THE STORIES BEHIND THE ART WORKS

EXPLORE HOW ARTISTS CREATED THEIR WORKS OF ART AND INSPIRE YOUR OWN ARTISTS.

Every painting, drawing, and sculpture was made by someone just like you and me. Beyond learning how an artwork was created, we explore why it matters — what it reveals about the world at the time and why it still resonates today.

Our Art Theory and History guides take you through the major art movements across the centuries, showing how they connect to our shared human story.

Each module also links directly to our painting tutorials, giving students a deeper appreciation of art’s evolution — and of their own place within it.

🎨 Art Theory & History – What You’ll Learn

• 🧠 Understand how to analyse art: Learn practical step-by-step methods for interpreting paintings, from first impressions to detailed critique.

• 🖌️ Explore the language of art: Grasp key visual elements such as shape, line, colour, tone, and composition to describe and discuss artworks confidently.

• 📐 Apply professional tools: Use frameworks like the Rule of Thirds, the Golden Ratio, and tonal values to strengthen visual understanding and creative composition.

• 🏺 Discover major art movements: Journey from prehistoric cave paintings through Egyptian, Islamic, and Baroque periods to modernism and realism.

• 🌍 Connect styles and ideas: See how artistic movements evolved in response to cultural, political, and scientific change.

• 💡 Develop critical and creative thinking: Combine historical insight with analytical skills to inspire original artistic expression in class and beyond.