Cinnamon Latte

Hi Sophie, I think your work is cohesive and technically sound. I'd like to know a little bit about your technique and how you choose subjects. Are they close friends? Do they sit for you? I loved the drawing.

TheStranger Thank you for your reply - I really appreciate it. I especially thank you for the comment about color and composition - I work hard on both but lean toward composition - My thought process and preliminary work is very abstract even though the images are representational. I don't think I have a really personal sense of color yet, it is what keeps me from applying for an MFA. I want the work to go in a more abstract direction while still holding on to the image - walking in the woods by my home is a really big part of the work. Thank you again. I will do some research but I have found that there is a leaning toward the more abstract/conceptual ideology. Perhaps I should look harder?

Here is a link to my work. Any critique is fine. I would be only submitting the trees as this is my current direction. I've got other things up because I've had some requests from recent shows. http://lisamaillet.blogspot.com/

p. figment I'm sorry I did not receive your pm. But I am glad someone replied. I didn't think to email the coordinator - thank you for that- I do know many people to attest to my character and work ethic - hopefully that will suffice. Thank you!! I do believe in my portfolio so hopefully that carries a lot of weight. Cinnamon.

Hi everyone, I need some guidance regarding the letters of reference. I've been painting on my own for years now, taking jobs to pay the bills but planning on going to grad school for an MFA. I have finally felt like I am going in the right direction and want to apply soon. My issue is about the letters of reference. I work on my own. Although I do show in my city I have not really developed a lot of art world relationships. I take classes at my local art museum and can ask maybe 1 or 2 of these instructors for a letter, but I am stuck on the third one. Should all references be from an art person? I don't know who to ask that knows me well enough. Cinnamon.

Yes, its a gift to myself to get the MFA. I want to be able to pay back the loans before retirement. That's kind of what I meant above, I wonder why that teacher would not do all he could to sell his work. An MFA would mean a committment to art and selling work is not necessary I know, but it would be something I would try to do.

Thanks everyone, I go back and forth all the time. This month I'm leaning toward not going. BUT, I am still working as if I do plan to submit a portfolio. The finances are a killer but as Galkyd said, I will always wonder if I don't do it. One of the teachers at my local Art Museum has an MFA from Tufts (don't know if that's a good program or not) and from what I know it appears he got the MFA in order to teach. He's got no website and no dealer so it makes me wonder why he did it -- and he is at least in his 50's. I'm hoping to have more of a career than that if I go to all that trouble!

Fool4nine, BrianMc, Getting into debt IS scary. That is Awesome for completing school at 52! My day job is not fulfilling but it is neither stressful nor boring. The hours are 6-3 or 7-4. Twice a month I am able to work four 10 hour days and have one weekday off. This helps with doing art but I would rather be happy by giving an MFA a try. So, I know I must force myself out of the shyness and I give you a lot of credit Brian for being a bartender and getting out of your comfort zone. Its great you've got that to help with money while you are pursuing teaching credentials. You are right as are others here. I will visit MECA, I hear its great there and I will also consider something in Boston. All the posts I've read have really helped. I AM going to make it work!! I'm off to see the Degas and the Nude show at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, its the last day. I'm sure it will be an inspiration!! Thank you everyone!

Thank you Zane! Losemygrip, I have a day job which pays $50,000/yr, I put away about $8,000/yr for retirement (last 6 yrs), pay a mortgage and save a little--my artwork is job #2. I hadn't really thought about it like this: One piece of advice: those low-residency programs are very expensive. If you're mobile, you'll be much better off just moving to a good program that's going to pay YOU for attending." Hopefully my work is good enough for that kind of welcome into a good program. I don't mind moving temporarily, or even permanently. From my research, pretty much most accredited schools are expensive, so I will now open up my vision to accomodate other schools outside of Mass. I would love to go to Maine... My reason for attending would be #3 above and maybe #1, but I am super shy so teaching is a big anxiety provoking step for me. I wish it wasn't so, but it is.

Hi Everyone, I'm new to this forum and thought I would introduce myself. I have always wanted to get my MFA, but some people in the field I've been studying with don't think it is a really good idea for me. I do not work in the Painting/Art field but I do have a BFA from years ago and do sell some work and show regularly although no gallery rep right now. I am 47 (a young 47, but still). I do not have any dependants so I'm really free to move or not if I choose to do this and get accepted into a program. However, I don't want to spend an arm and a leg at this point in life, I'd like to feel good about retirement. I was thinking about Low Rez programs in Massachusetts or even Maine and Vermont. I think an MFA will help in focusing me on this finally as my life and obtaining gallery representation and just overall transitioning into Art as a full time serious part of my life. I am tired of trying to manage 2 jobs. I just want to make this transition once and for all. Its kind of now or never, don't you think? Has anyone else here made a successful transition later in life??