Course curriculum

  • 1

    Welcome To class

    • Overview
  • 2

    Week 1: Selecting Your Materials

  • 3

    Week 2: Learning to Communicate without words

    • How to Make a Picture

    • Introduction to Elements of Art

    • Warm up: How do we show emotions in art?

    • How artist Jacob Lawerence uses the elements of art

    • Putting it all together

    • Bonus assignment + Sample student work and feedback
  • 4

    Week 3: Principles of Art + Composition

    • Intro to the Principles of Art

    • Intro to Composition

    • Exploring how Artists use Composition to Communicate

    • Week 3: Activity + Prompts and examples

    • Bonus: Exploring Balance in Composition

    • Bonus Rubric
  • 5

    Week 4: How to use your sketchbook as idea generation

    • Warm-up: Making Shapes

    • Asking Better Questions

    • Learning how to SCAMPER + Activity

    • Bonus, Take it Farther: Extra Inspiration from artists:

    • Bonus: Sample Grading Rubric
  • 6

    Week 5: Bringing it Together

    • Telling Stories with images

    • Cutting things out of your sketchbook
  • 7

    Week 6: Communicating with text, beyond the word

    • Exploring writing in art

    • Activity Overview

    • Week 6_ Sketchbook activity + Examples

FAQ

  • Does it really work to take art classes online?

    Address common questions ahead of time to save yourself an email.Yes, it does. I’ve taught art both in-person and online, and while there are pros and cons to both, in the age of video, taking art courses online is a wonderful opportunity. I’m able to show you everything that I could if you were sitting in a classroom in front of me.

  • What supplies are required?

    This course is designed to work with what you have, and what you like. I use the term sketchbook loosely. You might use a traditional sketchbook or make your own. You might simply use a piece of paper, or even the backs of junk mail. You can also do your work digitally if that is your preferred style.

  • How much time do I need to spend each week?

    Some of it depends on how much time you choose to spend. Overall, you can expect approx a 30 min lesson, 10-minute sketchbook warm-up activity, and then one sketchbook exercise that should take 2-3 depending on your style and how much time you choose to spend. The course is designed to be flexible so you can spend a lot of time one or two days a week, or a little bit of time every day. You may also choose to speed 1 week out over a few weeks.

  • Do I have to be good at drawing to succeed in this class?

    No. In fact, you don’t have to draw at all in this class, unless you choose to. You collage, explore paper cutting, trace, sew, and so many other things.