About the class

Step into the fascinating world of art with Introduction to Art Appreciation and Art History! This eight-week course is designed to introduce you to the pleasures of art, art history, and how to appreciate artworks in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Whether you're new to the subject or simply looking to deepen your understanding, Richard Gunning will guide you through the journey with engaging presentations and discussions.

Each week, you'll explore different aspects of art history, focusing particularly on the Renaissance and Twentieth Century Art, while also learning to look at art with a critical and appreciative eye. The course is structured with a combination of informative talks and slide presentations (using a data projector), giving you a visual and intellectual experience of the topics. Students are encouraged to participate in discussions and ask questions, with a coffee-break included in the two-hour session.

What to Expect:

• Week 1: Introduction to art appreciation, art history, and principles of design.
• Week 2: Precursors to the Renaissance, and the Renaissance period itself.
• Week 3: The High Renaissance and Mannerism.
• Week 4: A look at the 17th and 18th centuries, with a focus on artists like Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Chardin.
• Week 5: Romanticism vs. Classicism, and the rise of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism in Paris.
• Week 6: The 20th Century (1914–1945), including Fauvism, Cubism, Futurism, Dada, and Surrealism.
• Week 7: The shift in the art world after 1945, from Paris to New York, and the rise of Abstract Expressionism.
• Week 8: Art since 1950, including Proto-pop, Pop Art, Colour Field, Minimalism, Mass Culture, Post-Modernism, and the 21st Century.

Handout notes will be provided to help you follow along, and you're welcome to take your own notes if you'd like. This is a relaxed and enjoyable class, ideal for anyone curious about art’s rich history and its role in shaping our culture today.

Prerequisites
No prior knowledge of art history is needed, and you don’t need any texts—though Richard will suggest further reading for those who are keen!

Building Accessibility

Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre is a heritage-listed building with access limitations. While there are no lift facilities within the main building, the ceramics studio is wheelchair accessible.

We acknowledge these limitations and are committed to improving accessibility where possible. We continue to explore ways to make our programs more inclusive and encourage you to reach out if you have any questions.

Other Additional Needs

Should you, or the person you are enrolling for, have any other additional requirements, please include these details when booking. Should you wish to chat to one of our friendly team, feel free to contact Reception on 9432 9555 or email [email protected] to discuss any individual needs.