Art education is the study of various forms of artistic expression, such as various media and formats for artwork, as well as various movements and styles throughout history. It is commonly taught to students of all ages and can be a focus of study in secondary school, such as at a college or university. Art teachers typically teach this type of education, which can include practical knowledge such as how to use various tools to create artwork or how to appreciate artwork. The majority of these classes will focus on fundamental types of artistic creation, such as drawing, painting, and sculpture, though specialized classes in subjects like pottery, digital art, and mixed media may be available.
Many art education classes will usually be divided into practical and theoretical sections, teaching both how to create artwork and how to appreciate the work of others. An experienced artist with a background in various types of artistic creation as well as teaching pedagogies is often an art teacher. While a specialized art class in a subject like art history may focus primarily on lecture and reading, most classes will allow students to create their own artwork and view the work of others, both students and masters, to gain a better understanding of artistic expression.
Art education seeks to find common bonds between artists and viewers, despite the fact that art and the creation of art can be seen as highly subjective experiences. Despite the difficulty, an attempt is made to establish a baseline which art can be evaluated and critiqued. This is frequently done when it comes to technical aspects of artistic creations like perspective and proportion. While some of the works studied in these classes, such as those surrealists or abstract expressionists, may be difficult to analyze using these techniques, they can still be useful.
Art students are typically taught how to use a variety of artistic tools such as pencils, chalk, paint brushes, and sculpting tools. Basic classes will frequently provide an overview of these various mediums and introduce students to these forms of art, allowing them to identify areas of interest for further study. More advanced art classes will frequently encourage students to pursue specific areas of interest, allowing them to hone their skills in areas where they are passionate. When school budgets are tight, art education is often one of the first areas of study to be cut, making it an underfunded field of study.