- The classmates you start out with in first year, are the same fresh faces you see everyday for the following three years after that; therefore, you inevitably grow close to friends who quickly become like family.
- The professors insist that you call them by their first names; therefore, you interact with them on a less intimidating level and on a more personal one. They really are more like your best friends that you look up to, than "professors".
- Your three hour studio classes will become your favorite classes. It's in this time that you work independently, grow as artists and as individuals. It's in this time that you see how talented your fellow classmates are and they'll motivate you on more levels than you could ever imagine.
- You have class "critiques" which are basically discussions. You learn so much from these because your classmates and professors give you feedback on your artwork.
- "The couches" are something you will become familiar with, as this is the place where you and your classmates will sprawl out over during your breaks.
- As long as the weather permits, you do your classes outdoors. You gather your drawing board and drawing utensils and head out onto the green grass to draw some beautiful Sackville scenery!
- If you're like me, you like to listen to music while drawing, painting, etc. which isn't discouraged! You can bring your iPod to hook up to the sound system in the classroom, or your headphones to listen on your own.
- Your homework is everything less than just that - "work". Let's face it, this is something you love to do, so it's something that is less of a chore and more of a creative challenge. It's not as tedious as what you'd normally think of as homework.
- There are so many artistic events going on each week, such as concerts and art shows! There are so many opportunities to get out there and see other artists' work, as well as opportunities to showcase some of your own artwork.
- Like I mentioned, there are many opportunities to exhibit your art in art shows, so this means you can even sell some of your work!
This is the third year Drawing and Painting studio.
In your first year, you start off tasting a bit of everything on the plate: Drawing, Painting, Photography, Sculpture and Printmaking. All of these studio classes are three hours long. Drawing and Painting are held in the same classroom, while there are specific studios for Photography, Printmaking and Sculpture. In your second year, you basically choose two areas of concentration. Drawing is mandatory so everybody takes this, but you have to choose two out of the other four. I chose Painting and Photography so these will be my concentrations for the rest of my time here at Mount Allison, unless I choose to switch for whatever reason. In your second and third year you usually share a studio space with someone else, but in your fourth year you work independently in your own studio.
Also, instead of exams, we have portfolios which are equally as strenuous but a little less tedious. I'm actually in the process of working on my Photography portfolio so I better go continue that!
Ciao!
