Specialty Studies Courses
Expand Your Appraising Skillset and Declare Your Specialty
To advance to the ISA Accredited Member level, appraisers must declare a specialty and demonstrate proficiency. This can be accomplished through the successful completion of either the ISA Appraisal of Fine Art course or the Antiques, Furnishings + Decorative Arts course, or by submitting a specialty and advanced studies application for those specialties outside of these two topic areas.
The purpose of our specialty studies courses is to provide the appraiser with a solid foundation of knowledge upon which they can continue to grow. The material provides a broad overview of the subject matter that each student must build upon through their own rigorous self-study and continuing education. Such study should be a lifelong project for any dedicated appraiser.
Regardless of the subject, there are commonalities that apply to the appraisal profession as a whole:
• Terminology and vocabulary
• Proper identification – epochs, styles, artists and artworks
• Describing and documenting items
• Research techniques and resources particular to the field
These courses not only strengthen identification and knowledge, but it also marry that expertise with the construction of a solid appraisal. The courses culminate with a written report, reviewed by an expert instructor, to hone your ability to provide a solid appraisal to your clients. The courses build upon the foundational concepts learned in the Core Course in Appraisal Studies, grounding them in your area of expertise to give a comprehensive understanding of the appraisal profession.
Whether taught in person or via distance education, an instructor-led presentation goes over every aspect of the profession. Distance education students have a designated instructor who is ready to answer questions and help you succeed. Assignments and quizzes help solidify your learning, and a rigorous, proctored final exam ensures that the contents of the course have provided the best foundation for continued appraisal excellence.
Appraisal of Fine Art
![Appraisal of Fine Art](/content/images/cms/the_millinery_shop.jpeg/image-full;size$350,315.ImageHandler)
The Fine Arts course reviews four major fine art categories: painting, sculpture, prints, and photography. It begins with a brief history of Western art and uses that foundation to dive into the particulars of each category. Topics such as watermarks on paper, materials used in sculpture, layers of a painting, and even the frames themselves are touched on. Most importantly, the art of appraisal writing within the world of fine art is presented.
Price: $1,500 members, $1,700 nonmembers
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Antiques, Furnishings + Decorative Arts
![Antiques Furnishings and Decorative Arts](/content/images/cms/londonderry_vase.jpeg/image-full;size$350,445.ImageHandler)
The Antiques, Furnishings, and Decorative Arts course addresses the major categories of the most commonly encountered items in a typical estate. It is composed of the following sections: Furniture, Ceramics, Glass, Silver, Toys, Dolls, Vintage Fashions, Household Contents, Oriental Rugs, Textiles, Musical Instruments, Clocks, Books, Prints, and an Orientalia section.
Price: $1,500 members, $1,700 nonmembers
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