It is a common belief that those who study the arts may have a richer appreciation and better understanding for world cultures and history in general. Many educators also think that self esteem can be greatly enhanced by studying art as it teaches us how to interpret images in more depth and with a greater understanding. As a result of this we learn to communicate with each other in new and more effective ways.
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| The arts throw open a window and allow us to poke our heads into other times, other worlds and other places, so we can in some measure experience the moments and the moods of history. The arts cross all cultures and expose us to a manner of expression that can be understood universally. Learning about historical art forms and styles helps us develop a greater sense of ‘self’ in the context of the ‘modern period’ that we contemporary artists live in.
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Blending Traditional Arts and Historical Decorative Arts |
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With the intent to encourage all new artists and teachers to experience what is commonly known as ‘traditional arts’, the Art Apprentice Online is a small ‘bridge’ or link between two important art worlds; that of Traditional Fine Art and that of Decorative Art. Our hearts and interests lie in both these worlds and through our studies and teachings we have been able to see the common threads which tie the two worlds together. The world of Classical Fine Art, where artists of old spent their lifetime perfecting techniques and painting methods, is often an intimidating and an ‘off limits’ world to many new artists and novice teachers. The world of Decorative Art which historically is the earlier of the two, has been brought to the contemporary artists in a manner more often viewed as ‘craft’ or disposable novelty rather than bathed in its rich cultural traditions and meanings. |
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| These two worlds have often been interpreted or viewed as being in opposition to each other, one a rival of the other, one often looked down on, and the other looked up at from afar. This attitude has only served to create confusion and disagreement between the two. It has not helped to perpetuate or bring about a flow of artistic knowledge between the two worlds of art; it has only served to deepen the rift rather than bridge the gap. |
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Artists are artists, regardless of what style they paint or what ‘art world’ they favor. We feel it is more beneficial and important to offer this new generation of artist a style of education which encourages and supports a flow of knowledge between us. As we discover what each of the art worlds has to offer we also develop and mature as independent artists. The Art Apprentice Online embraces a new description for art that falls between both these worlds, that of the 'Formal Arts'. |
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"This new style of painting combines the "artistic training" of the "fine and academic arts" with the tradition, feeling and expression of the Decorative, Craft and Folk Arts. This new area of expression is a natural artistic growth of the "Decorative" styles into the 21st century. The style is characterized by the use of applied artistic concepts when creating classical, historical or modern whimsical styles which normally do not express these artistic or academic concepts."
