I'm doing as level art at my college at the moment, and I am SO close to dropping it because of my stupid teacher. She has made 3-4 of the people in my class cry because of her criticisms and favouritism, she bangs on about how we can take our art in any direction she wants and then shackles us with the theme of having to relate our work to nature. She says we can use any medium and style we want, but if I use a pop art style my work isn't detailed enough and I have to go over it. I am only staying on the course because I love art, in the second year I've been told we can draw what ever we want, this better be true.

What do I do about this hypocritical monster? The entire class hates her and she knows it, do we try and get her fired or persevere? This is driving me crazy.

Regards- eric

I had several crazy-bad fine art teachers in my college studies. Since I was paying good money for university courses, I complained in writing to the administration only after complaining to the teacher directly and privately. Once I had the option of taking the class from another, so I transferred. Once it resulted in some disciplinary action to the worst one. I persevered over all, realising it's a speed bump on the way to my career as a graphic designer but only after meeting with one of my favorite high school teachers (I went to a killer high school) while on Christmas break. He said something to the effect that it takes an enlightened mind to learn from both the good and the bad and then implied he thought I was one of the most 'enlightenable' students he ever had -- pretty good for a chemistry teacher, huh?

I can see mandating a nature theme for an assignment to see how each person interprets the assignment. If the specific lesson has to do with detail, then pop art wouldn't work well in the parameters. No reason for her to alienate her students, though.

I had an a**hole life drawing teacher who acted a lot like yours when I was a fine art student. I actually changed majors because he made me feel like I wouldn't succeed in art. Well, I ended up leaving college for the military anyway, and when I finally took classes again I majored in graphic design. He couldn't break the artistic spirit in me after all. You can just play her game and move on to better classes. Incorperate what she wants to see and collect your grade. You have your own style no matter what she tries to drill in you for a semester.
I don't understand why these art teachers want their students' work to look like their own- artists usually want to stand out in the crowd.

You will always run into this conflict with your instructors if the courses you are taking include some type of art history. They are looking for details that prove to them that you've researched the theme, understand what it is, where it came from, and in which time frame. They are looking for the tiny little details that make "pop art" stand out from commercial art.
It is true that some teachers are nicer about criticizing than others; however art criticism comes with the whole package of "art" itself.
If you are wishing to pursue a career in the art world, it is necessary to except the criticism you receive and learn from it. The criticism you will receive in collage is child's play for what your up against in the profession.
If you are taking the class for points only, then this could possibly be damaging to your average. Unfortunately some teachers/instructors view this as students trying to get an easy "A", and will actually make it harder for you. In this case, you should just give them what they ask for so that you can get the "A".
Good Luck
Kae

Yes as a person who has spent most of their lfe in some class or school, you will get good teachers and bad teachers, that is all part of life.

So you know what she wants, do it her way and get though the class, in life you will have to learn to adapt to bosses,

First a good artist has to learn all styles and types, and yes in your carrerr you have the ability to go into any direction. But yes a teacher wants you to learn and try other areas that you may not want or have not tried.

If she tells you to do it a certain way, do it that way, how hard is that to understand.

Don't worry, you're not alone.

I will admit that I am really sensitive to criticism, and I was even more so as a young student. I still don't handle it well. I have to admit though, that even though my life drawing teacher was snide and obviously favored his pot-smoking crew, I improved 150% in my figure drawing in his class. Just remember that you are there to learn- try to take something positive away from it. Even if she is a biotch, she has the degree and was picked to teach you. Have you ever seen her art in a gallery or school showing?

Awww.. . teacher hurt your feelings? Better find another course of study, especially if you plan to make a living in the arts. I have two art degrees and had many teachers-good, bad and indifferent-over the years. First off: I can't imagine complaining about having to study nature. We human beings are a part of nature. It's everywhere. All of our technology has a fundamental basis in nature. For example: Less than an hour ago, I observed a peregrine falcon gliding on thermals as I walked back from the store after getting some snacks. They are, as you may know, a raptor that has adapted very well to city architecture and the abundance of pigeons here. How can any creative person, whether in the arts or the sciences, not be moved to observe such a creature? Were it not for my art training (and a mom who adored birds) I never would have noticed it. Now don't get me wrong, I once had a writing instructor whose criticism I ALLOWED to keep me from writing for many years. There's plenty of pathology in teaching, as in all other human endeavors. But I have learned not to give such destructive people my power. No one can keep you from being creative unless you let them. Once you are out of school, you will probably see this person for the sad woman that she is. In the meantime, gain whatever technical knowledge you can acquire in your present circumstances, and surround yourself with supportive peers, adults and experiences. Keep on truckin' !