Frequently Asked Questions
Isn’t art instruction by correspondence very impersonal?
Actually, because of the instructional approach used by Famous Artists School, you will receive much more personal and individualized attention than you would in any resident art course or school. And that’s because we use the tutorial method: the method by which one pupil has one teacher for one stipulated period of time. Our instructors give as much time to each student assignment as the artwork needs or deserves. This direct help could never be offered in a classroom setting; it is only possible when, in the Famous Artists School approach, each student becomes “a class of one.” More on How the Course works
What if I have questions about my Assignments or my instructor’s comments?
Questions dealing with practical matters such as sending in Assignments, payment arrangements, and so on, are handled directly by our office, by calling our toll free number. Since our instructors work in their own studios on their own schedules, they can’t be available for phone consultation. However, if you have questions, they will be promptly answered by e-mail or regular mail.
How will I know which art materials to use?
When you enroll in your Famous Artists Course, you’ll receive a kit of art materials which will give you all the supplies you need for your basic Assignments. Beyond that, the Assignments will always specify which materials are needed, and if you need more, you can easily get them at your local art supply store.
How long do I have to complete the Course?
We expect our students to complete the Basic 10-Lesson Course in 18 months. For the Master Course of 24 Lessons, we allow three years. Of course, if there are extenuating circumstances, exceptions can be made; and extensions are available if needed.
Do I need a college degree to benefit from the Famous Artists Course?
No, a college degree—or a year or more of college education—is not a prerequisite for success in Famous Artists School. In fact, many of our most successful students have had little or no college training. This is because art skills can be learned at any time, and native aptitude and/or talent plays as large—or larger—role than does formal education. Assuming the student’s desire and willingness to learn, we can help immeasurably in bringing his or her art capabilities to a high point.
I’ve been told I have art talent. How will your Course help me?
In addition to teaching you your craft, and letting you in on our Famous Artist’ secrets for producing satisfying and successful artwork, we’ll provide two tangible aspects: motivation and discipline. In the first case, the very act of enrolling and paying the tuition fee is a powerful motivator to get your money’s worth. And when it comes to discipline, a lot of good artwork can be undermined or prevented by procrastination or sheer laziness. We already know all the excuses, and our answer to them is this: you must continue to work at your art on a regular schedule, whether or not you’re “in the mood” for it.
My life is already so full! How will I find the time to complete the Course assignments?
There are two things involved in transforming the wish to make art into the deed. These are making the time to paint, and discipline–and they are so close together as to be the same thing. They apply equally, though in a slightly different way, whether you have a full time job or work at home. The problem is establishing a schedule for your art, then sticking to it. The artist must train him or herself to plow ahead and follow the set path, with or without that whimsical factor called “Inspiration.”
I’m over 40 (or 50, or 60, or 70). Isn’t that too old for me to learn how to draw and paint?
At Famous Artists School we believe that age has little to do with one’s ability to produce art, or one’s capability to study art. The only proviso is that the person has an earnest interest in learning the skills involved in producing successful artwork. We believe this because our experience shows that people over 40 have many assets that can be used profitably in a teaching program designed to make them more productive artists. For example, they are mature; they have seen many things, absorbed much information, acquired thoughts and ideas–and they know how to put these assets to work for them. In addition, they are disciplined, and know themselves and their interests well.
