Online art studio: How it works
LIVE SYNCHRONOUS INSTRUCTION. I provide live online classes, that include theoretical material (lecture, slides and/or video), demonstration of techniques, and supervised time for students to work on their projects. I use multiple cameras that show the demo from different angles, if necessary, very close-up, 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 classes include individual feedback, with small class sizes and a possibility of individual 1:1 breakout rooms. Classes are no bigger than 12 participants. Small classes and live interactive sessions provide a chance for the students to communicate with each other and the ability to see each other’s works, which is very valuable in the learning process. At the same time, those who need more privacy when painting or drawing, will have their own safe space.
YOUR SPACE SETUP. That’s great if you have a whole big room to draw and paint. However, not everyone can boast to have that. I recommend limiting the number of supplies to what you actually may need. Drawing and working with watercolor are great for tiny workspaces, ase well as any type of colored pencils. Acrylic painting does not require that much space, but be sure, however, to protect your tables and carpenters from acrylic paints, as they can leave stains.
TECHNOLOGY Online art classes are delivered using Zoom platform. Students need to have Zoom and Google accounts to access the class, and have all the tools for videoconferencing.For the access to the live Zoom session you will only need a link to join the class, a computer (laptop) with camera and microphone. You can join the classes from many other devices, including your smartphone, but I recommend using a laptop and downloading a Zoom app, so you will have access to all features. Besides the Zoom tool, we will use one of additional Learning Management Systems – Google classroom, Seesaw or Class Dojo (for the youngest students). These are online platforms that help organize all the classes materials, from syllabi to handouts for each lesson. I usually post there reference pictures, slides and videos for the lessons. Also, those are places where students can upload pictures of their works, get feedback from the instructor and their peers, exchange any other class-related information. In case of using Google Classroom (which is my favorite tool by far), students typically will need to have a Google account.
HOMEWORK. Part of the projects is supposed to be completed as “homework”. Students will have 24/7 access to all the materials, home assignments. Students can post pictures of their completed works 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 either on Amazon/other online store, or at any local art supplier.
If you are not familiar with Google Classroom, you can watch this tutorial: