PAST WORKSHOPS

The workshops are beyond the classroom experience

When I first started going to Özgün’s art history workshops, I was just someone who would casually check out art without really understanding it. Over the past year I have been to almost all workshops, and honestly, I have learned so much. Now, when I look at art, I see it with way more context and meaning—it’s a whole different experience, all thanks to these workshops! The workshops are way beyond the classroom experience. Being a part of the workshop also means that we get to be a part of a wonderful community of people who have come together based on their shared interest for art. I thoroughly enjoy every single class and look forward to the next one.

You will want more!

You can follow the workshops at any level, knowing already something about art or nothing at all. In any case you will find something that wonders you, surprises you, makes you wish to know more about that specific painting, artist or art period. Özgün tells you a lot about different aspects of art in a very easy and inspiring way. It is an absolutely amazing feeling when you start to understand the paintings while visiting a museum… And you just want more!

Discussions in class have really been interesting

I’ve attended several of the workshops. Özgün’s genuine interest and the way he shares his knowledge just draws you in. He informs you in such a clear way that you don’t feel like you’re missing parts or get confused, so you can just enjoy learning. I liked how the classes are structured, getting some facts about the era, discussing the whys and hows, while slowly transitioning to talk about different art pieces. The discussions in class have really been interesting. You always learn from other people’s perspectives, which adds so much to the experience. All in all, the courses I attended changed the way I visit museums and experience art. Joining one of these courses is a great way to broaden your perspective. And it’s also a lovely way to become part of a community of art lovers.

It is an extraordinary experience

Joining the workshops has been a great pleasure and source of personal development for me. I have taken all of the workshops and some of them even twice! I have benefitted so much from understanding the different movements in western art. Özgün’s knowledge of art, his passion for the subject and his skill as a teacher combined makes it an extraordinary experience. In addition, the whatsapp group he has set up is super useful as an additional way to promote discussion and news about the art world. I highly recommend his classes to anyone who wants to learn more about art.

Özgün´s energy is contagious!

Attending the art classes has been a truly eye-opening experience. What once seemed just a beauty to be appreciated from distance, now feels alive, personal, and full of possibilities. The classes are well-structured, well-paced, engaging, and inviting you to look further, to go beyond the surface. Time seems to flow effortlessly during each session – you’re learning without even realizing how much you’re taking in. What makes it even more special is learning from someone so passionate and knowledgeable about art as Özgün is. That energy is contagious! It inspires curiosity and reflection, and it creates such a welcoming space to grow and explore. I genuinely look forward to every class, and I leave each one with new insights and a deeper connection to the world of art.

I connected the dots between art, history and politics

Attending Özgün’s workshops not only expanded my knowledge of art history but also helped me connect the dots between art, history, and politics. It inspired me to further explore the stories behind specific paintings and artists, the movements and the eras and reasons they emerged.

I have background in art now

After attending Özgün’s Modern Art Workshop series, it feels great to go to a museum, have a bit of background in modern art and understand what I’m looking at better! And the workshops are super fun!

It is more of a community than a traditional class

I attended four of Özgün’s art history workshops where I learned to interpret composition, use of light, perspective and characteristics of major art history periods. It was more of a community than a traditional class, with lively exchanges of ideas and shared learning experiences which made it super fun. Özgün’s user-friendly and well-structured presentations made it easy to stay engaged and deepen my understanding of the material.

It’s more than a course, it is a community!

The Start Art Workshop is a unique opportunity to learn new information and share existing knowledge about art in a very creative and engaging environment. It’s more than a course, it is a community! I enjoyed both classical and modern art classes, debates, and all the museum visits we took together as a group. I also enjoyed the Painting Analysis Club, where you take a different point of view and observe art from a critical perspective with all the information you acquired in the classes. Highly recommended!

I benefit more from visits to art museums now

In addition to my basic knowledge of art, Start Art! (I have taken all the workshops) gave me a good overview of art history from Renaissance to Contemporary. I have also gained insight into painting techniques and the lives of artists. Özgün is very educational both in terms of presentation material and in the dialogue with the students. I now benefit more from visits to art museums.

The workshops helped me reconnect with my creative side

As a kid, I loved painting and visiting art museums, but that passion faded over the years. Özgün’s workshops helped me reconnect with my creative side and gave me a deeper understanding of how art connects with history, politics, and society. Since then, I’ve started planning museum visits during my travels, doing research beforehand, and really diving into the experience. It’s exciting to recognize pieces we’ve discussed or to interpret with on my own explorations—sometimes discovering unexpected works that feel even more meaningful and personal to me. Özgün’s classes truly gave me the tools to engage with art in this way.

Art history has never felt this alive!

The Renaissance workshop gave me a solid foundation in art history and helped me truly connect with the artworks. I learned about key artists, techniques, and how the Renaissance shaped the way we see art today. What made it even more special was Özgün’s passion – you can clearly see he loves what he’s doing, and that energy is contagious! His way of explaining things is so clear and engaging that you’re drawn in right away. Now, I walk into museums with a completely different perspective. I see more, I understand more and I enjoy it so much more. Art history has never felt this alive!

I know what I am looking at

After joining even one of Özgün’s workshops, I started to enjoy and get the background of the visual art i am looking at. That gives a pleasure of visiting museums more than before. His workshops are more than lectures, they are fun as well! That explains why I completed all the workshops in two years.
p.s.: His own baked cakes are worth a try.

Made modern art way more approachable

I attended two of Özgün’s workshops and absolutely enjoyed them. They were both extremely insightful and engaging. The workshops deepened my appreciation for art and taught me how to see beyond the surface. A truly enriching experience!
I really enjoyed the modern art workshop: a great mix of looking at thought-provoking pieces and having open conversations. It made modern art feel way more approachable.