LIZ STEEL Online Education

…more artistic musings

I came across LIZ STEEL’S Online Sketching Courses in 2014 and so glad that I did.

The discovery came at a really good time as I was going through down sizing with CLASSICAL DECORATIVE ARTS. At a cross road as to what’s next after retiring from having an active artistic business for 25 years I needed a new direction that could use previous long put aside interests.

The introduction to Liz’s buffet of courses was FOUNDATIONS.

As I worked through the LESSONS of this introduction class, there are a total of 12, I soon realized that the course closely resembled information being taught during my beginnings at the AMERICAN ACADEMY of ART in Chicago.

Written notes along with various size hard and soft cover sketchbooks used during LIZ STEEL FOUNDATION and EDGES COURSE (left). Original notebook used during seven years at the AMERICAN ACADEMY (right).

Soon, EDGES, WATERCOLOR ON LOCATION, SKETCHBOOK DESIGN, BUILDINGS, WATERCOLOR, and TEACUPS have been added over the years to my “course load”.

In addition to the double digit LESSONS for the individual COURSE there were LiveStreams where participation is encouraged. The various forums of Discussion, Breakthrough Gallery, Material List, Support/FAQ, Tips for getting the most out of the course, and Important Notices guided me through re-entry into creating while learning how to participate in an online art community.

Sketching supplies in TRAVEL TOOL KIT

Various SKETCHBOOK SAMPLES

While a particular COURSE is being offered, the LiveStream is live and Liz is available during the run of 4-8 weeks to answer questions that pertain to the current course. With the Self Directed there are LiveStream Replays available for all the above mentioned that can be accessed 24/7. Not to mention that the purchase never expires. Access to your account is always open.

Currently, this has been a perfect way for me to add art back into my everyday life without the pressure of producing large formal works. However, I have since found that there is a charm about having a sketchbook filled with sketches using various tools. Not to mention the spontaneous interaction with observers that often invites conversation.