Art Course

Learn new ways to express your art at home at your own page with Stratford's home study Art course!



We understand that artistic inspiration can strike at any time, not just between four walls during an art class. That is why, unlike other art courses, Stratford lets you complete your studies when and where it is most convenient for you.

Stratford's robust curriculum is designed to help individuals of all skills levels get the most out of their art education studies.

With a focus on pastel, watercolor, acrylic, and oil painting, each section greatly details a broad spectrum of style and perspective for a well-rounded art education experience.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual salary for a craft and fine artist is $53,140.*

Introduction to Art and Drawing
• Survey of Famous Artists
• The Artist's Eye
• The Elements of Design
• Preparing to Draw
• Drawing Class
• The Clinic

Painting with Pastels
• What You'll Need to Begin
• Composition and Color
• Putting Pastel to Paper
• Painting From Photographs
• Painting From Life
• When is Your Painting Finished?

Watercolor Painting
• Basic Watercolor Tools and Materials
• Choosing and Mixing Colors
• Tonal Values
• Washes and Drybrush Techniques
• Fundamental Concepts of Composition and Design
• Layer Masking, Spattering, and other Watercolor Techniques
• Creative Textures
• Preserving Whitespace
• Working with Landscape
• Figures and Portraits
• Approaches to Watercolor Painting: Case Studies

Acrylic Painting
• Types of Painting Surfaces
• Painting Implements
• Surface Treatments and Grounds
• Spatial Effects
• Texture
• Transfers, Collage and Mixed Media
• Innovative Stenciling and Line Work
• Customize Your Paint
• Simulating Other Mediums
• Reflective Paints, Magical Effects and Finishing Sheens
• Varnishing and Care

Oil Painting
• Getting Your Supplies Together
• Capturing the Illusion of Three Dimensions
• Making Your Brush Behave
• Getting the Colors You Want
• Putting It All Together
• Creating a Still Life Painting
• Creating a Landscape Painting
• Creating a Portrait Painting

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TThis educational program is an introductory course designed to help students gain knowledge necessary for the vocational application of this subject. Completion of this program does not fulfill the legal requirements of particular state licenses or certifications, which may require additional training or apprenticeships. One or more of the course subjects/textbooks may vary as courses are updated.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2021 Edition