An arts degree???

Question

I have recently retired and would love to go to college for say, an Arts Degree or something like that, I love learning, and I have been told I am a good artist, with watercolours, pastels etc, How could I do this, would it cost me, if so how much, as I cannot afford a lot.

I feel I need to clarify that I live in ENGLAND. Thanks for efforts made by folks across the pond - a apologies for having wasted their time!!! :0(

Answer 1

You might want to consider individual classes and seminars. You could paint on site and many working artists do teaching seminars where you can travel over a long weekend and enjoy personal growth,talent learning as well as the scenery. A degree would be a good thing,but as you are doingit for yourself and not for a job, its not necessary in the Art field.People are more concerned with what you do rather than the piece of paper- unlike say, my husbands Software Engineering. Shows, commissioned pieces etc-start going to shows to get ideas, subscribe to magazines, look at artwork online-its a good feed for the soul. You have a wealth of Museums too around you- many offer excellent classes I'm sure-Good Luck and have fun. I'm back painting and sculpting my own designs after 30 years in the decorative arts field-its a whole new ball game and I'm loving it---

Answer 2

If you are retired, why do you want to do an arts degree? Especially if you are just starting into the arts. Far Better to visit your local education web site and look at local community classes that are available, you may even be able to get them for free. Choosing a community class in the area that you want to work, ie watercolour. The lecturer should advise exactly what you need with regards to materials etc. My ex wife has been running one for years and got so fed up of her students being sold colours, brushes etc that they didn't really need; she bought her on stock and sells them out to her students if and when they need them. Since she buys through and artist combine she gets it cheaper and passes the saving onto her students. Such courses can normally advise you how to take your skills further, should you wish too.
Courses are normally linked to colleges which will run extension or foundation courses. By taking this route you may well find that you can receive some funding in the process. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

I am doing an art's degree right now, and if you can't afford a lot... you're not going to be getting an arts degree.

Fine Art's or Design is like any other specialized degree. In Canada at most of the major school's it takes 4 years to complete the program and it's intense. It's a lot of work and requires an amazing amount of energy, dedication and time. Not to mention money. On top of your tuition fees, you have housing and living cost's as well as your supplies. Your supplies are very expensive, and can sometimes get out of hand.

If you just want to do this as a hobby and you are not terribly worried about the actual degree portion of it, then I would suggest finding somewhere to take a couple of classes for fun. However if you are serious about the degree, I would say get yourself a line of credit, a loan, or re-fiance your house... and off you go.

It is a very rewarding experience, but it's draining, it's hard, and it's costly.

Best of luck!

Answer 4

You would like to do a Fine Art degree, as distinct from an Arts degree.

What it would cost it would depend on where you are, education in Ireland and the UK is subsidised so you don't have the ridiculously huge fees you have in the US.

However, you might like to look at smaller local colleges wherever you are, they might have a course available, full-time or part-time.

You do need to have very good drawing skills, even more so than watercolour/pastels skills, in order to do really well in a Fine Art Degree course.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Art supplies are very expensive, so there are costs for those. Some colleges actually offer free tuition for senior citizens. I would check into some continuing education classes before I made a large commitment. There may be some classes offered through a local recreation department, or technical college. If you feel a real burning desire to continue your education as an artist, go for it!

Answer 6

I have a fine art degree and it was as expensive as any other degree. the colleges often supply some basic material (at mine it was canvas) for free and have deals with local suppliers which brings down the cost. it really depends on what kind of projects you chose to do.

however in the UK you normally start with a one year foundation course. they have both mature and straight from school students on these and are general in focus. this helps you build up your portfolio and can normally be done locally.

before you apply for a degree it's a good idea to look up short courses at your local college. they keep your skills active and give you idea about what a longer degree course would be like.

Answer 7

Just go back as a special student, not degree seeking, and take the courses you want. Also Ive heard colleges are starting to cater to a senior population, even special housing, and retirement communiteis on campus. Do some internet digging, there might be deals.

Answer 8

A BFA is a Bachelor of nice Arts. particular, its a Bachelor's diploma. An MFA is a Masters of nice Arts. A grasp's diploma. With a BFA you will get jobs in the paintings field and so some coaching. With a Masters you are able to coach college point. you are able to coach college point yet in lots of cases as adjunct college yet on no account colleges.

Answer 9

Sure it would cost you. Art supplies are quite expensive