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Online Art Schools

Online art schools are a great option for busy people who keen to learn art, and usually offer reduced cost compared to traditional brick-and-mortar courses.

These days, with the majority of people living of hectic, busy lives, there is often little or no time left to squeeze in those art lessons. With the advent of the internet, a wealth of convenient learning opportunities has opened up, and never before has it been so easy to study at home on the internet. Time-starved students can now enroll in distance learning institutions, many of which offer art courses and programs.

Aspiring art students have plenty to choose from online. One option is to enroll in a conventional distance learning institution which offers a wide variety of different courses and programs, including the visual arts. These would typically earn the artist a recognised diploma or certificate in art, which can be used as credits for further study, or as industry-recognised qualifications for obtaining work.

There are other online art schools which are less formal and typically feature self-study classes, live online workshops and innovative techniques which are interactive and immediate. The particular online art school an artist chooses depends entirely on the artist’s desired outcome and preferred learning style.

Distance Learning Institutions

At many distant learning institutions, art students can study online, in print, or a combination of each. Art students decide which method best suits their learning style.

A fine example is the Penn Foster Career School, which was established in 1890, and is one of the oldest and largest distance learning institutions in the world. Situated in the USA, but with associate institutions in many countries throughout the world, the Penn Foster Career School website offers program overviews, curriculum outlines, tuition schedules, student testimonials, and information on career services for graduates. Students can even view U.S. government forecasts of employment demand and salary ranges by career.

Once enrolled online, students receive a Student ID Number and can download initial study materials immediately. Art courses are designed for independent study, with a toll-free instructional support hotline available to resolve questions and problems. Art instructors can also be contacted by email or regular mail.

At the end of each lesson, students take an exam. Exams can be completed online through the website, and can also be submitted by mail. Once each exam is passed, students can move on to the next lesson. New course material follows as soon as exams are completed, ensuring that students will always have books and learning materials to continue moving forward.

Once all modules and exams have been completed, students receive their diploma from Penn Foster Career. Depending upon the program chosen, training can be completed in just a few months or take up to two years to complete a program.

Graduates from some distance learning institutions are also eligible for Graduate Career Services which include assistance in online job searches (by career and region), preparation of cover letters, tips on interviewing, and much more.

Art Schools Online

For those wishing to learn art online via a less structured and formal method, there are many online art schools offering innovative ways to learn painting and drawing. Typically, these are not places to learn about preparing for an "art career”, but more for the fun and love of art. The main aim is for students to engage in creative art activity and develop their artistic ability. This type of school usually offers no career advice or counselling and is not a degree or diploma granting institution.

One example of this is the Interactive Art School, where students use a digital camera (supplied in their student sign-up kit along with textbooks, art supplies and materials) to take digital photos of their completed lesson artwork for each lesson. The student sends those photos as email attachments to the teacher who draws, paints and comments on the work, then posts a “how-you-could-have-done-it-better” critique of each lesson on the students personal web folder available 24/7 for review on the internet.

Most of the study for each lesson is done away from the computer after lesson assignments are received from the school web site. Topics covered include composition, color theory, perspective drawing lessons, drawing the human form, landscape drawing and painting.

Art critiques are cumulative, printable and remain on the website at the online art school for three years. Students also receive a CD-ROM copy of all critiques upon graduation. Art critiques can also be placed in a common area where other students can learn from them.

In conclusion, online art schools offer several advantages over regular art schools which need to attended in person. These include:

· Ability to conduct all class activities from any location in the world with only a standard web browser.

· Quick access to course material online

· Students can learn at their own pace

· Student can choose their own personal method of learning

Whether budding artists are seeking a career-oriented art degree or diploma, or simply want to develop their artistic ability, online art schools can be the start of a wonderful new educational experience.

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Online Art Schools

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