Smithsonian Associates Online Programs

Refamiliarize yourself with the fundamentals of color theory while learning an approach to mixing color that relies on color harmonies. Gain a deeper understanding of complementary color relationships to more intuitively mix colors and harness color harmonies to better express depth as well as the contrast between light and shadow.

A little over a century ago, the sound of a horse-drawn carriage driving along cobblestone streets was the soundtrack of a nation on the move. The goal of the Carriage Museum—housed in the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook, New York, a Smithsonian Affiliate—is to bring a collection of 185 horse-drawn vehicles from the past to life. Live from the museum, curators share an overview of their collection and highlight some of the most interesting and important vehicles.

The Veneto comprises the capital city of Venice, built on the waters of the lagoon, and many mainland cities including Padua, Vicenza, and Verona, all of which are important centers for art, culture, and history. Art historian Sophia D’Addio explores the region’s cities and countryside, its elegant villas (including those designed by Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio) and its thriving wine industry. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

The story of life has always been one of great transitions and of crossing new frontiers. Each has ushered in waves of innovation, opportunity, and hazard. It might seem there are no more realms for life to venture, but NASA astrobiologist and author Caleb Scharf contends there is one: space. He discusses why he finds that journeying into space is life’s next great transition, an evolution of evolution itself in which he sees humans and technology as catalysts for an interplanetary transformation.

This introduction to Vincent van Gogh's accomplishments in drawing pays particular attention to his unique and instantly recognizable touch. Participants investigate how his imaginative mark making forms his images. In-class exercises revolve around drawing studies of his masterworks. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Beginning in the late 19th century, French artist Henri Rousseau crafted lush jungle scenes and evocative landscapes that bridged the gap between fantasy and reality, influencing a broad spectrum of artists. Barnes Foundation docent Anne Hilton leads a discussion of “Henri Rousseau: A Painter’s Secrets,” a special exhibition at the museum. Hilton delves into Rousseau’s career and the exhibition, which reunites paintings from collections around the globe. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)