How to Choose the Right Online Art Instruction for You
There are a lot of art instructions on the internet these days. Some are informative and even inspiring. Others do not adequately cover the content or you may find it difficult to follow the instructions. Some have too many ads that you have to click to find the topic or lessons you want. Others are simplistic, simplifying instruction, offering very little information, and leaving the student feeling cheated or bored.
While some art instruction websites offer many areas of study, for example painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking, others may offer only one area, drawing for example. The variety of topics presented does not necessarily ensure the quality of the website. But how do you tell a good art learning website from a bad one, especially when you’re not that familiar with the subjects to begin with?
Here is a guide – a checklist that will help you choose a good website, one that is easily understandable and presents a rewarding learning experience for you.
* Does the website deliver what it says it does? Believe it or not, many don’t. For example, if they say they offer free lessons, are the lessons really free, or is there a hidden “registration fee” or some other type of charge for accessing the information?
* Can you easily find the lessons you want to take or do you have to click multiple ads to do so? Often the content of the lessons on this type of website lacks quality because the website is simply a monetization tool.
* Is the instruction rich in information, clearly presented, and in a step-by-step format? Many websites offer a large amount of information that is difficult to follow and leaves the student confused as to the next learning step. You want to be able to easily follow the instructions and have the opportunity to fully understand the specific information before moving on to the next step. It doesn’t do you any good if the instruction assumes you know a certain subject area and brushes it aside, leaving you with many unanswered questions.
* Are there photos or videos that show you specific processes, techniques, and examples of work for that particular area of study? There are several websites that offer lessons without any visual reference. For the visual arts, this is like offering a cooking class without having access to a working kitchen!
* Is there a facility that offers interaction with the instructors on the website? Can you get in touch with a real teacher by email or phone if you have any questions about your learning process? And can you submit photos of your artwork in progress for a review?
* Beware of “How to draw a—” websites. Because? Because while a website may offer clear and concise instructions on how to draw a nose, this is a “quick and dirty” approach to the drawing skill. Where, in fact, you can learn to draw a nose, you will eventually want to draw a mouth, eyes, lips, etc. A quality art instruction website can teach you basic drawing skills that will allow you to draw anything. The approach to “how to draw a nose” is similar to “How to build a shed” and shows how to nail two boards together.
* Good artists are not necessarily good instructors. Websites that showcase an artist’s beautiful work and then offer instruction from her through e-books, online subscriptions, or workshops mean that in no time at all you’ll be painting like they do. This approach is similar to the diet promoted by the slim, beautiful young woman who talks about how easily and quickly she lost thirty pounds! Look for testimonials from students who have taken lessons from the artist/instructor. Look for examples of student work, especially if she is paying the tuition.
* Does the website offer a specific art supplies package for each course? However, does the website specifically define what you will need for your lessons prior to instruction? In art, this is very important. Poor materials perform poorly, and often the visual effects you’re trying to achieve can’t be achieved with poor quality or just the wrong materials and media. Art is a close dialogue between the eye, the hand and the materials. You bring to the instruction your beautiful pair of eyes and your eager hands. It is the instructor’s responsibility to provide clear and concise information about the materials she will need for each lesson.
* On the other hand, carefully examine the curriculum of a website that offers elaborate packages of art supplies, for example, beautiful polished wooden boxes of oil paints, extremely expensive brushes and canvases, etc. Compare what they ask you to buy with similar materials offered by your local art supply store or reputable online art supply houses.
* Question any type of “certificate or degree” that indicates that you are now an accredited artist or expert in a certain field of study, especially if you have paid for your instruction. While your achievement is worthwhile and should make you feel good, learning the art, like any other area of study, should not be limited by supposed experience. There is always the need to improve your skills and develop new ones on your journey to become a competent artist.
* Finally, find a mode of instruction that is compatible with your personality. Students who are aligned with their instructor learned better; more quickly and easily. And an instructor should be someone you admire, who inspires you and advises you every step of the way. The experience of learning art is, above all, joyful and inspiring!