If you have a growing interest in art history it can become quickly overwhelming. There are lots of ways to learn about art history without a four-year degree!
Reading Art History Books
One of the best methods for learning about art history is by reading art history books. Art history books provide an in-depth and comprehensive analysis of different art movements, styles, artists, and their works. These books offer a wealth of information on various aspects of art history, including cultural, social, and political contexts, art techniques, and artistic movements that shaped the art world.
To get the most out of reading art history books, it’s essential to choose books that are well-researched, written by experts in the field, and cover the art movements and periods that you are interested in. Additionally, it’s helpful to take notes and jot down questions as you read, to deepen your understanding and to help you remember key concepts.
Visiting Art Museums and Galleries
Another effective way to learn about art history is by visiting art museums and galleries. Museums and galleries offer a unique opportunity to see artworks up close and to learn about their historical, cultural, and artistic significance. They often have curated exhibitions that focus on specific art movements, artists, or themes, providing a deep dive into a particular aspect of art history.
To make the most of your visit, consider taking a guided tour or attending a talk or workshop. These programs offer valuable insights and information about the artworks, artists, and the context in which they were created.
Online Art History Courses
Online art history courses are a convenient and accessible way to learn about art history. Many universities and art institutions offer online courses that cover a range of art movements, styles, and artists. These courses are often taught by experts in the field and provide a structured curriculum that helps learners deepen their understanding of art history.
To get the most out of online art history courses, it’s important to stay engaged and participate actively in the course materials. This can include completing assignments, participating in discussions, and asking questions of the instructor or other learners.
Attending Art History Lectures and Talks
Attending art history lectures and talks is another excellent method for learning about art history. Lectures and talks are often delivered by experts in the field and provide an opportunity to hear different perspectives on art history topics. These events are also a great way to connect with other art enthusiasts and to expand your knowledge and understanding of art history.
To find art history lectures and talks, check with local universities, art institutions, and cultural centers. Many of these organizations offer public lectures and talks that are open to anyone interested in learning more about art history.
Watching Art History Documentaries
Watching art history documentaries is a fun and engaging way to learn about art history. Documentaries often provide an in-depth look at the lives of artists, the cultural and historical context of their work, and the impact that their art has had on society. Many documentaries also feature interviews with experts in the field, providing valuable insights and perspectives on art history.
To find art history documentaries, check streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Additionally, many art institutions and museums offer free online documentaries or videos on their websites.
Watching Art History YouTube Videos
Watching art history YouTube videos is another effective method for learning about art history. YouTube is a vast and diverse platform that offers a wealth of content on art history, ranging from lectures and discussions to art tutorials and documentaries.
To find art history YouTube videos, start by searching for keywords related to the art movements, styles, or artists that you are interested in learning about. Many universities and museums also offer free online lectures and talks on their YouTube channels, providing valuable insights and information about art history.
When watching YouTube videos, it’s essential to be discerning about the sources and to verify the accuracy of the information presented. Look for videos that are well-researched, from reputable sources, and feature experts in the field.
Additionally, it’s helpful to take notes and jot down questions as you watch the videos, to deepen your understanding and to help you remember key concepts.
Overall, watching art history YouTube videos is an accessible and engaging way to learn about art history, and can be a valuable addition to other methods, such as reading art history books, visiting museums and galleries, and attending lectures and talks.
Reading Wikipedia
Reading Wikipedia can also be an effective way to learn about art history. Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia that contains articles on a vast array of topics, including art movements, artists, and their works.
When using Wikipedia to learn about art history, it’s important to keep in mind that the information presented on the platform can be edited by anyone, and the accuracy and reliability of the information may vary. To ensure that you are reading accurate information, it’s helpful to look for articles that have been reviewed and edited by experts in the field, or that cite reputable sources.
Additionally, it’s essential to use Wikipedia as a starting point for further research, rather than as a definitive source of information. Use the platform to gain a general understanding of the topic, and then supplement your knowledge with additional research from reputable sources, such as art history books, museum catalogs, and academic journals.
Overall, reading Wikipedia can be a helpful way to learn about art history, but it’s important to use the platform critically and to supplement your knowledge with additional research from reputable sources.
Art History Apps
Art history apps are another effective way to learn about art history. These apps are often designed to be interactive and engaging, providing a fun and accessible way to explore art movements, styles, artists, and their works.
Some art history apps provide quizzes and games to test your knowledge of art history, while others offer virtual tours of museums and galleries, allowing you to explore artworks from around the world from the comfort of your own home.
To find art history apps, search your app store for keywords related to art history, such as “art history,” “art museum,” or “art education.” Look for apps that have good reviews and ratings, and that offer features that align with your interests and learning goals.
When using art history apps, it’s important to supplement your learning with additional research and resources, such as art history books, museum catalogs, and academic journals. While these apps can be a fun and engaging way to learn about art history, they should be used as a supplement to other methods, rather than as a standalone resource.
Adding Art History accounts to your social media feeds
There are lots of very active social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok. Search for your favorite artists, genres, and periods and follow them. This will mean that you will have a constant feed of bite-sized art history content amongst your friend and influencer content.