Discover the Best Art History Classes Near Me
Art History is a field of study concerned with the historical conditions that give rise to aesthetic objects. From the oldest known works of primitive art, such as the cave paintings at Lascaux, to contemporary sculpture, painting, architecture, textiles, and other forms, it investigates such questions as who made a work of art, the social and cultural context in which a work of art is produced, artistic intent, and aesthetics as such.
Today, Art History is still a burgeoning field. 3,716 Art History degrees were awarded in the United States in 2020, and the average wage was $61,316, a slight increase from previous year.
Why You Should Learn Art History
If you're already a fan or art, or a particular art form such as painting or sculpture, then studying Art History is the perfect way to expand and deepen your appreciation of this timeless mode of human expression. In museums and many botanical gardens across the country you can engage with art works at the aesthetic level, and this in itself has been shown to have enormous benefits in terms of stress reduction and general well-being. You don't have to stop there either. Any work of art that strikes your fancy you can study at the deeper, historical level. This is where Art History begins.
The pursuit and study of works of art is a kind of adventure in itself, and you can make this a new hobby of your own as you follow your personal preferences and taste. Many museums and organizations offer free programming and events to the public which can be a great way to connect with a new community and expand your social networks. Who knows what creative or professional opportunities it might lead to?
Engaging with aesthetic objects on a regular basis, or even once, has been proven to increase creativity while promoting neuroplasticity and novel modes of thinking. You don't have to be an artist to appreciate art or even use it to your advantage. Every field is a creative one depending on how engaged you want to be in it, and the study of art has been a source of inspiration and new ideas for people from all walks of life for centuries.
5 Ways to Learn Art History
Art History is an ancient and expansive field of study, but the good thing is there's no wrong place or time to begin. Diving into a new subject can be intimidating, but having an experienced instructor to guide you makes the process easier. Try one of these methods to begin your study of art history:
- Take an in-person class with other students who are interested in art and art history. A knowledgeable instructor can guide you through the curriculum, and usually they provide all the materials you need to get started.
- Enroll in a live online class and receive real-time feedback from an expert instructor. With the support and camaraderie of other learners in the class, the learning process will be quicker and more efficient. The materials needed to study art history are minimal, and often you'll need only a notebook or device for taking notes. If a textbook is required, many course hosts or instructors will ship the materials to you.
- Set your own pace of learning with an on-demand class using videos or online tutorials. Such courses are easy to find and widely available, but you won't have an instructor to field your questions or explain difficult material.
- Check out a book at the public library, or purchase one at a local bookstore. art history books are a mainstay at most bookstores, and nowadays there is a wide variety to choose from, depending on your focus.
- Talk to artists, people at your local arts supply stores, or a guide or docent at an art museum. This can be an excellent way to learn more about the field of art history and connect with an art history instructor.
In-Person Art History Classes
In-person Art History classes are taught in major cities across the country. They are a fun and engaging way to broaden your knowledge in a community of like minded individuals. In-person courses will help you get started on your own journey into Art History.
Do you enjoy a beautiful sunset or sunrise? Maybe you are one of the many who in recent years have discovered an interest in photography through capturing images and video with a smartphone. The urge to seek out and capture beauty is one as old as history itself. Discover the traditions that connect people and cultures the world over by studying the history of art. In the process, you might just find your own creative spark.
Learning Art Through Creating Art by Chelsea Drawing and Painting Workshops in Chelsea, Manhattan, NYC teaches you drawing and painting and no previous knowledge is required. Artist-instructor Raphael-Raúl works with you according to your ability and experience level. Choose images you have taken with your phone and work from them to create your own illustrations or paintings. The class is open to ages 16 and older and averages about 10 participants.
The 92nd Street Y presents Art History from 500 BCE to Present, an introductory Art History course that provides a foundation in appreciating and understanding aesthetic objects. Study the art development timelines of various cultures over the ages. Gain skills to analyze major painting, sculpture, and architecture. This class is held in Manhattan, NYC.
If you have children or students with an interest in art and art history, then Art History for Kids is a terrific way for the beginner not only to appreciate art at a deeper level but to gain new methodologies for observing and analyzing works of art. Through its hands-on curriculum, Craft Sierra Madre will guide students through the major works of various periods, helping them to identify their own tastes and aesthetic. Each class culminates in a workshop where students create their own works of art based on an artist they have studied.
Art History for Cocktail Parties, presented by Urban Elective, unfolds over six sessions and provides you with a comprehensive overview of art history with a focus on Modern and Contemporary masters. Impress your friends and colleagues with your new-found knowledge of Picasso, Van Gogh, and Lichtenstein. Held in the West Hollywood neighborhood in Los Angeles, this beginner-level course is organized around slideshows and in-class discussion.
Between Revolution and Empire: Art in France 1794-1804 is presented by the storied Newberry research library located on Washington Square in Chicago. Instructor Jeff Nigro, an expert in Ancient Mediterranean and Byzantine art, provides an overview of the art of Jacques-Louis David and his followers. Other focuses of the class include female artists during this volatile decade, and the ways in which Napoleon's consolidation of power affected the art of the time. Materials are provided by the instructor.
The Art School of SF Bay presents Key Elements of Fine Arts, in which experienced instructors will introduce you to art history's most important and useful concepts. This class is geared especially toward total beginners. By the end of the course, participants will be able to paint their own portrait and create illustrations of human figures from blank canvas to finished work of art. Art School of SF Bay is located on the south side of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.
Virtual Art History Classes
There are many benefits to both online and in-person classes, but everyone learns differently, and some modes of delivery work better for some than others. With online classes, you can learn Art History from anywhere, even the comfort of home. This means you don't have to bother with a commute, and all you need to get started in an Art History course is a computer or smart device and a reliable wifi connection.
Many online Art History classes are available now, so it's easier than ever to find the particular topic or focus in the field that appeals to you. A knowledgeable instructor will answer questions, offer feedback, and direct you toward the artists and artworks in your wheelhouse.
When you enroll in an online class, you might have to supply your own materials, but for most Art History classes all you will need is a notebook or device for taking notes or sketching. Join a community of learners who appreciate art and begin your exploration of what art means to you.
Art History in 21 Cats by Learn Italian with Fondazione Italia teaches 5 to 10 year old students about ancient and modern art masters. Each well-known artist will be illustrated by a particular cat that reflects their traits and characteristics. Students with a budding interest in art or those who are already knowledgeable are sure to have a blast in this virtual course that covers 21 artists from over the ages.
Art School of SF Bay presents Art History Applied for students ages 8 to 12 years old. Each session covers one crucial art concept which is then applied to a hands-on work of art. Students will create their own drawings and paintings.
Aesthetic Production in the Ancient World by Brooklyn Institute for Social Research primes students in the ways in which we can think about art from the ancient world, before it was considered art. Over four sessions, participants of all experience levels will survey conceptions of the artist and the work of the artist in various historical periods. An expert instructor will field questions and lead discussion about art in the ancient world.
Private Group Art History Classes
Are you looking for a fun, engaging, and unique class that you can book for your private group, team, or organization? An Art History class would be the perfect team building event for your family, friends, or business. CourseHorse has live online group classes that they can deliver to you now, wherever you may be.
Test your knowledge of human culture and history while building group cooperation and camaraderie in Virtual Trivia: Human History, presented by CourseHorse Experiences. Your group will compete with and against one another by answering questions presented by a knowledgeable and entertaining host. Over the span of an hour, team members will interact and compete through Zoom, testing their history knowledge and building trust in the process. The host presented a diverse array of questions so that all participants feel comfortable answering and joining in the excitement.
For an additional $150, you can customize the trivia rounds to fit your group. Have the CourseHorse team formulate questions about you and your team, your organization, places you've traveled, or any other obscure facts you'd like to include.
Generally, this class works well with large groups. Pricing starts at $360 for up to 15 people, and it's $10 for each additional person. To create and customize your own trivia questions contact a CourseHorse Experiences representative and plan your next private group event.
CourseHorse can provide private online Art History classes for your group even if they do not have your preferred class publicly listed right now. Setting up a class of your own is straightforward and quick. Contact a representative today by clicking the Contact Us button on the CourseHorse main page, and fill out the form. You can see what courses are currently available or craft your own course to suit the needs of your team or organization.
When you find the course that's right for you, booking is simple. There are no fees, and CourseHorse sends a confirmation within 24 hours. Even if you don't know the size of your group, or if the group size changes, you can change it after you've booked, and CourseHorse can accommodate and support most platforms, from Google Meet to Microsoft Teams to WebEx. Most classes are delivered through Zoom, but CourseHorse will work with your preferred platform.
What Will I Need to Learn Art History?
Generally speaking, all you need to start learning Art History is a book that appeals to you and keeps your attention. An even simpler route would be to go with an open mind to a local museum and survey the works of art on display. You can speak to a guide or docent who usually will be more than happy to answer any questions you have about a particular piece or artist.
Taking a class is the fastest and best route for most who want to learn about Art History because you have an instructor to guide you through the material and answer your questions. The theoretical or more abstract side of Art History can be difficult to grasp, so it's good to have someone who knows the key concepts that make up the foundation of this field of study.
Is it Difficult to Learn Art History?
The simple answer is, 'No,' especially if you are already an art lover. Finding and appreciating art for its aesthetic qualities is a rather simple and enjoyable process for most, though the difficulty level increases as you delve deeper into the theoretical side of art history and its more abstract ideas.
Many modern and contemporary works of art are intentionally difficult or provocative to the viewer, which can make it difficult to push past one's initial reaction to understand the conditions for how they were made or their cultural contexts. Intellectual openness and flexibility are key in learning Art History.
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