Online art studio: How it works
LIVE SYNCHRONOUS INSTRUCTION. I provide live online classes that include theoretical material (lecture, slides, and/or video), demonstrations of techniques, and supervised time for students to work on their projects. I use multiple cameras that show the demo from different angles and in close-ups so all the students can see the details.
COMMUNICATION AND FEEDBACK. On-demand classes like those on Skillshare or Masterclass are great if you’re only looking for a step-by-step tutorial. My courses include individual feedback, small class sizes, and possible individual 1:1 breakout rooms. Classes are no bigger than 12 participants. Small classes and live interactive sessions allow the students to communicate and see each other’s work, which is valuable in learning. At the same time, those who need more privacy when painting or drawing will have their own safe space.
YOUR SPACE SETUP. It’s great to have a big room to draw and paint in. However, not everyone can boast of having that. I recommend limiting the number of supplies to what you actually may need. Drawing and working with watercolor is excellent for tiny workspaces, as is working with colored pencils. Acrylic painting also does not require much space, but be sure to protect your tables and carpenters from acrylic paints, as they can leave stains. Overall, setting up your working space for online art classes is much easier than you’d think!
TECHNOLOGY. Online art classes are delivered using the Zoom platform. Students need Zoom and Google accounts to access the class and have all the tools for video conferencing. To access the live Zoom session, you only need a link to join the class, a computer (laptop) with a camera, and a microphone. You can join the classes from many other devices, including your smartphone, but I recommend using a computer and downloading the Zoom app so that you will have access to all the features. Besides the Zoom tool, we will use one of the additional Learning Management Systems – Google Classroom, Seesaw, or Class Dojo (for the youngest students). These online platforms help organize all the class materials, from syllabi to handouts for each lesson. I use the “flipped classroom” method and publish the materials beforehand so the students can look through reference pictures, slides, and videos in advance. Also, those are places where students can upload photos of their work, get feedback from the instructor and their peers, and exchange any other class-related information. When using Google Classroom (my favorite tool by far), students typically will need to have a Google account.
INDEPENDENT WORK. Part of the projects is supposed to be completed as “independent work” or “homework, without direct instruction. In most cases, the works are reviewed during the following synchronous class and/or via Google Classroom feedback. Students will have 24/7 access to all the materials, and home assignments. Students can post pictures of their completed work in order to receive feedback.
SUPPLIES. Students will need to purchase their own supplies. Each class has a list of suggested supplies that can be bought on Amazon or another online store or at any local art supplier.
If you are not familiar with Google Classroom, you can watch this tutorial: