Oh quarantine. Sometimes it feels as if we’ve been stuck here forever.
One very lovely surprise that I’m planning to stick with post-Covid is all the amazing hobbies, classes and learnings I’ve picked up to keep my spirits high.
I’ve been using the extra time at home to pursue learning, self-reflection and growth. Something about being forced to stay at home, really allowed me the space to grow and get curious in ways I’ve craved, but never really carved out the time for.
This day and age we have so much access- to everything from books (and everything else) shipped overnight, streaming music, shows and movies to distract and inspire, and, now on the rise, creative classes you can take online.
These classes have been a game-changer for me. Ways to learn new techniques, mediums, daily practices. Things that keep me inspired, fresh and excited to return to the studio + making day after day after day.
Today I’d like to share with you 8 creative classes you can take online from anywhere at any time! So many of these piqued my interest and I’m currently working my way through this list.
In the Studio_ Postwar Abstract Painting
Want to know how some of the 20th century’s most celebrated artists made abstract paintings?
This course by Corey D’Augustine offers an in-depth, hands-on look at the materials, techniques, and thinking of seven New York School artists, including Willem de Kooning, Yayoi Kusama, Agnes Martin, Barnett Newman, Jackson Pollock, Ad Reinhardt, and Mark Rothko.
Through studio demonstrations and gallery walkthroughs, you’ll form a deeper understanding of what a studio practice means and how ideas develop from close looking, and you’ll gain a sensitivity to the physical qualities of paint. Readings and other resources will round out your understanding, providing broader cultural, intellectual, and historical context about the decades after World War II, when these artists were active.
The works of art you will explore in this course may also serve as points of departure to make your own abstract paintings. You may choose to participate in the studio exercises, for which you are invited to post images of your own paintings to the discussion boards, or you may choose to complete the course through its quizzes and written assessments only.
Learners who wish to participate in the optional studio exercises may need to purchase art supplies. A list of suggested materials is included in the first module.
Learning Objectives_
Learn about the materials, techniques, and approaches of seven New York School artists who made abstract paintings.
Trace the development of each artist’s work and studio practice in relation to broader cultural, intellectual, and historical contexts in the decades after World War II.
Hone your visual analysis skills.
Use each artist’s works as a point of departure for making your own abstract paintings.
30 Day Watercolor Challenge - Discover the Master Artist in You!
Watercolor is one of the most unique mediums for creating art. It's unpredictability and unique characteristics makes it the dearest medium of most of the artists. Teacher and artist, Zaneena Nabeel, has been using watercolor since childhood and her love for the medium has only grown over the years.
Everyday you will be painting a gorgeous watercolor landscape, you will start off by easy techniques and subjects. Gradually we will progress to difficult and complex topics. This course will help you build a strong art routine and also guide you master your watercolor landscapes.
If you are a beginner by the end of 30 days you will be one step closer to becoming an intermediate level artist.
Concept Sketchbook_ A Daily Practice
Artist and illustrator Lindsay Stripling has made a career of her whimsical and thoughtful work.
In this daily practice she demonstrates the process she utilizes- from concept to final spread – to bring her creations to life. Each week you’ll explore a new medium including pencil, ink, colored pencil and oil-based crayons. You’ll add words and details to bring balance to the page and finish up the month with techniques to turn your sketchbook spreads into even more artistic projects and paintings.
Learn how to_
Brainstorm images and source materials
Test your materials
Add text to highlight themes of your drawings
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Create a cohesive sketchbook spread
What you'll get_
A 30-day series of easy-to-follow video lessons on how to concept and execute sketchbook spreads
32 HD video lessons you can access online anytime, anywhere
Detailed supply list
Step-by-step instructions by professional illustrator Lindsay Stripling
The ability to leave comments, ask questions and interact with other students
Make a Living as an Artist_ Strategies for Crafting Your Creative Business
This is a fun, practical and comprehensive guide created by Brooke Glaser covering how to make money as an artist. You don’t have to be an expert at everything, but it really helps to understand how the different parts of your business affect each other.
First, we’ll start by getting clear on what your dream business looks like_ figuring out what you want your life to be like and pairing that up to the different kinds of work artists can do.
Then we dive into understanding why people buy from you and how you can use the strengths you ALREADY HAVE to stand out from the crowd. We’ll tackle goal setting, staying motivated, and creating systems to make your business run smoothly.
In the second section, we’ll talk about where you can find clients and tips for sharing your work with the right people.
In the third section, And we’ll dive into figuring out different ways to maximize your money and effort, how to price your work, contract details, and tips for negotiating.
If you’re starting your first art business, this is the class for you. And if you’ve already been in business for a few years, but feel like you’re not sure where you're headed, the hope is this class can help you get clear on where you should be focusing your efforts.
Creative Boot Camp - Six Exercises to Spark Artistic Discovery
Jumpstart your artistic practice with six weeks of creativity exercises taught by Lisa Congdon.
Using a variety of Lisa's favorite art supplies and tried-and-true processes, learn how to use Microns, oil sticks, paints and collage to take a fresh look at shape, line and color. These exercises allow you to "get loose" and enjoy the process without overthinking the outcome.
You’ll also learn how to work with color, use collage to respond to your in-progress artwork, and go outside to gather inspiration from your surroundings.
Unlike Lisa's other classes, this series focuses less on specific projects and dives deeply into the artistic process to help you develop your own creative voice.
Intro to Procreate_ Illustrating on the iPad
In this class taught by Brooke Glaser, you'll learn how to use Procreate on the iPad Pro with ease.
By the time class is over, creating digital illustrations will feel intuitive and natural as drawing with pencil and paper. This class covers all the hidden tools and gestures you need to make creating digital illustrations easy and fun.
Plus you'll learn how to make and share a cool time lapse video of your art!
Fun With Faces_ Create a Stylised Digital Portrait
In this class taught by Charly Clements you’ll be learning how to illustrate a stylised digital portrait.
You’ll be taking part in 3 super fun exercises to help you add personality to your faces while keeping your line work simple. I’ll be walking you through my whole process on how I create my unique characters, and exploring different ways you can experiment with hair styles, clothes accessories and colour to make your portraits stand out.
I’ll be working in Procreate for this class but feel free to use any other drawing software!
Doodle Magic | Basic & Advanced Techniques
Have you ever wanted to learn how to doodle? Or maybe you're a seasoned doodler and just want to pick up more techniques? Well, whatever the case, this class created by Yasmina Creates will give you valuable tips, tricks, techniques, ideas, and examples!
Some of the things we will cover are_
What is Doodling
Best Supplies
Making Mistakes
Tips & Tricks
Messy Vs Clean Doodles
Word & Lettering Doodles
Cute & Simple Character Doodles
Abstract Doodling
Using References
Expanding Your Visual Vocabulary
Being Creative
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Finding Inspiration & much more!!
The class will also show many examples of the doodle techniques being put to use and will help you to believe in your doodling skills and to step outside the box! So, get your doodle pens out and let's make some doodle mayhem! :)
I hope you found something interesting here to keep you calm, happy, joyful, practicing a bit of self-love in art.
After you’ve taken one of these classes, please come back and leave a comment to let me know how you liked it- I always love to connect with other curiously creatives!
Happy Learning!
Jill Xx
