Distance learning is a now a common choice among those furthering their education, gaining new skills to compete in the dwindling economy or starting a new hobby or craft. Online art courses are taught via the Internet and often conducted with forum posts on art discussion and through the uploading of completed projects. Check with your distance learning school choices for information on whether an art diploma or a degree is offered.
Correspondence courses usually contain textbook and workbook-type learning with either mail-in or online exams. A typical correspondence art program includes art history, techniques and design elements. Water colors, acrylics, drawing, pastels and oils are some of the techniques learned in common art programs. Many correspondence schools offer a career diploma upon program completion.
There are a few online versions of free art study courses on the Internet as well as literature publications in your local library. If you are a motivated person, you may benefit from self-study. Self-study courses allow you to work at your own pace, like many other options, and study only what techniques and styles of art you'd like to learn. This method of study applies no tuition costs but will be lacking in directional advice and feedback without a facilitator. Self-study does not offer proof of completion.
Instructional programs are also offered on DVD packages that include workbooks. There is no other cost than to purchase the instructional kit and begin to work on your masterpiece. The DVD method is very flexible allowing you to work at your own pace and is more of a how-to type of teaching opposed to an interactive learning experience with an art instructor.