Art and Design

Lifelong Passion for Art

How I found my artistic self through the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Visual Arts

By Elisabeth Koss

Jan 16, 2024

558

3 min

Hi, my name is Elisabeth Koss and I am a graduate of the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Visual Arts.

Let me tell you why I think this is a terrific program.

I was a research neuropsychologist for many years at the National Institutes of Health, and when I retired I took up painting. This was a dream of mine but I found that I was always too busy with work and family life to do so.

I decided to spend my first year of retirement studying art and getting it out of my system. I was always attracted by light, shadows, colors and shapes in everything around me. I wanted to express this feeling on canvas.

But I really was not sure whether I wanted to go back to school, so I took a few courses here and there. But I was not learning much: The various painting classes I took around the Bay Area were nice enough but shallow. Then I started to take some courses at UC Berkeley Extension after researching them online and this was the level I was looking for.

I was always attracted by light, shadows, colors and shapes in everything around me. I wanted to express this feeling on canvas.

As you know, UC Berkeley Extension’s visual arts program is especially geared toward preparation for applying to an M.F.A., but anybody can take courses—for credit or not for credit. I just loved the teaching style: It’s rigorous but flexible and supportive. Instructors are professional artists who are passionate about art and know how to communicate and help. They really teach you skills in depth and will gently take you as far as you are willing to go.

I started taking courses not for credit and then for credit because one of my instructors convinced me that it would be good for my art to apply for the post-bacc program. So I jumped in—and to my surprise I was accepted!

That was five years ago and I finished the program at the end of 2021.

I learned so much in topics that I knew next to nothing about: oil painting, contemporary watercolor, fundamentals of printing, theory of abstract work, public art. Lo and behold, within one semester I became quite proficient in these domains. Amazing how much one can learn with a good instructor!

Courses that cover perspectives on art history, contemporary art, the fine art of writing essays and artist statements, and building a portfolio created a solid basis for my current art practice.

Here are a few of my pieces from coursework:

Elisabeth Koss example work using watercolor

The program has prepared me and enabled me to decide what to do next: pursue art on my own or apply to an M.F.A. If either of these options are your end goal, then this program is perfect for your needs. I was accepted into San Jose State University’s M.F.A. program, and knowing how to write artist statements and having developed a strong portfolio played a significant role in my acceptance.

Specifically, courses that cover perspectives on art history, contemporary art, the fine art of writing essays and artist statements, and building a portfolio created a solid basis for my current art practice.

I really enjoyed the small classes; dedicated instructors; art-opening opportunities; and fellow classmates who came from all ages, backgrounds, interests and skills. Many of us work and have obligations outside of class and we appreciated that courses are taught during the evening and on Saturdays.

I can’t say enough good things about the program. It opened a new world to me.

My passion for painting and making various types of art is all-consuming.

I’m originally from Belgium, which explains my attraction to luminous gray skies, the seaside and wind. My shadow series uses stark black-and-white compositions to communicate a subtle message of tenderness and human fragility. I also toy with found objects and delight in transforming wire, cardboard and clay into small sculptures and intriguing portraits.

Follow me and my work on Instagram!