The Courtauld Institute of Art defines history of art as “the study of art across the world…which covers virtually every aspect of human history and experience. This is because it looks at works of art not just as objects, but as a way of understanding the world, and the societies in which they were created.”
Effortless Meditation through Drawing and Painting – Part 5 of 5 – The Winged Artist, Drawing by Heart
Now we took off the barriers holding you back and weighing you down all you need to do is to allow yourself to fly. What I mean by that is you bypass your logical mind and follow your heart, your soul, wherever it takes you. So you can become the winged artist, breaking through the limitations of the material world and exploring what else is in there.
Through the 3 paintings I introduced to you I have shown you 3 different ways already how to start flying, drawing by heart, as a winged artist. Now it’s your turn!
Are you ready to do art as a way of meditation, travelling many dimensions of your soul and the Universe?
Here is the basic process you can start with:
1. Get your tools: a paper, paint and brushes, soft pastels or coloured pencils, etc.
2. Don’t forget to set your alarm clock, however much time you can allow yourself here, so you don’t worry about time.
3. Put some music on to help you connect with your soul.
4. Now close your eyes for a minute or two and take deep, slow breaths.
5. As you open your eyes do not think just pick up the first colour you are drawn to and start drawing/ painting. Just let yourself become childlike (not childish) to access the energies of your soul that you wish to express. Don’t judge it, just keep going. Pick up other colours without thinking why that one. Let your hand be led by your higher self/soul. Keep going as long as you want.
6. Be creative! Use your fingers, the end of your brush or other tools to create texture, and to get more involved with the painting. I love to work with acrylics to feel the paint under my fingers. I also like soft pastel. If you buy good quality ones you will be able to smudge them together, creating interesting colour mixes, shades and effects. Have fun! Really enjoy it!
7. Then stop and have a look at your painting. Is there a shape there or more you can discover? Are the colours of your painting start talking to you? Do you feel certain emotions coming up for you? Make mental notes or jot them down on paper and keep going.
8. Warning: Please be aware that this process is done deeper than your conscious level. So you have to be very careful letting your logical mind interrupt. You will feel a kind of barrier, that something is just not right, when it happens. If you need to close your eyes again, take deep breaths and as you open your eyes keep going with drawing, painting until you feel/sense you have finished. It can take 1 – 4 hours if you properly let your soul travel.
Congratulations! You have created your first artwork by heart! The more you do it, the more you will enjoy it.
You can use your finished painting as an energy board. Keep it close to you, so you can soak up the colour energies, the coded messages, you are in need of. There is a reason why these colours, why these shapes appeared for you. Enjoy.
And when you feel the urge of painting again just go for it! Set your soul free, let yourself be creative in your way. There are no boundaries to what you can bring through from your soul and other dimensions.
Immersion in visual culture
Studying art history allows you to examine artworks through a variety of psychological, cultural and social contexts across different historical periods.
The programme at the National University of Singapore (ranked fourth globally) offers modules which straddle different geographies, time periods and materials such as Chinese Painting: Styles and Masters, Collecting Art in Europe and Asia (1500 CE -2000 CE), and Islam and Modern and Contemporary Art in Southeast Asia.
Hannuri, a student at the Courtauld Institute of Art, said that the programme opened his eyes to a broad range of art historical discussions: “From Medieval Reliquaries to Contemporary Asian photography, I have developed an interest in diverse forms of art and how they could express reoccurring ideas beyond time and space.
“The lectures and research reflect the institute’s progressive aims, acknowledging marginalised voices and highlighting the dominant frameworks at work in the writing of art history.”
Interactive visits to museums and exhibitions
At many universities, a key component of the programme is to visit iconic museums, exhibitions and galleries in order to analyse the impact of different art forms in person.
For example, the University of Cambridge (ranked eighth for history of art) encourages students to take advantage of its wealth of resources such as the Fitzwilliam Museum, Kettle’s Yard, and the colleges’ architecture and art collections.
You can also find yourself working on restoration projects as part of your education. Kanon, an undergraduate student at the Courtauld Institute of Art, said: “The association with the newly reopened Courtauld Gallery gave us students not only free and easy access to the exceptional museum collection but allowed us to get involved in its development through voluntary and paid opportunities such as the Digitalisation Project at Somerset House, the Student Ambassador scheme, or assisting the Gallery’s special openings or events.”
A multi-disciplinary subject
In order to navigate complex questions, you’ll learn about approaches from other fields such as economics, anthropology and linguistics, meaning you’ll have an enriching and varied education.
The programme at UCL (ranked 15th for history of art) offers modules in modern foreign languages and a subsidiary subject – either anthropology, archaeology, history or philosophy – to let you focus on your interests within and around the degree.
Students can also choose the History of Art Combined Honours degree which offers a thorough grounding in the discipline of art history alongside the in-depth study of either philosophy or one of a selection of modern languages.
