What is the core essence of art study? Most artists will tell you it is learning to see. How does a budding artist learn to see? Through practice, practice, and more practice. The best way to engage in art study is to practice the art of seeing through constant and consistent drawing and painting.

Only you, as the fledgling artist, can develop the inner discipline it takes to practice often.  But you can find others to help you in you in your art study.  Is there a specific area of art study that you are interested in?  You can find someone to teach you, no matter what your interest.

There are many different genres of art, and as you begin your art study you will find yourself drawn to one or another of them.  If you are unfamiliar with these different types of art, your first order of business for your art study will be to learn what they are. 

• Photorealism.  This is a genre of painting which is based on making your painting look as real as a photograph.  Most photorealism is done by basing a painting on an actual photograph, and this is something you would learn in your art study if you choose this genre.  Many people are drawn to this area of art study because it involves, essentially, two arts: photography and painting.  The photorealist first takes a photo and then bases a painting on that photo.

• Impressionism.    You will learn about impressionism early on in your art study, as it is among the most influential of the schools of art.  Impressionists paint ordinary subject matter with visible brushstrokes and much emphasis on the use of light.  Many students are drawn to impressionism in their art study because of its great beauty.  Among the most famous impressionists are Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas.

• Expressionism.  In expressionistic art, one or more aspect of a subject is over-developed in order to evoke an emotion in the viewer.  As you begin your art study, you will see examples of all different genres of art.  One of the most famous examples of expressionism is the painting called, The Scream, by Edward Munch. 

• Abstract art.  Made famous by Pablo Picasso, you will definitely want to consider the abstract movement as part of your art study.  The common definition of abstract art is that it uses color and form in a non-representational way.  What does this mean?  It means that abstract artists use color and form to suggest the appearance of real objects.

Are you intrigued by this glimpse into some of the different genres of art study?  Then you will be excited to begin your journey into the world of art.  Where to find the best places for art study?  You can begin by looking at your local community college.  Also do some research online—you’ll find many wonderful resources for art study on the internet.  And finally, after you get really into your art study, check out the listings for art schools and colleges online.  You may well be able to turn your art study into a thriving career.