This course has moved.
Please enroll HERE

After you have designed the composition, everything else you do is merely execution - not that execution is by any means trivial, but virtuosity of execution is for naught if the composition is wanting.
-John Gargano

The Elements of Art are the building blocks for every piece you create. It doesn't matter if you consciously think about each the elements as you create or if you design intuitively from start to finish. Every single work of art you see and create is made of various combinations of texture, shape, line, color, and value. They are the basic five-letter alphabet of the visual language.

The Elements of Art is one of my favorite classes to teach.  It's fun like kindergarten playtime, but also a SERIOUSLY INFORMATIVE, IN DEPTH and INTENSE study of composition. Gaining an understanding of how the basic elements of texture, shape, line, color, and value function in a composition, can be life changing for an artist, especially if you are not formally trained. If you have been to art school, this refresher is presented in such a clear and easily understandable way that you will feel you are learning it for the first time.

Being able to articulate and understand what you already intrinsicly know can help you to see your work, and the world, with new eyes. It can help you move your unique vision from your mind out into the world where you can share it.

There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.  -Jiddu Krishnamurti

Whether you have a formal background in art or are completely self taught, this course is something you can truly benefit from.  Register now as enrollment is limited.

This course has moved.
Please enroll HERE

Lesson Schedule:

1. Welcome, Course Philosophy, and Preparatory Materials
2. Texture
3. Shape
4. Line
5. Color
6. Value
7. Wrap Up

The classroom is open now.
You can introduce yourself and familiarize yourself with the online classroom.
Lessons will consist mostly of written lessons and visuals online.

FAQs:
Q: How does the class work?
A: You will log into Ruzuku to access the course. Each week a new lesson will consist of written instruction and a LOT of visuals. You will need to have an internet connection to stream any of the videos that might get added but can copy and paste the written materials to peruse at your leisure. In the bottom of each section of the lesson there will be space for you to post your work and interact with the teacher and other students.

Q: Do I need to know how to draw?
A: NO! This class has nothing to do with an ability to draw. We will however,  use pen and paper in almost every lesson, but Lyric will show you exactly what to do. This class is not about learning to draw, but about learning to truly see and understand what you are looking at. Putting pencil to paper slows down your thoughts and intensifies your vision.

Q: Do you require special supplies?
A: No, you most likely already have everything on hand. If you own a sketchbook, use it. If not, plain paper is great! Use whatever your favorite medium is to create the studies for this course. Acrylic on board? Great! Cloth and thread? Wonderful! Collage paper and glue? Fabulous!

Q: How much time will the class take?
A: In order to get the most out of this class you will need three hours each week to work through the exercises. You can delve much more deeply and really get into each lesson if you'd like, repeating and refining your skill and strengthening your understanding as an artist. You can also choose to simply read through each lesson and pick and choose which exercises you want to work on, ignoring the others. As with anything worth learning, the more effort and time you put into your individual study, the more you will learn and grow.

Q: I'm half-way across the world in a different time zone. Will I miss half of what is going on?
A: Not at all. The beauty of online classes is that you can come to them at your convenience. The live video conferences will be recorded so that you can watch them at your convenience.

Q: I'm out of town during a week of the class, what will I miss?
A: Nothing. You can catch up at any time at all. This class will never close.

Q: How much interaction is there from the teacher?
A: Lyric will comment on ALL posted assignments. The more you post, the more interaction you will get. Lyric will respond to each individual student, but also formulate her responses to the benefit of everyone in the course. Please read other student's questions and answers as you they might ask something you hadn't thought of.

Q: What do I need to know about using a computer?
A: You'll need to photograph or scan your assignments and save them as a jpeg. You can upload your pictures from your computer or devise to the online lesson. There is a video when you start class, that explains how to use the online classroom. Support@Ruzuku.com is very helpful and you can email them with any technical questions.