How Laurie Took a Legendary Painting Method Global — From VHS Tapes to 140K Subscribers
The Backstory
Laurie runs Alexander Art, the company founded by Bill Alexander — the legendary PBS painter who taught the world to paint with his joy-filled style. When Laurie and her team took over in 1999, they inherited a treasure trove of educational content, but it was all locked on VHS tapes and DVDs. People around the world wanted to learn the Alexander Method, and the team knew they needed to bring it online — without losing the warmth and wonder that made Bill's teaching so special.
What Was Getting in the Way
- Decades of beloved painting instruction were stuck on VHS and DVD
- Students around the world wanted to learn but couldn't get to in-person classes
- Bill's transformative, joyful teaching style needed to come through online, not just the techniques
- Earlier platforms were too complicated for their audience, many of whom weren't tech-savvy
What They Were Hoping For
- Bring decades of painting instruction online so anyone could learn
- Reach the people around the world who already loved the Alexander Method
- Create a community where students could share their paintings and cheer each other on
- Keep things simple enough that anyone could jump in, regardless of tech skills
How Ruzuku Fit In
What Clicked
After moving away from DVDs, Laurie and her team found Ruzuku in 2014. What drew them in was the simplicity — they could focus on teaching, not wrestling with software. Their students, many of whom aren't particularly tech-savvy, could find their way around the courses without needing help.
What They Built
They built a Master Class program with lessons for every level — beginner to advanced — all built around Bill Alexander's original method. Every video lesson has a community discussion where students post their paintings, swap tips, and encourage each other. It feels less like a course and more like a painting circle.
The Tools That Helped Most
What Changed
Alexander Art has gone from a regional art supply company to a global online painting school. Their YouTube channel has grown to 140K+ subscribers, and dedicated students learn through a Ruzuku-powered membership that keeps Bill Alexander's legacy alive and thriving.
| Metric | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| How Students Learn | VHS/DVD only | Full online academy |
| Who They Reach | Regional | Global (140K+ YouTube) |
| Teaching Capacity | A few classes | Unlimited online |
| Bill's Legacy | At risk of fading | Digitized and thriving |
Timeline: From DVD-based instruction to a global online school, growing steadily since 2014
"I have made 5 figures using this platform in just a couple of months. I have tried several platforms and this is by far the best. It is easy to learn and they have thought of everything."
Lessons Worth Sharing
Teaching that transforms people works even better online when you add community
A simple platform means artists can focus on creating, not troubleshooting
Legacy content doesn't have to fade — it can reach more people than ever online
Video plus community creates a much deeper experience than standalone videos alone