Art History versus Painting?

Question

I'm picking option classes for next year and I'm having trouble choosing between Art History and Painting.

The other optional classes I'm doing are Classical Studies, Social Studies, French and History. (English and RE are compulsory).

I'm good at history, as well as English. I'm not quite so good at drawing. So I've got good reasons to choose art history

But I also want to do something artsy, and social studies, classical studies, history and art history may be history overkill. Painting would keep more options open.

I'm looking at a career in a museum or teaching English. Should I pick Art History or Painting? Thanks for answers

Answer 1

As an art major, I will let you know that art history is actually one of the hardest classes to take. If you like a challenge go for it, but don't take it as a filler if you don't take it seriously. It's very easy to fail if you don't put the time into it. Even for the art major, it's one of the hardest A's to get. You are having to learn the history as well as medium, artist, artist history, architecture, etc. Many history books give you artwork as a visual, but when you have to memorize slide after slide and know the details, it is tough. Don't get me wrong art history was one of my favorite classes, but I definitely earned my A's.

If you choose painting, you learn to work your right brain and will help in other studies. Grading isn't necessarily on just talent.

Good luck!

Answer 2

well.... an art class regardless of how good you are will be a blast. I am a psychology and art studio double major graduate from ucdavis. I would say that if you took an art class its great because you clear your head, and its theraupeudic. Art history would be beneficial because you want to go into museum work. But what kind? Art history is just that, the history of art. If you have many reading classes just take the art studio one, you need a fun class. do it!   :)  

Answer 3

In my experience:

Art History involves a lot of writing. So, if your cool with all the work in that respect go for it. I, however, did not appreciate all the extra writing I had to do.

On the other hand, my painting classes were all hands on. Most of the work was done in class time. Homework was much easier to fit into my schedule...and I didn't have to worry about grammar or anything like that. Most painting classes, especially introductory ones wont ask for you to be an in genius painter or skilled artist. They just look to see if you can improve your skills from beginning of semester to end of semester.

If nothing else, you can always fib your way into convincing them that you have indeed learned something...whereas  with Art History, the proof is in the paperwork...know what I mean?

Hope that helps.

Answer 4

art history of course!  it is true that painting will probably be an easier class but the art history class will be more rewarding. college is all about challenging yourself and learning how to think.  there is really nothing like being able to walk into an art museum and know something about what you are seeing.  also, art history will certainly have a larger writing component than a painting class, but this is a very good thing, especially if you are interested in being an educator or having a career in a museum.  if you do chose to go for a museum career, art history will be one of the most important fields for you.  

Answer 5

Painting. You learn a lot about art that can help you if you would like to work in a museum. You learn not only art movements and artists, but also how to critique a painting (and understand the color, form, etc.) I took both classes, and even though art history is beneficial, you don't get out as much as you do from painting.