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Fine Arts

American Paintings

4 lessons

4.5h total length

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Tour a collection of great American Paintings and discover the unique character of American art.

Great artists perceive something that is difficult to capture and portray it with a beauty that makes it easier for us to grasp. These American paintings present the American character and make us proud to be Americans.

This course explores inspiring portraits of statesmen, cherished images of common citizens, breathtaking landscapes of the American countryside, the hidden beauty of America’s city streets, and harrowing but fortifying glimpses of battle. American art is characterized by honesty. These artists attempt to balance a faithful replica of reality with a depiction of the ideal we seek. The color, light, and movement captured in brushstrokes on canvas provide a unique glimpse of the American character. 

Join Sam Knecht, artist and professor, in this four episode course. Each episode is approximately one hour long. Sam analyzes some of his favorite American paintings and provides painting demonstrations to illustrate key techniques and concepts. Complete the course and receive a certificate by watching the lectures and taking the short quizzes that follow. Study guides are provided to supplement each lecture. Take the course at your own pace and in the manner that best fits your schedule. 

Enroll in “American Paintings” today to discover the beauty and honesty of America’s great art.

Taught by: 

Sam Knecht, Professor Emeritus of Art 

Released 2025. 

Lessons in this course

56:27

lesson 1

American Heroes

The American patriots depicted in these paintings, from our Founding Fathers through our more recent statesmen, inspire us to live up to the principles and promise of America.

1:3:26

lesson 2

Landscapes and Cityscapes

America’s sprawling countryside, majestic waterfalls, and soaring mountains inspire our artists to capture the freedom that suffuses the very air. Bustling cities, meanwhile, are fertile settings for presenting the beauty of everyday life.

1:3:41

lesson 3

Everyday Americans

America exists of, by, and for the people. These paintings feature ordinary American citizens exercising their freedom, defending their rights, laboring for their property, and loving their neighbors. 

45:40

lesson 4

Battle Scenes

American freedom was won and is maintained on the field of battle. Artists capture the courage and valor so characteristic of Americans in these war paintings.

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What Current Students Are Saying

Takes the student through the full context of the course subject matter. Wonderful insight into how we strayed and its consequences and offers a solution.

— Don from Nevada

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