I hear people talk about how they assume we are supposed to act and how it must be so "easy" for us because all we do is draw and paint pretty pictures. In reality, being an art major is just as much work as any other, if not more so.
Here are 10 misconceptions about art majors that we're all seriously sick of hearing.
1.Art must be perfect
Misconception: Because it’s art, everything must be well-thought out and properly executed. It requires nothing more than perfection, and anything less is considered invalid.
Reality: In the words of the most famous surrealist, Salvador Dali, “Have no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it.” While the concept of perfection is already unrealistic in itself, then so is the idea of trying to perfect something that has never been done – especially if it’s your original work.
2.We judge everything we say
Generally, artists don't critique anything more than the average member of society. If there is a strange person running down the street with a bucket on their head yelling at the sky, we will also think they are odd. The majority of us won't look for 'a deeper meaning' in our daily life unless outwardly asked to do so.
3.More colors are always best
Misconception: Because art is all about artistic value and colors are all about raising it, naturally, more colors equal more aesthetic value.
Reality: In the words of Henri Matisse, “A colorist makes his presence known even in a simple charcoal drawing.” The number of colors used doesn’t really make the painting – it’s how those colors are used. With proper contrasting and toning, an artist can make a painting come to life with only two colors at hand, as compared to those who basically use the entire spectrum.
4.We all have great fashion
Just because we understand the color wheel doesn't mean we actually understand the color wheel.
We know that complimentary colors can create beautiful, vibrant paintings when slapped on a canvas, but sometimes we don't know that when we wear green and red together, we actually just look like Christmas.
5.Painting is easy
Misconception: Because they have talent, it shouldn’t take long for an artist to finish one painting.
Reality: As stated by Edgar Degas, “Painting is easy when you don’t know how, but very difficult when you do.” Everything an artist does with ease was paid with many years of hard work and practice.