The Traditions of Art

About the Class

Artists do not create in isolation. Throughout history, painters and sculptors have learned by studying earlier works, adapting visual conventions, and responding to their changing world. This foundational online course examines how artistic traditions evolved and how modern artists transformed them in unexpected ways.

Through close looking and discussion, we’ll study major developments in Western European art and explore how artists borrow, revise, and challenge visual conventions across generations. Together, we’ll look at the relationships between tradition and innovation, continuity and change.

Grounded in the Barnes Method, the course helps participants sharpen their observational skills and build confidence engaging with art through dialogue, curiosity, and sustained looking.

Educators in Pennsylvania can receive 50 Act 48 credits for The Traditions of Art.

The class is online-only. More about online classes.

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Barnes classes will:

• Sharpen your observational and critical thinking skills.
• Improve your ability to communicate about art.
• Deepen your appreciation for cultures and histories outside your own.

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Barnes Method

Barnes Method courses follow the teachings of Dr. Albert Barnes and Violette de Mazia. Classes focus on rigorous formal analysis and direct visual engagement with works of art. In this method, close looking at art helps build critical-thinking skills that can be carried beyond the gallery walls.

What Our Students Say

“The instructor was not only knowledgeable but so accessible, and such an inviting presence. She provided great reading to supplement the course.” —Mary Cassatt: Art, Identity, and Independence with Larissa Bailiff

“Pierre brings the art alive with her inside stories and images and how she interacts with the students. She is always able to answer and follow up with more information at the next class.” —Exhibiting Modernism: From the Salon to the Avant-Garde with Caterina Pierre

“Alison Boyd was engaging and effective during the online instruction, and she offered well-selected background materials for further reading.” —Aaron Douglas from Harlem to Philly with Alison Boyd