Find an art tutor in Glasgow

Art and Glasgow go hand-in-hand

Glesga has a sterling reputation for many things, not the least of which is its artistic vibe. The city comes by it honestly, for one, because it is home to the Glasgow School of Art, an institution so world-renowned that fully 20 per cent of its student body hails from overseas.

Architecture is another remarkable feature of the Glasgow landscape. Sadly, few medieval structures remain but, in their place, Glaswegians and visitors alike can feast their eyes on the works of Charles Rennie MacIntosh, who designed the Glasgow School of Art and Queen’s Cross School, among other notable landmarks.

If you wish to follow in the footsteps of that famous Glasgow son or emulate Zaha Hadid, the architect who designed Glesga’s Riverside Museum and other stellar buildings around the world, you should pursue a career in art and design.

Understanding the ‘design’ component of art and design

Art is generally understood to be any work that is aesthetically pleasing and that reaches its audience on a deeply personal level. Be it a sculpture, a painting or a woven tapestry, art can be inspiring, thought-provoking… even uplifting. Designs are a bit different; their purpose is more singular and specific.

One can design buildings, as the two illustrious names mentioned above did, or design clothing. Art students can make the leap into graphic design, which is art combined with text, meant to deliver a targeted message. Advertising is a great use of graphic design.

Understanding the distinct differences between art and design is crucial to making informed choices about which art courses to take.

The rules of seven in art and design

As intertwined as these two disciplines are, they are defined by their fundamental differences. Each has seven key elements to underpin them but those elements vary from one to the next.

Artists generally concern themselves with shape, form and lines, space and colour – the texture and value (the lightness or darkness) of colour.

By contrast, designers preoccupy themselves with emphasis – focusing the main element(s) of the piece, and balance (symmetrical, asymmetrical or radial). The rhythm and patterns within their work and its contrast, unity and movement, which refers to how the viewers’ eye will ‘move’ through the work to absorb its elements are also crucial elements.

As you progress through your art and design course, you will become familiar with each of these sets of rules and be expected to apply them to your work consistently.

Art and design classes for everyone

Of course, you don’t have to have your eye on a career in art or design to think about taking art and design classes. You may, for instance, want to design greeting cards for your friends and family, or maybe you have a story that would really pop when written as a graphic novel – all while still keeping your day job.

Some people contemplating art lessons have, for some time, been dabbling with oils, acrylics and/or watercolours and would like to improve their technique or learn new ones. Those who routinely work with charcoal or pastels would also benefit from taking lessons, if only to spur the creativity in what they consider strictly a hobby.

What about lessons for pint-sized artists?

Kids learn far more than how to create pictures in art classes. Cultivating patience is one of the unspoken benefits of art lessons – for adults and for children. Drawing, colouring and creating calls for a deep well of calm that permits expression to shine through.

Besides patience, determination and focus are hallmarks of the dedicated artist. The ability to narrow the world down to a single point and, in that tiny range, create something magnificent.

Focus, patience and determination are qualities needed in every aspect of life but, for children, are especially helpful for achieving academic success. If your child can’t quite get on board with schoolwork or the classroom routine, you might try art lessons to help him/her cultivate the skills needed at school.

Finding art and design lessons in Glasgow

There is no shortage of art lessons to be had in this city but the ones that are right for you depend on your unique situation.

If you are busy at work all day, you might look for an art school that offers night classes and, if you want lessons for your children, you will have to specify that criterion in your search.

Likewise, if you know nothing about creating art, you would want beginner’s classes in whichever aspect of the discipline you intend to embrace but, if you have a measure of experience – say, painting with watercolours, and would like the make the leap to gouache or oils, perhaps you only need a weekend workshop or a short course rather than ongoing lessons.

The value of Superprof to your art education

Traditional classroom standards can be pretty inflexible: you must be present in class at the appointed time and learn from the selected curriculum. One can’t deny the irony: art is meant to be spontaneous, fluid and unrestrained.

One way to rid yourself of the shackles of traditional art education is to learn with a Superprof art tutor.

If your life is too busy and crowded to consider committing to lessons in a classroom, your Superprof art tutor would suggest you take lessons online, via webcam. If online lessons aren’t for you, your Superprof art teacher would have no trouble giving lessons in your home.

Superprof art instruction is ideal for those who, for whatever reason, do not feel comfortable in a traditional school setting or are housebound. You will receive personalised instruction in a familiar environment and you won’t have to transport your art supplies to and from class!

And, if you are enroled at Glasgow School of Art, Superprof can work with you, too. No need to fear finals or worry about your entrance audition. S/he can guide you through building a stellar portfolio, no matter whether you prefer to study fine art, design or architecture.