
i find it interesting how your art style is similar in asthetic to that of what the art world considers masters...matisse, fedden ect.... i love and am so inspired by your art, how you layer and use shape and color and am glad you chose not to take that rejection to heart. all the greats were at one time rejected by the experts in thier respective fields, take Einstien for instance. he did not fit the image of a typical scientist even failed at traditional learning, but proved that genius does not exist within parameters but must be free to think and express itself .
Art school or University art classes can hinder anyone. I majored in art at university and it has taken me a long, long time to get back to being my true creative self. Keep going!!! You are the best!!!❤
Oh Julie, so many folk have said similar, it’s a sad thing that somehow we are not fostering individual’s creativity and passion in some of our art institutions. Glad you eventually rekindled yours. Love Helen x
I went to university I learnt nothing in the painting classes so I changed to printmaking that was the best thing for me. I would say I was very disappointed with the painting so don’t beat yourself up University is not the only place to learn how to paint. Like yourself I look on line and read my books and go to classes. I have learnt more about painting than I ever did at University and it was a lot cheaper !
Oh thank you so much Lynda, and thank you for sharing that. And yes you’re right university is SO expensive now! So glad you found your creative way through…x
Great testimonial about carrying on as an artist rather than falling prey to the notion you have to earn the title "artist" by going to art school. You become an artist by making art, failing at it but making more and more as you find your own path. Even those who do go to art school don't necessarily succeed because they aren't making enough art outside assignments from class, that often involve a formula but no risk taking. Little is gained from the art school critique that is really just an excuse for snark from either fellow student or the prof. With so much truly great content, much of it for free, or at a really affordable price, even those who assumed they had no talent will art to feel like artists, especially if they open their sketchbook every day and create. I love you work Helen! Yes it is decorative but who cares. I love looking at it and how it makes me feel.
My sympathies to the art collage! They lost out! And I'm so happy for you, that you went on making art!!!!! Look at all the subscribers that you have, ummmm I think that says something too! 😁😁Thank you for sharing this, so encouraging!
Passion & that inner belief in one's self is most often the key to persevering. Well done you Helen. I've only just found your wonderful videos. Love your art. And you too Helen. Kind and generous. So inspirational & uplifting. Thank you.
You are amazingly resilient and I’m so glad you didn’t get into that hoiti toiti uni! That gut feeling you had when you were young about textile design was closer to your life’s passion and your true style that has emerged. Thank you for your honesty and for sharing your life and art with us. I love your vibrancy and generosity of spirit. A breath of fresh air is what you are-Helen!
I’m so impressed that you didn’t let that set-back put you off making art altogether. Maybe the fact that you were a bit older helped. I hear so many stories about a rejection or criticism of someone’s art at a young age putting them off for life! Which is so tragic!
I think being older definitely helped… and you’re so right, I’ve heard Brene Brown describe them as art scars… so many folk were hurt or humiliated by someone criticising their art when they were children. Thank you 🙏🏼
You give me hope helen ! - i went to art school for a foundation course but was then rejected many times for a degree course. To this day i still dont think im good enough but i keep creating - this was a long time ago and im now in my late fifties but i will never lose hope! The art world can be very snobby in my view ❤
Thanks for the lovely videos. I just found your channel today and I am binging them on my work commute. It’s great to hear about your background with art college. It’s not to be all and end all and it’s good to see people who paved their own way. ❤
Just for curiosity’s sake, what style of painting did art schools embrace 18 years ago? I remember hearing another female artist say that all her male instructors were enamored of Abstract Expressionism when she was in art school and, since her work is intimate, precise and detailed, they didn’t understand it.
You’re right it’s often connected to the trends and whims of what’s current, from memory it was post the Young British Artist phase and shock and political statements were definitely more in vogue than anything I was up to xx
Art schools are cliques run by academics who are in their own world who don’t pick people according to their talent and artwork, rather, they choose only certain types of people doing very certain types of art that the “professors” deem to be good. Probably the best thing that could have happened.
There are plenty of artists who didn't have formal training Frida Khalo, VIncent van Gogh, Francis bacon, Jean Michel Basquiat. Paint to please yourself your in good company Helen😊
Oh that’s a lovely thing to say! Thank you. My Mum always used to say “what’s for you, won’t go past you” and it’s right we all carve our own paths to where we are going…xx
It occurred to me watching this that you would have been MISERABLE in art school, doing life drawing for hours, slogging through representational pastel or oil still-lifes . . . The teachers would have had no idea what to do with you. They would have failed at molding you because you were too YOU for art school, overflowing with the excitement of ARTmaking and finding your own way. I’m thinking, too, about the irate art critics who eviserated Matisse for his red studio painting. (Sorry, can’t remember the name, maybe just Red Studio; he didn’t spend much energy on naming.) And for his “decorative” painting style. Anyway, glad you didn’t have to waste your time trying to conform to art school ideals.
Oh what a lovely kind thought. And I think you’re right. My mum used to say “what’s for you, won’t go past you” and you’re tights alls well that ends well x
I actually don’t believe in art school as such. Yes to learn the basics like colour theory, composition, proportion etc, but I hate the idea of teachers putting their tastes and style onto the student. Some amazing artists out there are self taught ❤
Oh thank you so much! I’m not anti art school but I do agree that there are some amazing artists who didn’t go, there are lots of routes through to the same destination….Helen x
I love the decorative aesthetic! I love your art Helen! There is far too much snobbery around 'art' I find. You are one of my guiding lights Helen and a source of inspiration for me. You are probably more successful now than if you did go to art school and you have created your own path as an artist. x
Oh how super duper lovely of you. Thank you 🙏🏼
This is a PERFECT demonstration of how one person's experience with finding the good, finding other paths through rejection can lead to where you are supposed to be. It's an incredibly important and impactful share Helen - one that should be stapled at the top of every RUclips feed of any aspiring artist. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and doing it with such optimism and joy. ❤🧡💛💙
Oh wow what a wonderful response. I so appreciate this lovely feedback, thank you so so much for the encouragement. Love Helen x
I find it so interesting that your style developed "despite' not having a traditional art education. It's possible that, had you got your place on the course, you may have gone in a different direction and never arrived at your wonderful vibrant and dynamic style. I took a Fashion & Textile Design degree in the early 80s and although I left the world of fashion behind in the late 80s I have still been creative in other areas, particularly Photoshop. Recently I decided to take a beginners' painting and drawing class at the local adult ed college. I loved getting back to the basics on one level, but declined to take the subsequent classes because it was all very traditional and I didn't feel I was getting anywhere new. Since the pandemic I've been really interested artists' vlogs and a few months ago began making art more seriously. Your videos have totally inspired me and in a very short time I have developed my personal style (different to, but inspired by your work). What I've realised is that I would never have taken this journey and found my style had I continued down the "college course" path. Self-directed learning can sometimes be more relevant and take us on a more personal and fulfilling journey. Thank you so much for carrying on despite your 'rejection' and putting yourself and your work out there. If you hadn't I would never have found my own style. I don't want to sound like a star-struck groupie but I also bought your book. 😊
Oh this is flipping brilliant. I love your observations on this! And I also love your enthusiasm and encouragement! Just brilliant. Thank you so so much. Love Helen xx
lol star struck groupie, i think that describes me rather well, too
I love this comment. I also bought the book. Groupies unite! 😂
I did too as i just live Helen's art. I am very new to art at age over 70 all due to finding Helen's amazing work!@@SimoneWhippArtist
@@marlenepollock3790 ☺
This reminds me of my own (late) Aunt Helen, who took some art classes in college. One of her professors told her that her art was always so pretty - but like that was a bad thing. I think she took it personally and didn't pursue art as a career, although she should have -- her drawings and creativity really were lovely -- like yours! Keep on being your own true self and never look back!
Oh what a kind thing to say and I’m sorry Aunt Helen was discouraged. It seems to be a common tale. Love Helen x
@@HelenWellsArtistit definitely does Helen and like you I'm sure a lot of other students made a success of their art by persevering!x
Thank you, Helen, this was a really touching video, I’m grateful that you shared your experience and grateful you continued with your art: it contributes joy to the world and encourages others to find their unique voice. Take care 😊🙏
Oh wow what a lovely thing to say. I am touched! Thank you so much 😊
Our family has had a recent disappointment with art school. Our grandson was beside himself with excitement to begin his aim of a bachelor of fine arts. He was excited about learning so much …but left with a diploma after being disillusioned with the course. He felt that you could draw stick figures and be congratulated as long as you could explain what it meant to you. At 24 he is carving a name for himself as a tattoo artist and is sooo happy.
Thank you for your video Helen. Late today our power was restored after cyclone Gabrielle hit our region. We are so very fortunate to have been mildly affected…but know people who have lost everything. To get to watch your expressive and inspiring video makes life feel more normal!
Oh I'm so glad you grandson has found his own way. Sending lots of love to my kiwi friends, I know the weather has been just devastating . Love Helen xx
A lot of respect to you Helen. Your art is very original and maybe not going to school helped you keep your art fresh. It’s always beautiful ❤
Thank you so much! Ana, that is such a lovely thing to say. I appreciate it. Love Helen x
I was in art school 1 year and I was told over and over again that my work was “illustrative”. I was thrilled. Yay! All I ever wanted to do, was tell visual story. Mission accomplished, right? Not according to art school. My grades were deplorable. And students who early in the morning shared they hadn’t done any work and who threw something together with no plan but later buttered up the teachers with outrageous fabricated stories about their vision hit straight A’s. And really great artists were graded ‘mediocre’. It was such a disillusion. I left the place before the year ended.
Oh I’m sorry that was your experience Mandy. It’s weird that the institutions that should be nurturing our individual creativity want us to conform to one mould. Thank you for sharing and I hope you’re relishing in your illustrative work now x
Awww, ni need to be sorry. It was like you say, a mold. And I feel MUCH happier exploring on my own. And yes, I did manage to do my illustration work and even exhibit. Then there were a few years of online teaching and illness, but I’m back in the saddle now and loving my own path😊
I'm so pleased you didn't go to art school. I used to work in one and I prefer what you do over anything that came out of there. I'm so pleased you saw the blessing in disguise. I love your teaching. So generous for you to share your practice on here.
Thank you so much!! What a lovely thing to say. Thank you for being so encouraging and kind xx
I absolutely love your art ❤ Frida Kahlo was mainly self-taught and her work is amazing. Thank you for sharing!
You are so welcome! Thank you for the wonderful compliment. Helen x
And now look at you and your beautiful decorative art ❤❤❤. Art school was hard for me because I had a family and mental health struggles. If anything, the rules at art school hindered my growth, plus the big fat debt I still have. I dropped out and decided to find my own way through. Now that my children are grown, I have more time to commit to my creative growth. I've realized that having an art practice was always primarily for me. It is the one thing that has remained constant. I love being creative and now there are lots of online ways to learn art that are affordable. I have taken both your courses and they are fantastic. I believe this video will encourage so many others like us that haven't taken a traditional path. I accept gladly than I am an outsider artist. I've never fit in to systems and I think there are many renowned artists who didn't either. Bless you Helen for being a light for others like us. Rachelle, Australia xo
Oh wow Rachelle what a thoughtful and generous share. Thank you. There are many ways to get where we are meant to be. With love Helen xx
I think you probably had a great escape tbh and I say that because my experience of going to uni was one of 'self learning' on the practical front. Yes, they took us through art history which was interesting and valuable but in regards to being taught and learning technique they were less than helpful. The personal critiques were meant to strengthen your resolve but often destroyed some of the younger students. Criticism is important but in giving it some appeared to enjoy an element of it little too much wallowing in their own voice, others were honest even if it didn't go how you wanted it, and useful. On my 'Fine art' degree we weren't 'allowed' to do life classes so anyone wanting to do that had to pay for extra classes outside of university! I thought we'd learn so many things such as making our own paint etc but no, anything we wanted to learn we self taught as we were pointed to the library for the 'How to's' or we learned from each other. I'm not exactly sure what the fee's were for! Other than a place to work and a set of hoops to jump through to tick boxes which validated their jobs. You've continued your practice and I totally respect that above all things, not letting others determine. your worth. They put too much emphasis on the rhetoric of 'talking' about work and the intellectual side of being able to convince the viewer the deep meaning of their work. I don't deny some artists work like that but many don't and some, simply can't although their work is amazing. On the other hand my foundation course was a complete dream, so much so I did it twice for the experience! I learned so much there before the degree. You escaped and are not only an artist but you are inspirational and your teaching skills are fabulous. Well done. I wish I had your resolve! Your work is fab, you can see the journey throughout your sketchbooks. Lovely.
Oh wow thank you so very much for sharing your experience and I'm sad to hear it was not as enriching as it should have been. Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. Love Helen x
i find it interesting how your art style is similar in asthetic to that of what the art world considers masters...matisse, fedden ect....
i love and am so inspired by your art, how you layer and use shape and color and am glad you chose not to take that rejection to heart. all the greats were at one time rejected by the experts in thier respective fields, take Einstien for instance. he did not fit the image of a typical scientist even failed at traditional learning, but proved that genius does not exist within parameters but must be free to think and express itself .
Wow what a super compliment and generous comment! I so appreciate your supportive words. Thank you so much 😊 xx
Art school or University art classes can hinder anyone. I majored in art at university and it has taken me a long, long time to get back to being my true creative self. Keep going!!! You are the best!!!❤
Oh Julie, so many folk have said similar, it’s a sad thing that somehow we are not fostering individual’s creativity and passion in some of our art institutions. Glad you eventually rekindled yours. Love Helen x
This bought tears to my eyes,well done you,your art is beautiful,looking at it always makes me happy xx ❤
Oh gosh Mandy, I didn’t want to make anyone sad. All’s well that ends well! Thank you for your kindness and generous spirit x
@@HelenWellsArtist Thank you ❤
Thank goodness you didn’t let them define you
Oh that’s kind! Thank you x
I went to university I learnt nothing in the painting classes so I changed to printmaking that was the best thing for me. I would say I was very disappointed with the painting so don’t beat yourself up University is not the only place to learn how to paint. Like yourself I look on line and read my books and go to classes. I have learnt more about painting than I ever did at University and it was a lot cheaper !
Oh thank you so much Lynda, and thank you for sharing that. And yes you’re right university is SO expensive now! So glad you found your creative way through…x
Great testimonial about carrying on as an artist rather than falling prey to the notion you have to earn the title "artist" by going to art school. You become an artist by making art, failing at it but making more and more as you find your own path. Even those who do go to art school don't necessarily succeed because they aren't making enough art outside assignments from class, that often involve a formula but no risk taking. Little is gained from the art school critique that is really just an excuse for snark from either fellow student or the prof. With so much truly great content, much of it for free, or at a really affordable price, even those who assumed they had no talent will art to feel like artists, especially if they open their sketchbook every day and create. I love you work Helen! Yes it is decorative but who cares. I love looking at it and how it makes me feel.
What a lovely thoughtful comment! So encouraging for everyone! Thank you for sharing your wisdom…
My sympathies to the art collage! They lost out! And I'm so happy for you, that you went on making art!!!!!
Look at all the subscribers that you have, ummmm I think that says something too! 😁😁Thank you for sharing this, so encouraging!
Oh that’s super sweet of you. Thank you so much x
I would LOVE a tour of your tchotchke case sometime! (I’m intrigued by the papier mache critters, etc.) Bet other viewers would too 💕❤️💕
Oh thank you Lynn. I’d have to have a dust first! Tee hee x
Passion & that inner belief in one's self is most often the key to persevering. Well done you Helen. I've only just found your wonderful videos. Love your art. And you too Helen. Kind and generous. So inspirational & uplifting. Thank you.
Welcome aboard! And what a kind and generous comment thank you 🙏🏼
You are amazingly resilient and I’m so glad you didn’t get into that hoiti toiti uni! That gut feeling you had when you were young about textile design was closer to your life’s passion and your true style that has emerged. Thank you for your honesty and for sharing your life and art with us. I love your vibrancy and generosity of spirit. A breath of fresh air is what you are-Helen!
Oh wow thank you Brenna, I so appreciate your kind comment x
Well done you Helen, you go girl! Love your resilience, grit and determination 🥰👍🏼xxx
Thanks so much 😊Tracy. I appreciate your cheerleading and support xx
So glad you didn’t give up. Always excited to watch your videos. 🙋🏼♀️🌻🇨🇦
Wow that’s really nice of you Suzi! Thank you. Love Helen x
Thank you for sharing part of your story, whether or not we see it, every single story will help someone.
Oh I hope so. Thank you for your kindness xx
I’m so impressed that you didn’t let that set-back put you off making art altogether. Maybe the fact that you were a bit older helped. I hear so many stories about a rejection or criticism of someone’s art at a young age putting them off for life! Which is so tragic!
I think being older definitely helped… and you’re so right, I’ve heard Brene Brown describe them as art scars… so many folk were hurt or humiliated by someone criticising their art when they were children. Thank you 🙏🏼
Thank you so much for sharing your story 💖🙏💖😊
You are so welcome. Thank you for watching Rika x
You give me hope helen ! - i went to art school for a foundation course but was then rejected many times for a degree course. To this day i still dont think im good enough but i keep creating - this was a long time ago and im now in my late fifties but i will never lose hope! The art world can be very snobby in my view ❤
Wishing you every creative success. The more art we make the better we get…xxx
Thanks for the lovely videos. I just found your channel today and I am binging them on my work commute. It’s great to hear about your background with art college. It’s not to be all and end all and it’s good to see people who paved their own way. ❤
Welcome aboard! And thank you for your kind comments and enthusiasm. Love Helen x
@@HelenWellsArtist Thanks very much.
Ça me rend heureuse de regarder vos vidéos ; j'adore le choix des couleurs éclatantes dans vos belles oeuvres.
You are very kind! Thank you 🙏🏼
you are a very inspiring artist. I love your art, it's vibrant and very alive.
Oh that is so kind! Thank you 🙏🏼
Thank you for the share my friend ... you definitely have showed them (whoever them are)! Take care
Oh thanks Gail. There is a tiny amount of glee and rebellion in being told you can’t do something and doing it anyway. Xx
ooh laughing ... oh, boy don't i know that ... smile
I’m so happy that you didn’t get discouraged 🤩 I love your art ❤
Well that is super kind of you Hanna. Thank you. Helen x
You must be really pleased with your large format sketchbook. It makes me think of Matisse in the studio. Thanks for the inspiring words.
Well that’s a compliment indeed! Thank you so much and I am really enjoying the larger format! Thank you x
Wonderful Helen xxxxx
That’s so kind. Thank you 🙏🏼
Well I would say that you showed ‘em!!
That’s funny! Thank you so much Katie…. Xx
thank you for sharing! such an encouragement & inspiration!❤
Oh that’s lovely of you thank you so much 😊
Thank you for this video, your work is incredible and such an inspiration to me 👍❤️🤓
Gosh thank you so much Sally x
Just for curiosity’s sake, what style of painting did art schools embrace 18 years ago? I remember hearing another female artist say that all her male instructors were enamored of Abstract Expressionism when she was in art school and, since her work is intimate, precise and detailed, they didn’t understand it.
You’re right it’s often connected to the trends and whims of what’s current, from memory it was post the Young British Artist phase and shock and political statements were definitely more in vogue than anything I was up to xx
@@HelenWellsArtist Aha! Polly Morgan, Tracey Emin, etc. That makes sense.
Super helpful!
Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much for watching x
Art schools are cliques run by academics who are in their own world who don’t pick people according to their talent and artwork, rather, they choose only certain types of people doing very certain types of art that the “professors” deem to be good. Probably the best thing that could have happened.
Thank you 🙏🏼
❤️
There are plenty of artists who didn't have formal training Frida Khalo, VIncent van Gogh, Francis bacon, Jean Michel Basquiat. Paint to please yourself your in good company Helen😊
What a lovely comment, thank you so much ☺️
One of my favourite words spring to mind for when you didn't go the uni route - "Serendipity".
Oh that’s a lovely thing to say! Thank you. My Mum always used to say “what’s for you, won’t go past you” and it’s right we all carve our own paths to where we are going…xx
It occurred to me watching this that you would have been MISERABLE in art school, doing life drawing for hours, slogging through representational pastel or oil still-lifes . . . The teachers would have had no idea what to do with you. They would have failed at molding you because you were too YOU for art school, overflowing with the excitement of ARTmaking and finding your own way. I’m thinking, too, about the irate art critics who eviserated Matisse for his red studio painting. (Sorry, can’t remember the name, maybe just Red Studio; he didn’t spend much energy on naming.) And for his “decorative” painting style. Anyway, glad you didn’t have to waste your time trying to conform to art school ideals.
Oh what a lovely kind thought. And I think you’re right. My mum used to say “what’s for you, won’t go past you” and you’re tights alls well that ends well x
I actually don’t believe in art school as such. Yes to learn the basics like colour theory, composition, proportion etc, but I hate the idea of teachers putting their tastes and style onto the student. Some amazing artists out there are self taught ❤
Oh thank you so much! I’m not anti art school but I do agree that there are some amazing artists who didn’t go, there are lots of routes through to the same destination….Helen x
Thanks! Oh yes decoration is the number one reason to put up a piece of art, isn’t it?!?! 👍🏻😊🤩❤️
Love it! Thank you so much for the encouragement x
Auf der heide blüht ein kleines blümelein
Oh lovely… thank you 🙏🏼
@@HelenWellsArtistUhhhhh those are the lyrics of the German propaganda song Erika which was popular during Hitler’s rule from 1934-1945.
und das heißt, ERIKA
Politics sounds like a fun idea 😃