Communications have advanced significantly in the last few decades, and knowledge has a new outlet to spread itself across the globe. Anyone with an online connection can now study subjects that used to be restricted to specialized classes, and many people have taken advantage of this situation. Some people are interested in fixing their vehicle, and others want to know how to create the perfect dinner. For those who want to become artists, the internet has opened up a whole new world to them.
Talent and ability used to be the measures of who would be allowed to study art, and the community of artists was often closed to those who were unable to devote their full attention to it. As the world came into the modern age, school students were taught the fundamentals of art in classrooms. A few of them probably went on to further study in a particular discipline, but art was often dropped after one or two classes.
Not every person is cut out to be a full-time artist, but that doesn’t mean it cannot be incorporated into everyday life. Some people find the creative process after their normal working day gives them a sense of fulfillment, and others look at it as a second career after retirement. These are not people who will rent studios and open shops, but they are the ones who will keep art supply houses in business with their trade.
Studying art is no longer a process that takes years, and many people are investing in creating their own backyard studios for pleasure. They look online to find out how to practice the techniques in the venue they love, and they can take few or many courses to enhance their abilities. Many of these backyard artists will not replace those who studied it as a career, but they are creating their own enjoyment at home.