Art History Classes in NYC, New York

The course will be on the evolution of the French Renaissance, focusing on the redesign of Fontainebleau by Francois I. We will learn how the School of Fointainebleau was inspired by Italian artists brought on by Francois I and how the style bean to permeate all aspects of French arts, outside of solely interior design. Artists who we will be discussed...

Yayoi Kusama is one of the world’s most widely recognized and commercially successful living artists. Her work is characterized by polka dots, organic forms, and optical illusions. Learn about Kusama's artistic journey -- from her career as a young artist in Japan to international artistic stardom -- and create your own net paintings and pumpkin...

Learn how to analyze and talk about Surrealist art, in ArtsClub’s interactive autumn series, Exploring Surrealism!  In each class, we’ll explore a different facet of the story of Surrealism, from its origins in the whimsical Dada movement to the influence of Sigmund Freud, and the artwork created by women and nonbinary artists. Hone your...

This class is designed for those interested in learning about women artists throughout history as well as improving their drawing and painting techniques. We will learn about important women artists from the Renaissance to pre 1950. Lectures will discuss their artwork techniques and their life stories.  Students will be given a few choices of...

In 1920s Paris, the Surrealist artists invented a series of games, designed to help them access their unconscious minds and expand their imaginations. Learn about French Surrealism and the artistic techniques and  games used by its members, like Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró and Max Ernst. Then play collaborative Surrealist Games and make your own...

A major early 20th-century painter, whose work is now exhibited in museums across the globe, Wifredo Lam created his own style by fusing Surrealism and Cubism with the spirit and forms of the Caribbean. Learn about Wifredo Lam’s inspiration and paint your own self-portraits, integrating Lam’s style and symbols with your own personal life and...

Come in and learn the traditional art of shibori with indigo dye in this beginner class.  We start, learning how to begin your own indigo vat, using pre reduced indigo, and the history of indigo. 3-5 folding, tieing and binding resist techniques will be shown. Select the few you're drawn to and dye some of the plain items you have lying around...

This workshop will introduce students to the history of wood carving and its use in contemporary sculpture. The techniques used to shape the wood will be examined, the practical aspects of using and sharpening the tools, selecting the size, volume and type of wood to carve, as well as finishing of the surface of the artwork.  Students will have...

Create images rather than capture them. The cyanotype photographic process has many expressive possibilities for the adventurous image-maker. Dating from 1842, this historic Prussian blue process offers a compelling alternative to modern digital prints. Topics will include the history of photography, photograms, creating negatives, paper, and substrate...

We start with a a bit of history about the process and introduction to the materials, but then get right into carving!  Our goal will be to repeat pattern print one yard of fabric! Students should come with a 4" square image or two that you would like to work with.  Simple designs work best, and then you can add detail as you carve away. ...

Who should take this class Are you a digital photographer looking to expand your knowledge of photographic technique and history?  Maybe you took a darkroom class in school and want to get back to your roots?  Is there something about photos shot on film that you love but can't explain why?  If the answer to any of these questions is...

IKEBANA, one of the most traditional artforms of Japan, represents “Appreciation of Nature” which is a unique and very sophisticated way to learn how to arrange flowers. In this class, we provide an opportunity for people of all levels to learn Ohara style Ikebana which is one of the most established Ikebana institutions in the world. Here, you...

The students will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of the Human body, developing the perception of the body structure and shapes, and how to translate this information into a form. This course will have a live model, and examples will also provide an understanding of how the human body was seen in the context of history. While working primarily...

In this class, students will learn how to take advantage of the many qualities of water media to create a completed landscape or cityscape painting from start to finish. Students will start the first class by selecting a subject and exploring composition through drawings and sketches. In the second class, Vadnais will explain and demonstrate how...

Develop strategies, preparatory drawings and theory with artist James Sheehan. Learn from technique-based demonstrations and lectures that touch upon art history and developing concepts to help you prepare for larger paintings in the studio. Students will develop their practice through group and individual exercises. Class focuses on the importance...