Friday, May 20, 2011
Scientific proof for what we already knew: art makes us happy!
An article in Britain’s Daily Telegraph presents the welcome but unsurprising news that looking at beautiful paintings can actually have a direct effect on our brains—equivalent to that of looking at a loved person. It’s always nice when science supports our intuitive knowledge, but it’s no surprise to learn that the perception of beauty can actually be measured.
And if looking at art can produce a positive effect, making art can surely do the same. Our Famous Artists School students tell us that they get enormous pleasure from their work in the Course. We may not have a scientific study to prove it, but the letters and phone calls we receive are testimony enough. So, if you’re looking for a “pick-me-up”, try art!
Friday, May 06, 2011
FAS graduate reflects on her experience
Nancy Sauer (click to enlarge)
It’s always such fun to hear from our graduates, both recent and not-so recent. Nancy Sauer completed her Master Course in March of this year; she agreed to let me post her remarks here in hopes they would inspire prospective students. She writes:
“I am so happy I made the decision to take [the Course] and that I persevered and finished it. It took me longer, probably, than most students because of working full time; I had to work my art periods in whenever I could.
“Hank McLaughlin was such a wonderful instructor for me! On each new project, I felt overwhelmed and didn’t see how I was going to be able to do it. He was always so encouraging and I always felt so much better when I’d get my assignments back with his excellent critiques and feedback. I appreciated the fact that I was given strong critiques. I’ve taken other “correspondence” courses in which instructors were always telling me I was doing everything just great, and I don’t feel I learn from that.
“All sections of the books were so very helpful and will be a valuable resource for me to refer to. I am going over the assignments now and seeing so much I hadn’t taken in before.
“Thank you again for the greatest course I’ve ever had!”
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