Are you passionate about art history, art education, and the history of art? If so, you likely enjoy exploring the world of painting and the myriad of fascinating topics related to the subject matter. Reading authoritative books, analyzing art from a variety of eras, and visiting museums are just a few ways to indulge your love of art history. But there is another medium that can help satisfy your passion just as much if not more - YouTube! By scrolling through our list of the best YouTube channels for exploring art history you can soon find yourself diving even further into this great subject. Keep reading to learn more!

Art history: Top Youtube Channels

Art History 101

Channel Views: ~998.6k Channel Subscribers: ~7.5k Channel Videos: ~1.1k

Art History 101 Youtube Channel

Art History 101 is a YouTube channel dedicated to exploring the history and culture of art. It provides informative and inspiring videos about various artworks, topics, and movements from different cultures and time periods. With videos ranging from short tutorials about elements of painting to lengthy interviews with famous art historians, Art History 101 provides a comprehensive look at the world of art.

Smarthistory

Channel Views: ~67.4m Channel Subscribers: ~268k Channel Videos: ~1.1k

Smarthistory Youtube Channel

Smarthistory is a popular YouTube channel featuring art history lectures and videos from Khan Academy and AP Art History courses. Their content spans from ancient Rome to contemporary art and includes topics from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Louvre, The Getty, and Crystal Bridges. Viewers can become immersed in the history and culture of art with every new video.

Art Prof: Create & Critique

Channel Views: ~8.5m Channel Subscribers: ~135k Channel Videos: ~1.1k

Art Prof: Create & Critique Youtube Channel

Art Prof: Create & Critique is a fantastic YouTube channel that focuses on topics ranging from the fundamentals of art history, to giving helpful critiques and advice on art portfolios, critiques, and artist careers. The content is full of insightful advice and motivation for artists, complete with examples of how to critique art, and great solutions to problems that artists regularly face. All in all, it's a great resource for any aspiring artist.

Artrageous with Nate

Channel Views: ~6.3m Channel Subscribers: ~53k Channel Videos: ~154

Artrageous with Nate Youtube Channel

Artrageous with Nate is a YouTube channel dedicated to art education and integration. It includes programs on art history, science, math, engineering and art, making it a fantastic learning opportunity for kids. It provides a unique perspective on the power of art and how to use it to engage with the world around us. With its approach to teaching and inspiring creativity, this channel is a great resource for anyone looking to learn more about art and the technology associated with it.

Indigo Artbox

Channel Views: ~793.9k Channel Subscribers: ~5.6k Channel Videos: ~39

Indigo Artbox Youtube Channel

Indigo Artbox is a YouTube channel devoted to art history and how to videos, providing an engaging and innovative way to make art. The channel is full of helpful tutorials and interesting topics that allow anyone to become an artist. With its fun and informative content, Indigo Artbox is a great resource for any aspiring artist.

Art History with Travis Lee Clark

Channel Views: ~876.3k Channel Subscribers: ~37.5k Channel Videos: ~95

Art History with Travis Lee Clark Youtube Channel

Travis Lee Clark's YouTube channel, Art History with Travis Lee Clark, is the perfect place to learn about art and art history. His comprehensive videos delve into topics such as influential artists and movements, art in popular culture, and art theory. He offers a unique and engaging approach to exploring the history of art, making it a great educational resource for anyone interested in the subject.

The Art Tourist

Channel Views: ~1.1m Channel Subscribers: ~34.9k Channel Videos: ~78

The Art Tourist Youtube Channel

The Art Tourist YouTube channel is your go-to resource for discovering great art and all its related topics. From learning the basics of art history and important figures in the field to exploring works by famous artists and great women artists, the channel provides a comprehensive education in the field. Additionally, this channel has a particular focus on The Art Assignment, Know the Artist, and Art Vlog to help get a better understanding of great artworks. This makes it a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about the art world.

AboutArt

Channel Views: ~104.4k Channel Subscribers: ~2.5k Channel Videos: ~40

AboutArt Youtube Channel

AboutArt is a YouTube channel all about art and art history. It provides an accessible and fresh look into art, culture, and history through films and interviews with notable art historians. Enjoy a journey through the histories of art from different cultures around the world. Discover something new today with AboutArt!

Accessible Art History

Channel Views: ~531.6k Channel Subscribers: ~6.6k Channel Videos: ~418

Accessible Art History Youtube Channel

The Accessible Art History YouTube channel is a great resource for art lovers wanting to learn more about the history of art. It offers comprehensive lessons on various art topics, as well as lesson plans and practice quizzes for Advanced Placement (AP) Art History courses. Whether you're a beginner or an expert in art history, this channel has a wealth of information to offer.

The Art Assignment

Channel Views: ~35.3m Channel Subscribers: ~683k Channel Videos: ~228

The Art Assignment Youtube Channel

The Art Assignment YouTube channel is a place for anyone interested in art, art history, or contemporary art. It covers a wide range of topics while using explanations, demonstrations, and collaborative assignments to help guide viewers through the world of art. Perfect for art history classes and AP Art History courses, The Art Assignment will inspire and help you explore the many facets of art.

Art Room Talks

Channel Views: ~307.7k Channel Subscribers: ~7.2k Channel Videos: ~104

Art Room Talks Youtube Channel

Art Room Talks is a YouTube channel dedicated to art enthusiasts. It provides engaging malayalam art tutorials ranging from learning the basics of art to exploring more complex art theories and history. It is a great resource for anyone looking to learn, study, or expand their knowledge of art. It offers informative art tutorials, insightful art history lessons, and inspiring art theories. With the help of Art Room Talks, art enthusiasts can gain a deeper understanding of their favorite art form.

John O'Brien's Art History Channel

Channel Views: ~77.3k Channel Subscribers: ~931 Channel Videos: ~55

John O'Brien's Art History Channel Youtube Channel

John O'Brien's Art History Channel on YouTube offers insightful, informative content for viewers looking to explore the world of art and art history. Each video on the channel covers a specific subject such as famous artists, time periods, art eras, and more. He offers an engaging and enjoyable way to learn about the fascinating history and art of the past.

Fleet's AP Art History

Channel Views: ~329.6k Channel Subscribers: ~4.6k Channel Videos: ~55

Fleet's AP Art History Youtube Channel

Fleet's AP Art History YouTube channel provides a comprehensive collection of lectures and tutorials on art history topics, particularly relevant to those taking or preparing for AP Art History exams. It aims to make the learning process easier by providing engaging, informative videos which simplify complex concepts in a way that allows viewers to easily understand. Through these videos, viewers are equipped with a deeper understanding of the art history topics relevant to their AP Art History exam.

Art and Self with Cindy Ingram

Channel Views: ~153.2k Channel Subscribers: ~2k Channel Videos: ~172

Art and Self with Cindy Ingram Youtube Channel

Art and Self with Cindy Ingram is a YouTube channel for art enthusiasts of all ages. The channel offers art history lessons, educational tutorials, and creative inspiration from a professional artist and art educator. Kids will find a variety of engaging activities and projects that explore the fundamentals of art history and technique. Join Cindy Ingram on her channel to explore the world of art and self-expression!

artspace

Channel Views: ~17.1k Channel Subscribers: ~158 Channel Videos: ~12

artspace Youtube Channel

The Artspace YouTube channel offers viewers a captivating look into the art and culture of Europe. From painting and sculpture to stories and ancient mythology, their videos deliver a fascinating exploration of art history, from the beginnings of European civilizations to modern art and culture. In addition to the traditional, the channel also dives into deeper topics such as Buddhism. With their engaging and authentic content, Artspace provides viewers with a unique educational experience.

Art History with Alder

Channel Views: ~89k Channel Subscribers: ~2.8k Channel Videos: ~22

Art History with Alder Youtube Channel

The Art History with Alder YouTube channel is a great source of information for those looking to learn more about art history. It offers tutorials and reviews on a variety of topics, from AP Art History 250 to famous art pieces and visiting art museums. This channel provides an engaging way to further your knowledge and understanding of the art world.

Art History School

Channel Views: ~5.9m Channel Subscribers: ~139k Channel Videos: ~53

Art History School Youtube Channel

The Art History School YouTube channel is the perfect place to learn about the history of art and its famous painters and artists, such as Frida Kahlo, Hilma af Klint, Edvard Munch, and Georgia O'Keeffe. It is an ideal resource for art history beginners and those looking to gain an insight into French history.

Sotheby's

Channel Views: ~39.7m Channel Subscribers: ~191k Channel Videos: ~2.5k

Sotheby's Youtube Channel

Sotheby's YouTube channel offers viewers an exclusive look into the world of fine art and art history. With weekly videos on auctions, art shows, and art sales, viewers learn tips and tricks from art experts to make an informed purchase. Along with a curated selection of contemporary art pieces, viewers can explore the history and legacy of Sotheby's auction house and find out more about upcoming art fairs. Enjoy a magical journey into the world of fine art and antiques with Sotheby's YouTube channel!

Perspective

Channel Views: ~31.6m Channel Subscribers: ~229k Channel Videos: ~323

Perspective Youtube Channel

Perspective is a YouTube channel featuring full-length documentaries on art history, art and culture, and various historical topics. These documentaries are created by award-winning filmmaker Waldemar Januszczak and feature full-length documentaries, TV shows and documentary movies. Perspective offers an immersive and curated view of the past to provide a greater understanding of the present.

The Canvas

Channel Views: ~18.2m Channel Subscribers: ~399k Channel Videos: ~152

The Canvas Youtube Channel

The Canvas is a YouTube channel dedicated to exploring art history through documentary videos, painting analysis and artist explained videos. This channel provides engaging and detailed content to help viewers learn more about the cultural and artistic importance of artwork. Art enthusiasts and history buffs alike can appreciate the breadth of topics explored. In short, this channel is a great source for those looking to learn about art and its history.

The National Gallery

Channel Views: ~21.4m Channel Subscribers: ~257k Channel Videos: ~564

The National Gallery Youtube Channel

The National Gallery YouTube channel is a great source for exploring and learning about European art. Through the channel you can view art exhibitions, art restoration projects, and fine artworks from the gallery, located in Trafalgar Square near Charing Cross. This is the perfect destination for art lovers who want to learn more about art history and the National Gallery.

The Drawing Database-Northern Kentucky University

Channel Views: ~7.9m Channel Subscribers: ~204k Channel Videos: ~327

The Drawing Database-Northern Kentucky University Youtube Channel

The Drawing Database-Northern Kentucky University YouTube channel is a resource for anyone seeking university-level art instruction. It offers various videos on topics such as basic drawing, figure drawing, still life drawing, drawing materials, drawing anatomy and more. It's great for beginner drawers and experienced artists alike, as it covers both foundational art history and drawing concepts as well as more advanced college drawing courses. Overall, the Drawing Database provides an invaluable source of educational insight!

gleammotions

Channel Views: ~7.6k Channel Subscribers: ~327 Channel Videos: ~17

gleammotions Youtube Channel

Gleammotions is a YouTube channel dedicated to art history, hobbies, technology and lifestyle topics. It provides viewers with informative and interesting tutorials and videos on topics such as drawing and painting, discussing current events, exploring the history of art movements, and introducing viewers to new technologies. It's an engaging and interactive platform for learning about various aspects of the arts, technology and lifestyle.

Nats Can Fly

Channel Views: ~58.7k Channel Subscribers: ~425 Channel Videos: ~20

Nats Can Fly Youtube Channel

Nats Can Fly is a YouTube channel that focuses on art history and music, with a special emphasis on contemporary pop music. It covers a variety of topics related to both art and music, and has gained a large following due to its creative content and engaging videos. Fans of the channel are sure to get an entertaining and educational experience!

Exploring Different Periods of Art History

Exploring Different Periods of Art History is an interesting and rewarding journey through the history of art. Art is an expression of culture and creativity, giving insight into the events and beliefs of a society in various eras. Each period of the history of art is distinct, characterized by its own artistic trends, subject matter, and techniques. To get a fuller picture of the history of art, it is beneficial to learn about the various periods of art history.

  • The history of art is commonly divided up into various periods. The first period is Prehistoric Art, which is evidence of the earliest examples of art created before written history. Art of this period mainly focused on practical visually appealing carvings and statues. Pieces of this period are often found in caves and burial sites, providing an insight into religious practices of the ancient era.
  • The Renaissance period of art history is the next major period, lasting from the 14th to the 17th century. This period saw an emergence of ideals such as individualism and humanism, as well as realism in art, becoming the foundation of art ever since then. Art of this time was mainly focused on religious themes but also featured elements of perspective and portraiture. After the Renaissance period came the Baroque, the Rococo, and the Romanticism period, each distinguished by various characteristics and movements of the times.

Art history is an incredibly fascinating and rich cultural experience. Learning about the different periods reveals the transformations that took place in art and their influences on current art movements. Exploring different periods of art history is a great opportunity to learn more about the developments of art and appreciate the unique styles of the past.

Applying Art History to the Present day

The study of art history, once considered a purely historical exercise, has become a valuable means of understanding contemporary art. This is because while art of the past provides a useful lens through which we can explore both the present, and what will follow in the future. There are multiple ways that those interested in art can apply the study of art history to the present day.

  1. The first is to gain an appreciation and understanding of modern art. By considering the art movements of the past, it is easier to understand and appreciate the artworks of today. In learning of and observing the great works of the past, we can better see the influences and connections between past and present. Knowing how certain acts or movements have influenced today’s art enables us to interpret current art within the specific context of the artist and period.
  2. Another existing application of art history to the present day is in exploring the works of modern day artists. By learning about and observing the trends and conventions of the past, today’s artists are able to use historic visual motifs - often in new and creative ways. The result of this is that contemporary and historical artworks, while distinct, have a certain common thread and underlying similarity. On a practical level, this allows both art experts and laymen to identify connections and trends that apply to many different type of art.

Ultimately, the study of art history is an incredibly important tool in appreciating and understanding art, both from the perspective of art being produced in the present day, and that of the works of the past. Those considering art - regardless of their experience level - should be sure to incorporate the alumni of art history into their understanding and appreciation of art.

Understanding the Basics of Ancient Art

Ancient art is a field of art history that studies the various forms of art produced in various cultures throughout the centuries. From cave art up to the Renaissance and beyond, ancient art encompasses a truly varied and diverse range of art produced in different cultures and time periods. To understand the basics of ancient art, one must be familiar with some of the key elements and styles of art from the various cultures.

  • One important element present in most ancient art is the use of symbols and motifs to convey cultural religious or political ideas. Ancient art often had a symbolic meaning, ensuring that the meaning was not only carried across to the viewer, but also preserved over time. Additionally, many ancient cultures had a distinct style of art, using mathematically precise patterns along with a strict range of colors and depictions of deities.
  • Many ancient art forms involved a wide variety of mediums, ranging from carvings, paintings and sculptures, to mosaics and tapestries. These mediums allowed ancient cultures to express their ideas, beliefs and stories in powerful and visually stunning ways. It is for this reason that ancient art continues to be appreciated, admired and studied by modern society. 

Understanding the basics of ancient art is both an exploration of its various forms and cultures, as well as a respect for the artists who created them.

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