Art History Classes in Chicago, IL

In this course, students learn about the variety of ways that color is considered and used as a design element in fashion, graphic, and interior design. Working with current color theory principles and models, students develop color plans and concepts in relationship to individual and group projects. This research is compiled in sketchbook/notebook...

Explore the history of photography beginning in 1827 with the first photograph, through the age of Daguerreotype portraits, the photograph’s early development as an art form, the invention of Kodak’s Box Brownie and through to contemporary photography. Along the way we’ll discover some of the great photographers and examine how this relatively...

Ever wandered through an art museum and been intrigued by the Islamic Art section? Why is there so much blue? Does Islam have a prohibition on representing human figures? What are artists in the Arab world up to today? How does contemporary art in the Arab world engage with themes of war, religion, political freedom and sexuality? Through the lens...

In this seminar we'll explore a constellation of modern and contemporary artists who have re-defined the practice of painting by exploring what it is not. From Tibetian sand mandalas to Joan Miro's burnt canvases to Katharina Grosse's painting/sculptures, we'll learn how artists use ideas of absence, silence and erasure to push the boundaries of painting...

Remember when feminism happened, and Georgia O’Keeffe kicked butt, and now museums and the art world totally treat male and female artists with equal value? JK JK IT’S STILL SUPER BAD!  On this two-hour tour of the Art Institute of Chicago, we get three things done: We celebrate the awesome women who ARE represented We fill you in on some...

This hands-on course will teach you how to construct the geometric shapes that have played a dominant role in Islamic art and design over the centuries. With a compass and ruler, you will learn how to create the circles, triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, and their segments that underpin the non-figural decoration of both objects and structures...

Meeting in the galleries of the Art Institute of Chicago museum, this course investigates American art from the Prairie School, Tiffany, the Aesthetic movement, and American Impressionists, among others. Additionally, students will examine Luminist landscapes and the work of modern and contemporary American artists, including, but not limited to: ...

This course explores how the personal nature of an artist's sketchbook can assist in the development of new directions and reveal meaningful ideas to pursue. Students develop sketches, collages, paintings, and notes to be used to create works on larger sheets of paper. Students review the history of artist's sketchbooks and visit the Art Institute...

Meeting in the galleries of the Art Institute of Chicago museum, this course investigates American art from the Prairie School, Tiffany, the Aesthetic movement, and American Impressionists, among others. Additionally, students will examine Luminist landscapes and the work of modern and contemporary American artists, including, but not limited to:...

Fun, Cooperative & Inspiring! Learn Art history and terminology while practicing important skills. Imagine making fun art all day. Never more than 12 students per teacher means individual attention from professional teaching/artists. Note: BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch & Water Bottle)

Move beyond basic white to create rich, glowing paintings as we explore techniques that reveal color in the winter landscape. Under-painting, glazing, broken-brushstroke, and a review of color theory will guide you to rich and vibrant winter scenes. Review composition, gesture, and examples from art history.  A supply list will be sent.

This course focuses on the foundations of photography and the various ways to use a digital camera. Students examine how to choose and shoot subjects that are both personally meaningful in content and contemporary in context. Instruction includes capturing and printing images in both black and white and color, and investigating digital photo editing. ...

The art of pysanky has been practiced for more than 2,000 years. Learn about the history of this fascinating art form and make your own Ukrainian-inspired egg suitable for display. No experience necessary in order to unlock the mysteries of these beautiful and ornate eggs.

Designed for the advanced photographer who wants to create a fine art portfolio, this class will walk you through the evolution of abstract photography.  Trace and study the art of abstract nature photography with projects based on art movements such as impressionism, expressionism, cubism, surrealism, dadaism, and minimalism.  Study the...

Historically broadsides were used as proclamations, posters, commentaries, and advertisements. Today, artists and writers use them to explore the intersection between the written word and visual art. Learn the exciting history of letterpress printing through the process of printing your own broadside. Using Spudnik’s amazing collection of wood...