Dreaming In Art

Artwork by Atiba Kojo

My story is not that much different than many other people in this art competition. I am an older person returning to art after not drawing very much for many years. I did not take an art class when I was in high school, I always sort of knew that I could draw.

When I first went to college, I started out as a journalism major, but did not like the program. After some soul searching, I decided to pursue art as a major. So I applied to my university’s fine arts department, put together a portfolio and got accepted into the program. Eventually receiving my BFA in drawing. Like many university art programs, they were mainly about teaching creativity.They made the work of the ‘old masters’ seem outdated and historical. Students today are very lucky to have the internet as a learning resource. I wish it was around when I was in school.

Today’s student has an easier access to more information about art and creating art than I had when I was in school. Like many creative people, I have other talents and music is and was a great love of mine. So after school, I pursued a career as a professional musician for many years, plus some other things to make a living, but a few months ago things changed once again. Again after some soul searching, I decided to return to art.

It was always sort of a plan of mine to return to art when I got older, so I guess things sort of worked towards that plan. Since my ‘return’ to art, I have been dreaming of art almost nightly. I feel that my spirit is pleased with my return to visual art. When I am working, time passes as if I am standing still. I can work for hours and it is like I just started. I know that I am an older person with responsibilities.

I have a family to support, but also as a creative person we don’t always have a choice. We are driven to do what we do. That’s why I know that I have a lot of work to do to achieve my goal to become a working artist that can support myself and my family though my art. My experience as a working musician has taught me that skill plus passion plus work equals success.

The Drawing Academy Course is one of the best on-line resources for artist that I have found on the internet, and I have looked around a lot. I feel that they provide the most comprehensive program for me to upgrade my drawing skills to reach my goals.

Right now for me money is tight. Willing this course would allow me to have a structured setting to improve my skills.

Well, by voting for me you would be helping me to help myself.