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 on 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 to 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 kind of charge to access the information?
* Can you easily find the lessons you want to take or do you have to click on multiple ads to do so? Often the lesson content on this type of website lacks quality because the website is simply a tool to monetize.
* Is the instruction rich in information, presented clearly, and in a step-by-step format? Many websites offer a wealth of information that is difficult to follow and leaves the student confused as to the next step in learning. You want to be able to easily follow the instructions and have the opportunity to thoroughly 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 area of study and skips over it, leaving you with a lot of unanswered questions.
* Are there photos or videos showing you specific processes, techniques, and working examples 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 course without access to a working kitchen!
* Is there a facility that offers interaction with the instructors on the website? Can you contact a real teacher by email or phone if you have any questions about your learning process? And, can you send photos of your artwork in progress for review?
* Beware of “How to draw a—” websites. Why? 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 skill of drawing. 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 “how to draw a nose” approach 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 it, whether through e-books, online subscriptions, or workshops, mean you’ll be painting like them in no time. 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 extremely expensive oil paints, brushes and canvas, 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 establishes that you are now a certified artist or expert in a certain field of study, especially if you have paid for your instruction. While your accomplishment is worthwhile and should make you feel good, learning art, like any other area of study, shouldn’t be limited by so-called 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 look up to, who inspires and advises you every step of the way. The experience of learning art is, above all, joyful and inspiring!
