All Art Is Self Taught...

All art is self taught whether it's painting, music or dance. Of course there are great teachers, books and all sorts of learning tools to take advantage of. What I'm saying is that you should take control of your own education. This means a little more work for you but the benefits are great. Look within yourself to seek your direction and goals. What type of art do you love? What painters excite you? What do you want to achieve with your work? Then by weighing your strengths and weaknesses you can clearly find what tools you'll need to get there. If you are in charge of your own training you will pick the right instructors who will fill your needs. The alternative is to study with teacher after teacher who will pour information into you... some helpful, but mostly not important to your particular needs. You may be led down the wrong path which for some, may take years to recover. Art education is confusing and contradictory. For example, you are told to use a limited palette by one instructor and then the next teacher will give you a list of 25 colors. You will do a tight monochromatic underpainting –  or do a loose, colorful block-in. That's where you have to decide clearly on what you want your paintings to ultimately look like. You have to have a clear vision of your work not someone else's. There are so many options, all valid... but if you take control then you will be able to decide on the right instructors and pull from them what YOU need. You can ask the right questions – help them to help you. Every painting and drawing will be a path to success. Life drawing and plein air painting will be purposeful exercises not mindless activities. There is so much to learn... but if you have a clear goal and decide to educate yourself... of course with the help of instructors, books, etc... you will move ahead.