Order and Invention
Wednesdays, March 8 – March 29, 2 – 4pm
Paul Cézanne. Still Life (detail), 1892–94. BF148. Public Domain.
$220; members $198
(4 classes)
About the Class
How is the spark of creativity nurtured, sustained, and realized into a finished work of art? What strategies have artists used to assist the expressive process? This class will explore compositional tools that aid artists in making images. Using selected works from the Barnes collection, we will examine the golden section rectangle, the rule of thirds, and the use of the grid and viewfinder. We will also consider the use of technology such as the camera obscura, and the influence of paintings in the development of photography and moving images.
Capacity: 18
Note: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to attend this class; please check safety guidelines for current masking information.
This course will:
- Increase your understanding of art-related concepts.
- Increase the ways you think critically about art.
- Improve your ability to communicate about art.
- Deepen your appreciation for cultures and histories outside your own.
Instructor
Michael Williamson
A member of the Barnes faculty, Williamson studied at Yale University and the Milton Avery Graduate School of Bard College. He taught art history and studio art for nearly 30 years at Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia. Williamson has an active art practice and has shown his paintings locally.
Understanding Materials and Techniques
Understanding Materials and Techniques courses explore the physical aspects of how art is made. You will look closely at artistic materials, techniques, and processes, all of which are essential to understanding how art produces meaning.
Recent Barnes Class Testimonials
“[The] professor was highly engaging, facilitated excellent discussions, and [was] very knowledgeable. I learned a lot about teaching art history from watching her.” Course: Matisse and Picasso with Martha Lucy
“Every single second of the course was a productive, valuable, and interesting use of my time. The instructor's enthusiasm and reference to outside resources sparked a greater interest in me as a learner and resulted in me exploring even more on my own. I couldn't have enjoyed the experience more.” Course: Salvador Dalí: Surrealism and Beyond with Jonathan Wallis
“I am not an artist and prior to this course I had not thought about what an artist might be 'thinking,' as opposed to 'feeling.' I loved this course and plan to immerse myself in color theory.” Course: Visualizing Memory with Lucas Kelly
“This course is equal to or exceeds art history courses I have taken at several major universities in terms of syllabus and quality of instruction.” Course: The School of Paris with Joseph Tokumasu Field
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