I’m not interested in teaching; I’m interested in learning and helping my students to learn.
Teaching Philosophy
Rather than merely teaching, my focus is on facilitating learning for my students. Having taught in diverse settings, I’ve honed effective methods for engaging multicultural, multi-ethnic, and multilingual student bodies, navigating differences in age, culture, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, academic backgrounds, and learning styles. Teaching simultaneously in English and Italian has shaped my methodology, rooted in the belief that art is not something to be taught but learned.
My teaching philosophy centers on meta-learning—empowering students to grasp how to learn, engage in self-study, and continue learning beyond the classroom. I draw inspiration from the Reggio Emilia approach, tailored to higher education and particularly suited for multicultural, multilingual art classes. Viewing teaching as a form of art advocacy and leadership, I believe a good teacher serves as both a knowledge transmitter and a guide, leading students to discover their unique voice and express their worldview through visual media.
Recognizing the diversity within each class and group, I adapt my teaching style to cater to individual and collective needs. In the classroom, I position myself not as the teacher but as a facilitator, fostering interaction among students to encourage the development of their thinking and expression of ideas. My commitment lies in creating an environment where learning is a dynamic and collaborative process, tailored to the unique characteristics of each group and class.
Online Teaching
Since the inception of my teaching career in 2004, I have traversed borders, cultures, and continents, sharing my passion for the arts across Iran, Italy, and the United States. Over the years, I have had the privilege of guiding students of diverse backgrounds and skill levels, nurturing their artistic growth through a range of drawing, painting, and art history courses. These educational endeavors have taken place within esteemed art schools, academies, and universities, shaping the artistic journeys of countless individuals. In this digital age, I am excited to extend the boundaries of my teaching to the realm of online education. Embracing the power of technology, I now offer a selection of studio art and art history courses that can be accessed and experienced from anywhere in the world. Through these online courses, I aim to create a dynamic and interactive learning environment, fostering creativity, skill development, and a deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of art.
Below, you will find a list of the online courses I currently offer. Whether you are a beginner seeking to explore the foundations of artistic expression or an advanced learner looking to expand your artistic horizons, there is a course tailored to your needs. Should you be interested in studying with me, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I offer a complimentary 20-minute consultation via Skype, where we can discuss your artistic aspirations and how my courses can support your creative journey. In addition to the structured coursework, I also provide personalized guidance in the form of artwork advice, critiques, and assistance in crafting compelling artist statements. If you are preparing your portfolio and application for art schools, I am here to lend my expertise and support, helping you present your artistic vision with clarity and impact. I am honored to be part of your artistic odyssey and look forward to embarking on this transformative learning experience together. Let us connect, learn, and inspire as we embark on a shared journey through the vast and captivating world of art. Contact me to explore the boundless possibilities that art education and mentorship can unfold.
Online Courses
Studio Art Courses
Drawing Foundation
Online Course – Beginner Level
OBJECTIVES:
This online course aims to establish a solid foundation in drawing, introducing participants to the two-dimensional process of representation and encouraging experimentation with visual elements. By acquiring fundamental drawing practices and familiarizing themselves with various tools, materials, and techniques, students will explore diverse approaches to comprehend the relationships between their drawings and their observations, thoughts, and imaginations. The primary focus of this course will be on developing essential drawing skills, including rendering techniques, composition, proportion, and perspective. The curriculum will be delivered through slide lectures and assignments, facilitating comprehensive learning.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of basic processes and techniques of representation and abstraction.
- Enhance their skills in proportion, composition, gesture, and value, leading to more proficient artwork.
- Develop proficiency in various drawing methods, enabling them to effectively express their artistic vision.
- Exhibit confidence in their drawing approach, reflecting a mastery of the foundational principles and techniques.
Perspective Drawing
Online Course – Beginner Level
OBJECTIVES:
This online course aims to provide students with a solid foundation in both linear and aerial perspectives. Participants will learn essential perspective techniques that enable them to create the illusion of depth and three-dimensionality on a two-dimensional surface. The focus of this course will be on applying these techniques to draw landscapes, architecture, and cityscapes. Through slide lectures and assignments, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of perspective drawing.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Gain confidence in drawing on-location, capturing the essence and perspective of their surroundings.
- Strengthen their skills in both linear and aerial perspective, allowing them to depict depth and spatial relationships convincingly.
- Improve their measuring skills, enabling accurate representation of proportions and dimensions in their artwork.
- Develop proficiency in various drawing methods specific to perspective drawing, enhancing their artistic expression.
- Hone their observational sketching skills, fostering the ability to capture scenes and objects with accuracy and attention to detail.
Figure Drawing
Online Course – Intermediate & Advanced Levels
OBJECTIVES:
This online course offers an immersive exploration of figurative drawing for students at the intermediate and advanced levels. Participants will delve into the study of historical and contemporary drawings, while engaging with various materials and techniques. Drawing exercises, lectures, presentations, discussions, group and individual critiques, as well as research, form an integral part of this course. The primary objective is to enhance figure drawing skills and expand students’ understanding of the significance of traditional drawing in the contemporary era. The curriculum will be delivered through slide lectures and assignments, fostering comprehensive learning.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Strengthen their skills in proportion, composition, gesture, and value, leading to more proficient figure drawings.
- Cultivate a courageous and confident attitude towards figure drawing, enabling personal artistic growth.
- Gain knowledge about key figures in drawing history, ranging from old masters to modern and contemporary artists, enriching their understanding of the subject.
- Comprehend the role of traditional drawing skills in the contemporary epoch, exploring the intersections of tradition and innovation.
- Create an effective portfolio showcasing their progress and achievements in figure drawing.
- Develop critical skills and a visual vocabulary for articulate discussions and written reflections on their artwork.
Urban Sketching
Online Course – Beginner Level
OBJECTIVES:
This online course is designed to introduce students to the art of freehand on-location drawing in urban environments. Through various drawing techniques, participants will have the opportunity to express their visual encounters with the bustling cityscape. The primary objective is to develop a solid understanding of linear and aerial perspectives, while enhancing sketching skills. The course curriculum includes slide lectures and assignments to facilitate comprehensive learning.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Gain confidence in drawing on-location, capturing the vibrancy and essence of urban settings.
- Strengthen their skills in perspective, enabling them to accurately depict depth and spatial relationships in their sketches.
- Improve their measuring skills, ensuring precise representation of proportions and dimensions in their artwork.
- Develop an understanding of composition, scale, depth, contrast, line, and value, allowing for more dynamic and visually appealing sketches.
- Hone their observational sketching skills, cultivating the ability to document daily life through art.
- Learn to utilize on-site sketching as a means of recording and commemorating their surroundings.
- Understand and employ basic visual vocabulary when discussing art and the artistic process.
Watercolor Painting
Online Course – Beginner Level
OBJECTIVES:
This online course is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in watercolor painting and color theory. Participants will explore various watercolor techniques through the creation of still-life, landscape, architectural, and figurative artworks. The course curriculum includes slide lectures and assignments to facilitate comprehensive learning.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Gain confidence in using watercolor as a medium, allowing for the expression of their artistic vision.
- Strengthen their skills in perspective, enabling them to create depth and spatial relationships in their watercolor paintings.
- Improve their measuring skills, ensuring accurate representation of proportions and dimensions in their artwork.
- Develop an understanding of composition, scale, depth, contrast, line, and value, enhancing the visual impact and harmony of their watercolor paintings.
- Hone their observational skills, capturing the essence of subjects through keen observation and sketching.
- Learn to utilize watercolor painting as a means of documenting and portraying daily life experiences.
- Understand and employ basic visual vocabulary when discussing art and the artistic process, facilitating effective communication about their own work and the work of others.
Art History Courses
General Art History Survey
Online Course – Beginner Level
OBJECTIVES:
This online course offers a comprehensive exploration of Western art history, tracing its development from the late medieval and early Renaissance periods to the present day. Participants will gain familiarity with significant works of art in painting, sculpture, and architecture, as well as acquire knowledge about the principal artists and architects of each era. The course will cover various artistic movements, including Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Realism, Modernism, and Postmodernism, presented in chronological order. Slide lectures, discussions, documentaries, and movies will form the basis of the course curriculum.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Articulate a deeper understanding of visual art throughout history, recognizing its significance and evolution.
- Identify and describe the major artworks of Western Art, understanding their style, content, and historical context.
- Demonstrate proficiency in defining art terminology and utilizing art historical vocabulary to describe and analyze works of art.
- Establish a connection between art history and their own artistic practice, exploring how historical influences shape contemporary art.
- Compare and contrast different artworks and eras, elucidating the connections and influences that exist between them.
History of the Italian Renaissance and Northern Europe
Online Course – Beginner Level
OBJECTIVES:
This online course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the history of the Renaissance, with a particular focus on Italy and Northern Europe. Participants will delve into the major historical works of art, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and architecture, while gaining knowledge about the principal artists and architects of this remarkable period. The course curriculum will be delivered through slide lectures, discussions, documentaries, and movies, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Articulate a thorough understanding of the Renaissance, both in Italy and Northern Europe, exploring the historical context and key developments that shaped this transformative era.
- Recognize and effectively describe the importance of the major artworks produced during the Renaissance, encompassing diverse mediums and artistic expressions.
- Identify the leading figures and important artists who played pivotal roles during this period in both Italy and Northern Europe, gaining a deeper appreciation of their contributions.
- Compare and contrast different artworks and eras within the Renaissance, examining the connections, influences, and distinct characteristics that emerged across regions.
History of Western Drawing (1500 – 2000)
Online Course – Intermediate & Advanced Levels
OBJECTIVES:
This online course offers a comprehensive exploration of the history of Western drawing from the Renaissance to the contemporary era. Participants will delve into the evolving role of drawing, from its preparatory function for painting, sculpture, and architecture during the Renaissance, to its emergence as an independent and widely utilized medium in contemporary art. The course curriculum will focus on significant figures, spanning from the old masters to modern and contemporary artists, shedding light on their contributions and artistic philosophies. The course aims to achieve two primary goals: first, to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the history of drawing and its pivotal figures across different eras from the 1500s to the 2000s; second, to explore the relevance and significance of traditional drawing skills in the context of contemporary art. By examining various contemporary approaches to drawing, students will investigate whether mastery of traditional drawing techniques alone can pave the way for a successful career as professional artists in the contemporary art world.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Articulate a comprehensive understanding of the history of Western drawing, tracing its development and transformations across different time periods.
- Identify and appreciate key figures of drawing history, ranging from the old masters to modern and contemporary artists, comprehending their artistic contributions and influences.
- Recognize, describe, and compare different methods and theories employed in Western drawing, gaining insights into the diverse approaches to the medium.
- Understand the role of traditional drawing skills in the contemporary epoch, evaluating its relevance and significance in the context of modern art practices.
- Develop critical skills and a visual vocabulary to effectively analyze and discuss drawing, enhancing their ability to communicate insights and observations in oral and written form.
History of Western Sculpture (1500 – 2000)
Online Course – Intermediate & Advanced Level
OBJECTIVES:
This online course offers a comprehensive exploration of the history of Western sculpture, spanning from the Renaissance to the contemporary era. Participants will delve into the evolving role of the artist, space, three-dimensional art objects, and the viewer throughout this transformative period. The course curriculum aims to provide an in-depth understanding of key figures, theories, and the differences between traditional, modern, and contemporary sculpture. Through engaging slide lectures, assignments, discussions, documentaries, and movies, students will develop a well-rounded perspective of Western sculpture.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Articulate a comprehensive understanding of the history of Western sculpture, tracing its development and significant shifts across different time periods.
- Identify and appreciate key figures in the realm of Western sculpture, ranging from the old masters to modern and contemporary artists, comprehending their artistic contributions and influences.
- Recognize, describe, and compare different methods and theories employed in Western sculpture, gaining insights into the diverse approaches to three-dimensional art.
- Understand the role of traditional skills in the contemporary epoch, evaluating its relevance and significance in the context of modern and contemporary sculptural practices.
- Develop critical skills and a visual vocabulary to effectively analyze and discuss three-dimensional art, enhancing their ability to communicate insights and observations in both oral and written form.
Introduction to Italian Modern & Contemporary Art
Online Course – Intermediate & Advanced Levels
OBJECTIVES:
This online course offers a comprehensive exploration of Italian art beyond the Renaissance, focusing on the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Participants will delve into the diverse art movements that have shaped Italian modern and contemporary art, including Macchiaioli, Futurism, Spatialism, Arte Povera, Transavanguardia, and Poesia Visiva. By examining the works and contributions of key figures such as Lucio Fontana, Piero Manzoni, and Maurizio Cattelan, students will gain a deeper understanding of Italian contemporary art and its unique characteristics. The course curriculum will be delivered through engaging lectures, discussions, visual analyses, and critical comparisons.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Articulate a comprehensive understanding of the main characteristics that define Italian modern and contemporary art, exploring its distinct qualities, influences, and evolutions.
- Identify and appreciate key figures of Italian art from the mid-1800s to the present day, recognizing their contributions and impact on the art world.
- Recognize, describe, and compare different Italian art movements, gaining insights into their philosophies, techniques, and visual aesthetics.
- Compare and analyze different artworks within the context of Italian modern and contemporary art, elucidating the connections, influences, and artistic dialogues that exist between them.
- Understand the role of traditional and historical art in shaping the contemporary epoch, examining the ways in which artists have responded to and challenged artistic traditions.
The Role of Calligraphy in Iranian Art
Online Course – Intermediate & Advanced Levels
OBJECTIVES:
This online course aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the history of Persian calligraphy and its profound influence on Iranian visual arts, with a specific focus on the modern and contemporary periods. Participants will delve into the origins of Persian calligraphy, examining key figures and theories that have shaped its evolution. The course will shed light on distinctions between Islamic and poetic styles, the transformative impact of calligraphy on Iranian art, and the diverse approaches to this art form in the modern era. Engaging lectures and discussions will form the core of this course.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Articulate a nuanced understanding of the rich history of Persian calligraphy, exploring its evolution and cultural significance.
- Identify key figures in Persian calligraphy, ranging from old masters to modern and contemporary artists, appreciating their contributions to this distinctive art form.
- Understand the integral role of both poetry and religion in shaping various Islamic and poetic calligraphic styles, providing insights into the cultural and artistic contexts.
- Recognize and differentiate between various calligraphic styles employed in Iranian art, fostering an appreciation for the diversity within this traditional practice.
- Learn about the distinctions between the Persian language and script in comparison to Arabic, enhancing their linguistic and scriptural awareness.
Public Art After 1960
Online Course – Advanced Level
OBJECTIVES:
This advanced-level online course delves into the evolution of public art, spanning from the early 1960s to the contemporary era. Participants will explore key figures, theories, and the transformative differences in public art before and after the 1960s. The course will emphasize the shift from the art object in public spaces to a participatory experience between the artist and the public, reshaping the role of the viewer from a passive observer to an active participant or collaborator. Additionally, the course will examine the emergence of art in virtual spaces. Topics covered include monuments, post-monuments, institutional critique, social sculpture, land art, participatory public art, new genre public art, net art, and locative art. The curriculum incorporates slide lectures, assignments, discussions, documentaries, and movies.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Articulate a nuanced understanding of public art, exploring its evolution and contemporary significance.
- Identify leading figures and key theories that have influenced the trajectory of public art since the 1960s.
- Differentiate between art in physical spaces and virtual art, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities presented by each.
- Grasp the changing roles of the artist, the art object, and the viewer in the context of participatory and collaborative public art practices.
Art History: Theories & Methods
Online Course – Advanced Level
OBJECTIVES:
This advanced-level online course unfolds the evolution of art history as an academic discipline, tracing its roots from the mid-1800s in Vienna to its contemporary manifestations. Throughout the course, students will delve into key figures of art history, various methods and theories, and confront challenges such as global art history and Eurocentrism. The curriculum is structured into four main parts: the first part introduces the Vienna School of Art History and its leading figures until 1960; the second part explores the post-1960 era, the need for new master narratives, and issues of global art history and Eurocentrism; the third part delves into a psychological and neuroscientific approach to art history, and in the final part, students apply their knowledge to analyze and compare artworks while honing their skills in writing exhibition reviews. The course employs a diverse range of teaching methods, including slide lectures, discussions, readings, assignments, documentaries, and movies.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Articulate a comprehensive understanding of the history of art history, recognizing and appreciating the leading figures who have shaped the discipline.
- Recognize, describe, and compare different methods and theories employed in art history, gaining insights into the diverse approaches used to analyze and interpret artworks.
- Understand the challenges and complexities associated with global art history and Eurocentrism, fostering a critical awareness of the discipline’s broader context.
- Define art terminology and apply art historical vocabulary proficiently, enhancing their ability to communicate nuanced insights about art.
- Develop the skills to write exhibition reviews, effectively conveying critical evaluations and analyses of artworks presented in various settings.
History of Art History (1860 – 1960)
Online Course – Advanced Level
OBJECTIVES:
This advanced-level online course offers an insightful journey into the development of art history as an academic discipline, specifically from the mid-1800s at the Vienna School of Art History to the pivotal year of 1960. Students will gain a deep understanding of the leading figures, main methods, and significant theories that shaped art historical discourse during this transformative period. The course will delve into key topics such as Fin-de-siècle Vienna, the Vienna School of Art History, Historical Judgment, Aesthetic Judgment, the Klimt affair in 1900, Formalism, Pure Visibility, Kunstwollen (The Artistic Will), Style Analysis, Empathy, and Iconology. Learning experiences will be facilitated through engaging slide lectures, assignments, discussions, documentaries, and movies.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Articulate a nuanced understanding of the history of art history as an academic discipline, comprehending its evolution and key milestones.
- Identify and appreciate key figures in art history from 1860 to 1960, recognizing their contributions and impact on the development of the discipline.
- Recognize, describe, and compare different methods and theories employed in art history during this era, gaining insights into the diverse approaches used to interpret and analyze artworks.
- Learn the nuances of formal analysis and apply their knowledge to critically analyze and compare different works of art.
Art History After 1960
Online Course – Advanced Level
OBJECTIVES:
This advanced-level online course embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of art history from 1960 to the present day. Participants will delve into the transformation of traditional art and art history, addressing the need for new master narratives, the complexities of global art history post-1989, and the challenges posed by Eurocentrism. The course will spotlight key figures in contemporary art history, diverse methods and theories, and the nuanced challenges associated with traditional art historical approaches. Engaging teaching methods, including slide lectures, discussions, readings, assignments, documentaries, and movies, will be employed to facilitate learning.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Articulate a nuanced understanding of the history of art history after 1960, exploring the shifts, challenges, and innovations that have defined the discipline.
- Identify and appreciate leading figures and key theories that have influenced contemporary art history, recognizing their impact on shaping the discourse.
- Recognize, describe, and compare different methods and theories used in contemporary art history, gaining insights into the diverse approaches employed to interpret and analyze artworks.
- Understand the distinctions between world art and global art, critically examining the interconnectedness of diverse art practices on a global scale.
- Explore the evolving role of art theory after 1960 in comparison with traditional art historical methods, fostering an awareness of the changing intellectual landscape in the field.
Art, Aesthetics & Neuroscience
Online Course – Advanced Level
OBJECTIVES:
This advanced-level online course delves into the intriguing intersection of art, aesthetics, and neuroscience, spanning from the early 1900s to the contemporary era. Participants will explore the psychological and neuroscientific approach to art history, gaining insights into how our brains perceive and respond to artistic stimuli. The course will spotlight key figures and various scientific approaches, including topics such as the beholder’s share, empathy, the visual brain, neuroaesthetics, mirror neurons, embodied simulations, neural plasticity, and neuroarthistory. Through engaging slide lectures, assignments, discussions, documentaries, and movies, students will navigate this interdisciplinary realm.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Articulate a comprehensive understanding of the scientific approach to art history, appreciating the ways in which neuroscience contributes to our understanding of aesthetic experiences.
- Identify and appreciate leading figures and key theories within the field, recognizing their contributions to the intersection of art, aesthetics, and neuroscience.
- Understand the biological basis of aesthetic experience, gaining insights into the neural processes that underlie our perception and response to art.
- Recognize, describe, and compare different scientific methods and theories employed in the exploration of art, aesthetics, and neuroscience.
- Navigate the challenges and complexities of linking art to neuroscience, critically examining the intersections and limitations of these interdisciplinary pursuits.
Alois Riegl: Theories & Ideas
Online Course – Advanced Level
OBJECTIVES:
This advanced-level online course is dedicated to the exploration of the Austrian art historian Alois Riegl, a pioneering figure in the establishment of art history as an independent discipline. Participants will delve into Riegl’s biography, key concepts, and influential theories, as well as his profound impact on the field of art history. The course will specifically focus on the Vienna School of Art History, formalism, and Riegl’s distinctive perspective on the role of the viewer in completing the work of art. Engaging teaching methods, including slide lectures, assignments, discussions, readings, documentaries, and movies, will be employed to facilitate learning.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Articulate a nuanced understanding of Alois Riegl’s historiography, appreciating his contributions to shaping the foundations of art history as an independent discipline.
- Gain insights into the establishment of the Vienna School, recognizing its significance in the broader context of art historical developments.
- Identify and comprehend Riegl’s major books, ideas, and theories, gaining a comprehensive understanding of his intellectual contributions.
- Recognize and describe the profound influences that Alois Riegl had on art history and subsequent art historians, acknowledging his enduring impact on the field.