Develop your competitive art portfolio, starting today.

Course curriculum

    1. Welcome to Our Course!

    1. Learning Goals

    2. Studio Activity: The Illusion of Depth

    3. What's the Point?!

    4. Art History Connection

    5. Form and Space Quiz

    6. Demo: Creating Graphic Marks

    7. Independent Studio Activity

    1. Lecture: Composition

    2. The Picture Plane

    3. Demo: Create your Picture Plane

    4. Art History Connection

    5. Composition in Abstractions from Art History (Reflections)

    6. Demo: Variations of the Same Concept

    7. Composition Quiz

    8. Independent Studio Activity: Dynamic Composition

    1. Chapter Overview

    2. Demo: Shape, Interrelationships & Strong Compositions

    3. Art History Connection

    4. Demo: Relationships between Forms

    5. Independent Studio Activity: Relationships between Forms and the Picture Plane

      FREE PREVIEW

    1. Lecture: Balance

    2. Art History Connection

    3. Studio Activity: Balanced Patterns

    4. Examples of Balanced Patterns in Contemporary Art

    1. Lecture: Positive and Negative Space in Art

    2. Art History Connection

    3. Independent Looking: M.C. Escher

    4. World Traditions Connection: Tao Te Ching

    5. Demo: Positive and Negative Space

    6. Independent Studio Activity: Relationships between Positive and Negative Space

About this course

  • $85.00
  • 41 lessons
  • 1.5 hours of video content

Course Description

In this course, we will explore the foundations of Two-Dimensional Design through a variety of hands-on Studio Art projects and exercises.

This course focuses on abstract design and offers multiple methods to generate abstract imagery inspired by your real-world surroundings. After this course, you'll be better equipped to express yourself across a variety of 2D art forms.

Together, we will cover the basics of:

  • Measuring
  • Placing a picture plane at the center of your paper
  • Creating unique designs using materials of your choice

Each chapter includes Art History Connections, linking major concepts across different media, time periods, and cultures.

All lessons are pre-recorded, allowing you to pause, rewind, and replay at your convenience.

There is also the option to add on private sessions for individualized feedback on your work.

Ready to develop your unique voice in 2D Design? Enroll now and start your creative journey today!

Student Reviews

5 star rating

Artful and Educational

RoseMarie DeLisa

In a very thorough manner this artist provides a plethora of ways to both introduce and keep abstract art in your life. She clearly uses prompts which you can use with all forms related to abstract art. She also models everything she asks you to ...

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In a very thorough manner this artist provides a plethora of ways to both introduce and keep abstract art in your life. She clearly uses prompts which you can use with all forms related to abstract art. She also models everything she asks you to do and this really helped me to understand the content.

Read Less
5 star rating

A great intro to thinking about abstraction

Hyerim Kang

This course was really helpful for me in starting to think about abstraction in a more mindful and aware way. We often think that abstraction is a process left to chance, but this course did a great job in explaining the ideas behind design and ab...

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This course was really helpful for me in starting to think about abstraction in a more mindful and aware way. We often think that abstraction is a process left to chance, but this course did a great job in explaining the ideas behind design and abstraction and demonstrating them visually. I really feel like I got under the skin of "design" and understand more that choices I am drawn to when I paint or draw is not random but subconsciously intentional. And now, they are no longer subconscious! I also loved the mini art history lessons throughout. I had never looked as closely at these works and objects before. I recommend this course for both teens and adults who want to understand not just design and abstraction, but ART better.

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5 star rating

Foundational

E. Cartwright

I find the lessons absolutely foundational. Anyone could benefit from the back-to-basics approach. There is something for all skill levels.

I find the lessons absolutely foundational. Anyone could benefit from the back-to-basics approach. There is something for all skill levels.

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5 star rating

Organized and engaging

Paola G

This is a great course if you want to fine tune your artistic skills. The lectures are short and to the point. Good pacing and I like having flexibility to work on my own schedule. Take this course, you won't be disappointed!

This is a great course if you want to fine tune your artistic skills. The lectures are short and to the point. Good pacing and I like having flexibility to work on my own schedule. Take this course, you won't be disappointed!

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5 star rating

Review of course by Ruzanna Hernandez

Ruzanna Hernandez

The content is easy to understand and follow for a person with no experience or much knowledge. The best part is the tying in of art history.

The content is easy to understand and follow for a person with no experience or much knowledge. The best part is the tying in of art history.

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Develop your competitive art portfolio, starting today.

Instructor

Diana Naccarato

Senior Instructor

Diana Naccarato is a New York City-based Teacher, Artist, and Author who helps students of all ages reach their artistic goals. She holds both an MFA and BFA in Studio Art, along with a New York State K–12 Teaching License. Diana’s studio practice has been supported through numerous artist residencies and exhibitions in NYC and across the United States. She developed this course through her passion project, Artful and Educational, where she creates student-centered, high-quality art experiences for learners of all ages. Diana offers 1:1 and small group sessions. 👉 Book a session here: https://www.artfulandeducational.com/booking

Course Benefits

This Studio Art class is all about making your own designs by hand, and includes these invaluable perks that will keep you on track.

  • Start building your strong, competitive portfolio under expert guidance

  • Art History connections included in each chapter

  • Hands-on demonstrations and art-making prompts in each chapter

  • Learn at your own pace, on your schedule

  • Designed and taught by a professional artist and teacher

  • Excellent for teens applying to art schools and adults interested in improving skills

FAQ

  • What will I learn in this class?

    This class guides you toward a deeper understanding of Visual Elements like line, shape, form, texture, and value. Together, we will explore ways of using Visual Elements to explore Design Principles including movement, rhythm, balance, and repetition.

  • How long will the class take to complete?

    While you will have access indefinitely, I recommend you complete the course in 6-8 weeks, meaning you will complete 1-2 Chapters per week for two months. This pace will keep your new skills fresh from week to week. It is good to allow a couple of days or even a week between lessons, so you have time to work on your designs and digest all you have discovered that week. Just don't let too much time pass between lessons, so the content remains fresh in your memory. For a more intensive experience, complete the modules in one month or less.

  • How can I receive individualized feedback on my work?

    Diana is available to meet online to provide feedback on your work. Booking: https://www.artfulandeducational.com/booking

  • What are some possible next steps after taking this course?

    The course prepares you to understand the underlying compositional concepts necessary for a variety of two-dimensional Art forms, including Painting, Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, Collage and Graphic Design.