I am a self trained artist. Some day, I hope to do a fine arts degree but so far that hasn't worked it's way into my life. When I want to try something new, I usually search the technique on YouTube or if I want to go old school, I'll buy a book. YouTube taught me how to needle felt. I bought a crochet book last month to remind myself that's the next thing on my "learn to do list".
I have never felt overly confident in my painting skills. Most of the time I can hold my own brush but I believe I have a lot to learn. I decided I'd like to start with the basics. Starting a Fine Arts Degree isn't in the cards yet, so I checked out iTunes U. I found an art course called, Art 10: Introduction to Visual Studies, instructed by Anna Divinsky, a prof at Penn State. It is designed to teach you not only technique but also how to identify various art movements, artists, and their works. The course itself is free but there are resources and materials that you would need to purchase if you wanted to properly complete the course. I am just beginning it myself, but so far I am very pleased with it. She starts out by demonstrating some basic techniques and strategies with paints and other mediums. I've already learned a couple new tips and I've been painting for 20 years!
Check it out: #art10psu
