Find free online classes in poetry, art history, world cultures, classical art, modern art and European painting from top universities worldwide. Learn the Cultural Geography of the World from Peking University or immerse yourself in Harvard University’s popular Poetry in America series.
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Modern Japanese Architecture Part 1: From Meiji Restoration to the Pacific War
What is Art?
Part of what makes art an exciting field is it can be challenging and sometimes controversial to define, describing a constantly evolving set of practices and mediums.
During the 19th century, now-celebrated artists like Claude Monet and other Impressionists art faced harsh backlash for their unconventional approaches. Similarly with the advent of modern art, artists like Jackson Pollack – whose work now appraises for millions of dollars – were ridiculed by critics for the abstract art they produced.
Just as the term “art” no longer applies strictly to the principles of the classical period, neither is it restricted to visual art and sculpture. Contemporary art describes a vast range of visual, auditory, and performance-based practices and experiences.
The contemporary study of art also challenges the West’s historically Eurocentric appraisal of artworks, their significance, and their value. Today students interested in art school can obtain an art degree or take art classes and art lessons in subjects as diverse as African art and Chinese art.
In addition to more traditional fine arts courses, including drawing lessons and painting classes, art students of today can also take digital art and design courses and discover how to turn their artistic eye into a competitive career in graphic design, or learn how to create their own customized online art gallery.
From classical oil painting, to designing art websites, to the art activism employed by artists like Keith Haring in the 1980s, the study of art opens up a diverse world of possibilities and creative forces.
Course in Art History
There is currently a wide range of introductory and intermediate level classes available in the study of art.
At Peking University you can learn the to appreciate traditional Japanese art and culture through the study of Japanese sculpture, Yamato, Ikebana, and Kabuki.
If you’re more interested in the study of the literary arts, Boston University offers an introductory course called The Art of Poetry, which is focused on the pleasures of poetry and its underlying principles as an art form.
If you want to learn the business of art administration, consider signing up for Inspiring and Motivating Arts and Culture Teams, which focuses on equipping leaders in the cultural sector with the critical skills for inspiring employee engagement and performance while motivating people to adjust behavior and embrace change.
Jobs in Art
A background in art opens up an array of exciting job opportunities.
In addition to pursuing a career as an artist, you can apply an art degree to the management of an art organization as Arts Administrator, Executive Director, or Development Associate at an art institute or foundation.
Professionals with an undergraduate or secondary degree in art can also pursue careers in teaching at the elementary, secondary, or post-secondary school levels, or apply their skills to a museum or gallery as Curator or Events Coordinator.
Art backgrounds also lay a strong foundation for Graphic Designers, Architects, and Fashion Designers.
Jobs in the arts are currently in high demand with over 100,000 openings listed in a search for “Art Jobs” on Indeed.com, including 3000 positions listed for “Graphic Designer.” Of the total positions listed, over 17,000 offer salaries of $65,000 or more a year.
Career in Art
With many different applications and interpretations, art offers the exciting opportunity to explore what the concept means to you. The famous painter Henri Matisse once said, “creativity takes courage.” Be fearless; sign up for an online art course today!