March 29, 2024
Updated April 14, 2025
17 minute read
Artist: A Career Exploration
An Artist is a professional who creates works of art, using their imagination, skill, and chosen medium to express ideas, emotions, or aesthetics. The scope of this career is vast, encompassing traditional forms like painting, sculpture, and drawing, performance arts such as music, dance, and theatre, and modern digital mediums including graphic design, animation, and virtual reality installations. Artists contribute significantly to culture, communication, and commerce, shaping how we perceive the world and interact with each other.
Working as an artist can be deeply rewarding, offering avenues for profound self-expression and the chance to connect with audiences on an emotional or intellectual level. Many find excitement in the continuous process of learning, experimenting with new techniques, and pushing creative boundaries. The potential to leave a lasting impact through their work also motivates many individuals pursuing artistic careers.
j49nt9|
Find a path to becoming a Artist. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/career/j49nt9/artis
Reading list
We've selected some books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Artist.
This handbook offers a comprehensive overview of the creative industries, covering a wide range of topics from policy and economics to cultural production and consumption. It is an essential read for anyone interested in this field.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the complex question of what constitutes contemporary art. Terry Smith examines the various forces and individuals who shape its definition, including artists, critics, curators, and the market. It's an excellent starting point for gaining a broad understanding of the field and is often used in academic settings.
Provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the history of art, with a significant focus on painting. It is an excellent starting point for gaining a broad understanding of the evolution of painting styles, movements, and key artists across different periods and cultures. It is widely considered a foundational text for anyone interested in art history.
A classic text on the social and political implications of visual representation. It examines how images are produced, consumed, and interpreted, and how they reflect and shape our understanding of the world.
Provides a structured approach to figure drawing, focusing on simplified forms and constructive anatomy. It's excellent for developing a solid understanding of building the figure and is frequently recommended for both beginners and those looking to deepen their anatomical knowledge. It's often used as a textbook in art programs.
A widely used textbook in undergraduate art history programs, this book offers a detailed survey of Western art, with substantial coverage of painting. It provides historical context, analyzes key works, and introduces major artists and movements. It valuable resource for both broad understanding and deeper study.
A comprehensive history of visual arts, covering a wide range of periods, styles, and cultures. It provides a broad overview of the major movements, artists, and works of art that have shaped the development of visual arts.
Explores key themes and ideas prevalent in contemporary art since 1980. It helps to organize the diverse landscape of contemporary art into understandable categories, making it easier to grasp the motivations and subjects artists engage with. It is often used as a textbook and is highly relevant for understanding the core concerns of contemporary artists.
A comprehensive history of Western art from ancient times to the present day. It provides a detailed overview of the major movements, artists, and works of art that have shaped the development of visual arts in the West.
A comprehensive overview of the history of art from ancient times to the present day. It provides a broad understanding of the major movements, artists, and works of art that have shaped the development of visual arts.
An introduction to the study of visual culture, exploring the ways in which images and visual media shape our understanding of the world.
Focuses on socially engaged art, examining practices that prioritize dialogue and interaction within communities. Given the course mentions of activism and social movements, Kester's work provides a critical framework for understanding this important area of contemporary art. It's highly relevant for those interested in the social and political dimensions of contemporary art.
Rosalind Krauss highly influential art historian and critic. This collection of essays includes her seminal text "Sculpture in the Expanded Field," which redefined how we understand sculptural practice in the late 20th century. is essential for a deeper theoretical understanding of the shifts in art from modernism to postmodernism.
Is an invaluable resource for understanding the principles of color and light as they apply to painting, particularly for realist painters. It bridges the gap between abstract theory and practical application through clear explanations and illustrations. It is highly recommended for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of these fundamental elements.
Focuses specifically on the complexities of the human figure in motion, providing a deeper understanding of how anatomy changes with movement. It's a valuable resource for those looking to add dynamism and realism to their figure drawings, building upon foundational anatomical knowledge.
Offers a comprehensive survey of contemporary art from a global perspective, with a particular focus on art from Africa and the diaspora. Okwui Enwezor was a highly respected curator and scholar, making thvaluable resource for understanding the increasingly global nature of contemporary art. It provides a broader geographical scope than many other surveys.
Known for its emphasis on gesture and dynamic drawing, Vilppu's manual provides a less rigid approach to figure drawing, focusing on capturing the energy and flow of the pose. It's an excellent supplement to more structured anatomy books and is highly regarded by animators and illustrators.
A seminal work on color theory, this book explores how colors interact and affect one another through a series of exercises and examples. It classic text that provides a deep understanding of color perception and is highly relevant for painters of all styles. It is often used as a teaching aid in art schools.
Hans Belting examines contemporary art within a global context, moving beyond a purely Western-centric view. is valuable for understanding the diverse perspectives and influences shaping contemporary art worldwide. It offers a broader, more inclusive understanding of the field.
This atlas provides a detailed look at human anatomy specifically for artists, with clear illustrations of bones and muscles. It serves as an excellent reference tool for deepening anatomical understanding and is valuable for students and professionals who require precise anatomical knowledge.
Provides a theoretical and historical overview of the cultural economy.
Explores the role of the creative class in the modern economy and society.
Sarah Thornton provides an ethnographic look at the different subcultures that constitute the contemporary art world, from auctions to art schools and biennials. offers a fascinating and accessible insight into the social and economic structures surrounding contemporary art. It's a great read for understanding the ecosystem in which contemporary art operates.
This comprehensive sourcebook provides a collection of primary texts by artists, critics, and theorists. It's an invaluable resource for accessing original writings and manifestos that have shaped contemporary art discourse. is excellent for in-depth research and understanding the artists' perspectives firsthand.
In this book, Hal Foster examines the relationship between contemporary art, criticism, and the state of emergency. It offers a critical perspective on recent developments in art and its engagement with contemporary social and political issues. It's a valuable resource for understanding current critical discourse.
Arthur Danto's provocative work argues for a shift in the trajectory of art history with the advent of contemporary art. is crucial for understanding the philosophical underpinnings of contemporary art and how it diverges from previous art historical narratives. It is considered a classic text that provides a deep theoretical understanding.
Written by a pioneer of abstract art, this book outlines Kandinsky's theories on the role of spirituality and emotion in art, particularly painting. It foundational text for understanding the move towards abstraction and the expressive potential of color and form. It offers a philosophical depth to the practice of painting.
A motivational book that helps artists overcome the inner resistance that often prevents them from creating.
A self-help book that provides a series of exercises and prompts to help artists overcome creative blocks and develop their creative potential.
A practical guide to developing a creative routine and overcoming creative obstacles.
A short and inspirational book that encourages artists to embrace creativity and learn from the work of others.
A collection of essays that explore the psychological and emotional challenges of being an artist.
A foundational text from the Renaissance, Alberti's treatise laid out principles of perspective, composition, and the role of the painter. It crucial historical document for understanding the development of Western painting and its theoretical underpinnings. While historically significant, it's more valuable for historical context than current techniques.
Offers a unique perspective on the act of painting, drawing parallels between the painter's process and alchemical transformation. It explores the physical and material aspects of painting in a deeply insightful way, providing a different lens through which to understand the medium.
Provides a practical guide to developing creative cities.
Examines the creative industries from an anthropological perspective, focusing on the cultural and social practices that shape them.
Explores the future of the creative industries, discussing the challenges and opportunities that they face.
Steve Huston shares his approach to figure drawing, emphasizing clear, strong marks and understanding the underlying structure. It's a valuable resource for developing a more confident and expressive drawing style, suitable for students looking to refine their technique.
Geared towards animators and those interested in dynamic figure drawing, this book emphasizes capturing the force and energy of a pose. It's a great resource for adding movement and life to figure drawings and is particularly relevant for those interested in character design and animation.
Following up on 'Drawing the Body,' this book delves into dynamic anatomy, focusing on gesture and the figure in motion. It's a useful resource for artists who have a foundational understanding of anatomy and want to explore capturing movement more effectively.
Offers an atelier-style approach to figure drawing with a focus on traditional techniques and practices. It includes exercises and prompts to guide students through the learning process, making it a practical resource for developing skills in a structured manner.
Part of the esteemed 'World of Art' series, this book offers a concise yet informative overview of contemporary art. It's a good starting point for beginners, providing a well-illustrated introduction to key artists, movements, and themes. It serves as a reliable and accessible guide to the subject.
This handbook provides a comprehensive guide to contemporary figurative art, covering drawing, painting, and composition. It offers insights into modern approaches while acknowledging classical traditions, making it relevant for students interested in contemporary figure drawing.
Presents a systematic approach to drawing the human body, focusing on understanding its structure and form. It's a valuable resource for students seeking a clear and organized method for tackling the complexities of figure drawing.
Delves into the theoretical and philosophical aspects of painting, exploring its relationship with other media and its evolving role in contemporary art. It is suitable for graduate students and professionals seeking a deeper, more critical engagement with the subject.
This recent publication highlights the significant use of threads and textiles in contemporary art. It showcases a wide range of artists working with these materials, demonstrating the diverse approaches and conceptual possibilities within this area. It's a great resource for exploring a specific and increasingly prominent medium in contemporary art. Published within the last five years, it reflects current trends.
This comprehensive guide covers various aspects of figure drawing, including techniques, anatomy, and drawing different poses and features. It's a good all-around resource for gaining a broad understanding and can be a useful reference for students at different levels.
Provides a thorough guide to the techniques and methods of watercolor painting. It is suitable for beginners and those looking to expand their skills in this specific medium, covering everything from basic washes to more advanced approaches.
Part of the 'Very Short Introduction' series, this book offers a concise and accessible overview of contemporary art. It's an excellent starting point for beginners, providing a brief but informative introduction to key concepts and debates.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/career/j49nt9/artis
Save
