Art Portal (List View)

Whenever we see a painting or a sculpture we might think many different things; we might wonder why we like or dislike it; what is its meaning; and why the artist created it in that way. In this series we will explore different art periods, movements, and artists. We will discuss the context, symbolism, style, and what each of these periods/ movement/ artists tells us today. Some of the questions we will ask during these modules are: what is art? How is art different from arts and crafts? What is the purpose of art? Why are some art pieces famous? What are some of the most prominent styles? Why are some artists, such as Vincent Van Gogh, so popular today but not during their own time? How and why do we relate to different pieces in different ways and with different emotional responses? Each module stands on its own and no previous knowledge of Art History is required. The idea is to engage with the different topics from different lenses and to share different ideas and opinions about them. [show less]

In this particilar module of the series Art History - A Thousand Stories , we will study and discuss Dutch Golden Age of painting. We will talk about the different art genres that emerged such as still life, landscapes and genre painting. We'll also pay special attention to Rembrandt Van Rijn and Johannes Vermeer. [show less]

Do you love to look at paintings, but aren’t sure how to make them yourself? Do you want to paint, but you don’t have room to store flammable, smelly chemicals like turpentine? Do oil/acrylic canvases and easels take up too much room for you to work in a small space? If you’ve painted watercolor before, have you wondered why they looked washed out or why you get certain unexpected textures in your color mixes? Then this module is for you! This class is an introduction to the materials, tools, and methods of watercolor painting. Whether you're brand new to making art, a seasoned painter who wants to connect with other makers, or you just want to find out how Tolkien created many of his Middle-earth illustrations, you’ll find a place in this module! Course Outline: • Class 1: Defining Watercolor – What makes Watercolor different from other art media? • Class 2: Materials and Terms – What you need and where to get it • Class 3: Prep – What to do before you start painting • Class 4: Composition – Tips for visually interesting paintings and how to save your whites • Class 5: Values – How to get good tone, range, and contrast • Class 6: Color Mixing – Sediments vs. stains and how to make harmonious paintings • Class 7: Texture – Tips for interesting textures and brushwork • Class 8: Overflow, Resources for Further Research, and Final Q & A [show less]

Have you ever wanted to understand why a painting grabs your attention or what an artist might be trying to say? The Art of Seeing is a friendly module designed for anyone who feels they don't "know enough" about art. In this module, we'll explore key concepts in art that will provide a powerful toolkit to unlock the world of art. You'll learn how to "read" a painting by looking at color, line, and composition. We'll decode hidden symbols, explore different materials, and dive into fascinating genres from portraits to landscapes. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to look at many different artworks from different styles and time periods and engage with the works. Most importantly, you'll discover that the goal isn't to find the one "right" answer; it's to have your own personal and meaningful connection with art. This module is for everyone who wants to engage with art. No previous knowledge is required. The module is as follows: Session 1: What is Art? Session 2: The Artist's Toolkit: The Formal Elements Session 3: The "How": Materials, Techniques, and Meaning Session 4: Putting It All Together: “Reading” a Work of Art Session 5: Applying Your Toolkit: The Human Form Session 6: The World in a Frame: Landscapes & Still Lifes Session 7: Looking Beyond the Canvas Session 8: Your Journey as an Art Appreciator [show less]