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The Borgias—a family synonymous with murder, rape, incest, and torture—have been immortalized by historians, authors, and a pair of dueling series on Showtime and Sky. But was it all sex, simony, and scandal? Art historian Elizabeth Lev examines their political aspirations, religious conflicts, fascinating artistic commissions—which, despite their extraordinary beauty, could not redeem the family's reputation—and the surprising epilogue to the clan’s inevitable downfall.
Using watercolor, learn the strategies Morisot, Constable, Monet, and Cézanne employed to harness light in their images. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)
Take a dive into the possibilities of alcohol inks as a component of your mixed-media arsenal. With intense, saturated color, alcohol inks offer many possibilities on a variety of surfaces, from tiles to paper.
Slow things down as you learn to capture movement and low light scenes with longer shutter speeds. Topics covered include panning, zoom effect, intentional camera movement, tripods, drive modes, neutral density filters, and the camera settings required to take slow shutter-speed photos in bright light, low light, twilight, and night.
Burt Bacharach composed for countless important artists during his storied 80-year career—which began in his teens—but he and his lyricist Hal David reserved some of their most visionary work for the magnificent Dionne Warwick. Concert pianist and Bacharach and Warwick fan Rachel Franklin explores the power and depth of their creative relationship and the extraordinary songbook masterpieces these great artists have left us.
Over the centuries, wild cat species have been inspirations for art, religion, mythology, and legends. They have also been a source of terror for many humans. Despite this, cats have somehow ingratiated themselves into our homes. Biologist Robert Johnson examines their evolution, highlights some of the most intriguing species, and provides insight into feline behavior, conservation status, and adaptations that make cats such effective predators.
The Jefferson Pier on the National Mall. A 170-year-old Japanese stone pagoda set among DC’s fabled cherry trees. A long-neglected fountain in the neighborhood once known as "Murder Bay." They’re among D.C.’s most unique, surprising and little-known monuments, memorials, and landmarks. Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours, knows their stories—and those of many more distinctive sites that visitors (and Washingtonians) often overlook.
Starting in the 15th century, many European nations competed to acquire pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, and other spices from Asia, as well as porcelain, silk, tea, and more. In this quest to obtain goods from abroad, these countries built empires, established colonies, and left virtually no corner of the globe untouched. Former foreign correspondent Adam Tanner examines why this historic Western focus on Asia is essential to understanding our world today.
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)
Learn proper application and blending techniques for oil pastels, which behave like chalk pastels but possess characteristics similar to those of wax crayons.
