Looking for the best free online art classes in 2024? We’ve compiled them here for you!
Drawing is an old artistic expression that transcends time and culture. For us creatives, it is not just about lines and strokes but a connection between imagination and reality. It helps us convey our thoughts and emotions through visual representation.
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Now that we live in a dynamic and visually-oriented world, individuals like us with drawing skills can have many career opportunities.
Furthermore, professionals in the drawing field, like architects, fashion designers, and designers in the marketing and advertising fields, transform their abstract ideas into tangible structures, capturing the attention of their audiences.
Now that we live in a digital world, acquiring and improving your drawing skills is more accessible.
What’s more exciting is that many of these online art classes are free. They mostly offer structured lessons, practical exercises, and interactive communities. These enable learners to grow their drawing abilities at their own pace.
Through the combination of assignments, video tutorials, and personalized feedback, beginners and experienced artists alike are more likely to refine their techniques, experiment with their various styles, and develop a deeper understanding of artistic principles.
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Whatever your reason for wanting to become a more skilled artist is, we’re here to make sure you have access to the most amazing art course offerings the internet has to offer this year.
We’ve compiled the best free online art classes for you.
So grab your drawing books, art easel, and painting materials; it will be a messy and exciting ride. Let’s begin!
The Best FREE Online Art Classes in 2024
Discover the best free online art classes and the best drawing classes in 2024. Many of these online art classes are free if you make use of the 4 week free trial offer from Skillshare. We have also included some premium options.
- Drawing and Painting Portraits: A Guide for Artists
- Watercolor in the Woods: A Beginner’s Guide to Painting the Natural World
- Painting Nature with Acrylic: From Sketchbook to Canvas
- Introduction to Oil Paint Illustration
- Learn to Draw: Daily Practices to Improve Your Drawing Skills
- Character Illustration: Drawing Faces, Figures & Clothing
- Drawing as Self-Discovery: 5 Ways to Start
- Concept Art: Drawing Imaginary Worlds
- Digital Illustration: Drawing with Shapes and Layers
- Acrylic Painting: Learn the Basics For Beginners
- The Colored Pencil Drawing Course
- The Art & Science of Drawing / BASIC SKILLS
- In the Studio: Postwar Abstract Painting
- Drawing the Everyday Every Day
- Color Techniques for Drawing
- The Ultimate Drawing Course- Udemy
You may also be interested in our compilation of the Best Illustration & Drawing Courses. Now let’s get into the best free online art courses!
The Best Free Online Art Classes & Drawing Classes Compared
| Course | Instructor & Provider | Length | Cost | Description | Level | Certification |
| Learn to Draw: Daily Practices to Improve Your Drawing Skills | Gabrielle Brickey, SkillShare | 20 Lessons (1h 24m) | 4 Weeks Free then $99/year | The best versatile online art class | Beginners | No certificate included |
| Character Illustration: Drawing Faces, Figures & Clothing | Gabriel Picolo, SkillShare | 12 Lessons (59m) | 4 Weeks Free then $99/year | The best comic-character online art class | Beginners to advanced | No certificate included |
| Drawing as Self-Discovery: 5 Ways to Start | Mari Andrew, SkillShare | 10 Lessons (40m) | 4 Weeks Free then $99/year | The best inspiring online art class | Beginners | No certificate included |
| Concept Art: Drawing Imaginary Worlds | Ira Marcks, SkillShare | 18 Lessons (1h 28m) | 4 Weeks Free then $99/year | The best concept art online class | Advanced | No certificate included |
| Digital Illustration: Drawing with Shapes and Layers | Roman Muradov, SkillShare | 8 Lessons (40m) | 4 Weeks Free then $99/year | The best digital illustration online class for beginners | Beginners | No certificate included |
| Acrylic Painting: Learn the Basics For Beginners | Laurie Anne Gonzalez, Dog Lover, Bob Ross Wannabe, SkillShare | 28 Lessons (2h 6m) | 4 Weeks Free then $99/year | The best acrylic painting online class for beginners | Beginners | No certificate included |
| Drawing and Painting Portraits: A Guide for Artists | Gabrielle Brickey, SkillShare | 12 Lessons (2h 19m) | 4 Weeks Free then $99/year | The best self portrait online class | Advanced | No certificate included |
| Watercolor in the Woods: A Beginner’s Guide to Painting the Natural World | Rosalie Haizlett, SkillShare | 13 Lessons (41m) | 4 Weeks Free then $99/year | The best nature painting online class for beginners | Beginners | No certificate included |
| Painting Nature with Acrylic: From Sketchbook to Canvas | Maru Godas, Domestika | 22 Lessons (4h 49m) | US$14.99 | The best landscape painting online class | Beginners | With certificate included |
| Introduction to Oil Paint Illustration | David de las Heras, Domestika | 19 Lessons (3h 17m) | $9.99 | The best oil painting online art class for book cover creation | Intermediate | With certificate included |
| The Colored Pencil Drawing Course | Matthew Fussell, Udemy | 5 hours on-demand video | $15.99 | The best colored pencil course | Beginners to Intermediate | With certificate included |
| The Art & Science of Drawing / BASIC SKILLS | Brent Eviston, Udemy | 4.5 hours on-demand video | $12.99 | The best pencil art online class | Beginners | With certificate included |
| In the Studio: Postwar Abstract Painting | Corey D’Augustine, Coursera | Approximately 27 hours to complete | Free | The best art history online class | Beginners | Paid certificate available |
| Drawing the Everyday Every Day | Kate Bingaman-Burt, CreativeLive | 1h 18m of class content | $7 | The best online art class for drawing theme development | Beginners | No certificate included |
| Color Techniques for Drawing | Cleo Papanikolas, CreativeLive | 2h 42m of class content | $7 | The best color technique online art class | Intermediate to Advanced | No certificate included |
| The Ultimate Drawing Course- Udemy | Jaysen Batchelor,
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12 sections, 64 lectures | 11 hours on-demand video $119.99 | The best step-by-step drawing class online | Beginner to Advanced | With certificate included |
The Best Online Art Classes in 2024
Let’s dive into the best online art classes in 2024 and get creative!
01. Drawing and Painting Portraits: A Guide for Artists
An intermediate pick for inherently talented artists is this free art class on Skillshare.
Packed with more than 12 lessons, totaling just under 2 hours, each segment is evenly distributed, ensuring that students get a comprehensive perspective of drawing and painting.
One of the highlights we found in this online art class is its method of simplifying the complexities of the human head using fundamental forms, ensuring a clear understanding right from the outset.
They have also discussed essential head proportions, anatomical landmarks, and the creation of captivating, flowing gesture sketches.
Furthermore, they also explored the three primary head concepts prevalent in portrait art today, followed by an in-depth examination of each facial feature. We noticed their focus extends to eyes, noses, mouths, ears, hair, and more.
With included worksheets to reinforce learning and many demonstrations showcasing these concepts, we can attest that this course provides a comprehensive toolkit.
Whether you are passionate about portrait drawing or seek to expand your knowledge, this journey is tailored for you.
Learn all about gesture drawings and creating your subjects’ features in no time with Gabrielle Brickey’s Drawing and Painting Portraits: A Guide for Artists.
| Instructor | Level | Workload | Certification |
| Gabrielle Brickey, SkillShare | Advanced | 10 Lessons (40m) | No certificate included |
02. Watercolor in the Woods: A Beginner’s Guide to Painting the Natural World
There’s something about watercolor paintings that makes them so appealing to the eyes, so if you share our appreciation for this art form, you’re going to want to take top teacher Rosalie Hayzlett’s Watercolor in the Woods: A Beginner’s Guide to Painting the Natural World.
A course that’s helped over 28,000 students at the time of this writing, this SkillShare Staff Pick is bundled with 13 informative lessons that all happen in less than an hour. If bite-sized segments are what you’re looking for, this course offering won’t disappoint!
We found that this course effectively covers a range of topics, starting from selecting suitable materials to capturing outdoor reference photos.
One highlight of this art class is the detailed instruction on painting mushrooms and ferns, bringing a touch of nature’s beauty to the canvas. Overall, this art class offers a well-rounded exploration of various techniques, making it a worthwhile journey for both beginners and those looking to refine their skills.
| Instructor | Level | Workload | Certification |
| Rosalie Haizlett, SkillShare | Beginners to Intermediate | 13 Lessons (41m) | No certificate included |
03. Painting Nature with Acrylic: From Sketchbook to Canvas
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The process of painting with acrylic is an art form in itself considering how complicated the process can be. In other words, the final output is only as beautiful as the process of making it.
Are you a huge fan of this painting medium? If the answer is yes, then illustrator Maru Godas’ Painting Nature with Acrylic: From Sketchbook to Canvas is the best online art course for you.
Packed with over 22 lessons, all amounting to 4 hours of video-on-demand, this contender is one of the more comprehensive classes on the list.
A standout feature of this art class is the enriching journey into the world of landscape painting with acrylics. Step by step, Maru Godas will delve you into techniques that bring your artistic vision to life.
One aspect that stands out for us is that they teach you to master layering; you’ll unravel the secrets of crafting captivating textures that infuse depth and authenticity into your creations.
| Instructor | Level | Workload | Certification |
| Maru Godas, Domestika | Beginners | 22 Lessons (4h 49m) | No certificate included |
04. Introduction to Oil Paint Illustration
If there’s anyone you should listen to when it comes to oil painting, it’s David de las Heras. Having collaborated with global magazines and publications, this esteemed artist is no stranger to compelling book covers and thought-provoking works of art.
In his Domestika course, you’ll learn how to stain your hands with the first layers of acrylic, paint with oil, scan your illustration to give it the last touches in Photoshop, and literally everything else in between.
If all of this sounds interesting to you, then Introduction to Oil Paint Illustration warrants your commitment.
| Instructor | Level | Workload | Certification |
| David de las Heras, Domestika | Intermediate | 19 Lessons (3h 17m) | No certificate included |
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05. Learn to Draw: Daily Practices to Improve Your Drawing Skills
Gabrielle Brickey’s ” Learn to Draw: Daily Practices to Enhance Your Drawing Skills ” stands out as a SkillShare Staff Pick for good reason.
Leveraging the synergy of digital tools and the comfort of traditional sketchpads, this skilled instructor delves into her creative journey of crafting remarkable illustrations.
With a rich compilation of 20 engaging lessons, the course warmly welcomes beginners, offering straightforward guidance that’s both accessible and compelling.
For those seeking an entry point into the captivating realm of drawing, this course undoubtedly emerges as an excellent inaugural choice.
| Instructor | Level | Workload | Certification |
| Gabrielle Brickey, SkillShare | Beginners | 20 Lessons (1h 24m) | No certificate included |
06. Character Illustration: Drawing Faces, Figures & Clothing
Nothing quite captures the heart of an illustration the way attention to detail does.
That being the case, comic artist and illustrator Gabriel Picolo’s Character Illustration: Drawing Faces, Figures & Clothing is a wonderful online art course for intermediate artists.
From mastering the four core expressions to ensuring the characters you draw pack a personality, there’s a lot you can pick up from this SkillShare Original.
| Instructor | Level | Workload | Certification |
| Gabriel Picolo, SkillShare | Beginners to Advanced | 12 Lessons (59m) | No certificate included |
07. Drawing as Self-Discovery: 5 Ways to Start
The idea of drawing may sound intimidating to many, but when you have a teacher as informative and well-paced as Mari Andrew, you can bet you’re only bound to improve.
Also a SkillShare original, this Drawing as Self-Discovery: 5 Ways to Start course is for anyone and everyone of all learning levels.
Bundled with 10 lessons that take place all in under an hour, this contender is perfect for those who want only a quick crash course on how to draw as a means to express themselves.
| Instructor | Level | Workload | Certification |
| Mari Andrew, SkillShare | Beginners | 12 Lessons (59m) | No certificate included |
08. Concept Art: Drawing Imaginary Worlds
Although drawing is a superb tool for solidifying reality, it’s also an equally viable medium to escape the truth. But don’t take our word for it—listen to graphic novelist Ira Marcks instead.
In the Concept Art: Drawing Imaginary Worlds course, Marcks details how he finds inspiration, approaches depth and meaning, and all else that happens in between.
And because you can complete the course in less than 2 hours, finishing this pick certainly doesn’t feel like a chore.
| Instructor | Level | Workload | Certification |
| Ira Marcks, SkillShare | Advanced | 18 Lessons (1h 28m) | No certificate included |
09. Digital Illustration: Drawing with Shapes and Layers
If you’re looking for a course that’s made to improve your tablet drawing skills, you’re going to adore Roman Muradov’s Digital Illustration: Drawing with Shapes and Layers.
Narrated by the talented artist himself, Muradov’s full course is completable in less than an hour. Having serviced over 10,000 eager students at this point, you can bet that this pick is an immediate crowd favorite for reasons that don’t need explaining.
Are you an eager student yourself? Learn everything about shapes and layers in this class!
| Instructor | Level | Workload | Certification |
| Roman Muradov, SkillShare | Beginners | 8 Lessons (40m) | No certificate included |
10. Acrylic Painting: Learn the Basics For Beginners
Nothing screams beauty and authenticity the way acrylic paintings do. They’re stunning, incredibly distinct, and warrant a compelling story after each gaze.
If this art segment is something you want to explore soon, then Acrylic Painting: Learn the Basics For Beginners is the one for you.
Led by SkillShare top teacher LaurieAnne Gonzalez, this course is a regal pick for eager learners.
| Instructor | Level | Workload | Certification |
| Laurie Anne Gonzalez, Dog Lover, Bob Ross Wannabe, SkillShare | Beginners | 28 Lessons (2h 6m) | No certificate included |
11. The Colored Pencil Drawing Course
One of Udemy’s most creative bestsellers, Matthew Fussell’s The Colored Pencil Drawing Course is an offering that’s sure to keep you productive.
With over 5 hours of on-demand video and 38 downloadable resources, you’re bound to pick up more than just a thing or two.
From color theory to landscape drawing, expect nothing but a comprehensive walkthrough on all things related to pencil drawings.
| Instructor | Level | Workload | Certification |
| Matthew Fussell, Udemy | Beginners | 5 hours on-demand video | No certificate included |
12. The Art & Science of Drawing / BASIC SKILLS
Artist Brent Eviston put it best when he said, “drawing is not a talent; it’s a skill anyone can learn.”
While anyone can argue that some people are more efficient illustrators, an equally valid argument is that anyone can be just as disciplined when they put their heart and mind to it.
If you’re an aspiring artist who wants to be better at drawing, Udemy’s The Art & Science of Drawing / BASIC SKILLS should be a terrific online resource for you!
| Instructor | Level | Workload | Certification |
| Brent Eviston, Udemy | Beginners | 4.5 hours on-demand video | With certificate included |
13. In the Studio: Postwar Abstract Painting
Not everyone can claim to have learned abstract painting from MoMA’s Corey D’Augustine—but you can when you take this online art course!
Taking approximately 27 hours to finish, the In the Studio: Postwar Abstract Painting course comes with a shareable certificate upon completion and is available in multiple languages like many of the other picks on the list.
Extending a balanced mix of painting techniques and art history, this offering is arguably one of the most inclusive and comprehensive art classes on all of the web today!
| Instructor | Level | Workload | Certification |
| Corey D’Augustine, Coursera | Beginners | Approximately 27 hours to complete | Paid certificate available |
14. Drawing the Everyday Every Day
Sometimes, one of the biggest hurdles in drawing is finding the inspiration to actually draw. If this is a sentiment you experience now and then, allow CreativeLive’s Kate Bingaman-Burt to help you find the romance in the mundane.
In her course Drawing the Everyday Every Day, the highly reputable creative walks you through developing themes you resonate with, refining sketches, and forming everyday habits to help you better your craft.
Whether you’re a procrastinator or just need an extra push in the creative direction, this 78-minute art course is for you.
| Instructor | Level | Workload | Certification |
| Corey D’Augustine, Coursera | Beginners | Approximately 27 hours to complete | Paid certificate available |
15. Color Techniques for Drawing
Okay, you’re a great illustrator but is your relationship with color efficient? This may sound like an absurd statement, but being a master sketcher doesn’t always mean your eye for color is just as sharp.
Wherever you are in your journey to the arts, let CreativeLive’s Color Techniques for Drawing help you better your approach to choosing colors and refining your artistic voice.
Authored by the talented and accomplished Cleo Papanikolas, this offering packs 17 video lessons in nearly 3 hours of video-on-demand.
| Instructor | Level | Workload | Certification |
| Cleo Papanikolas, CreativeLive | Intermediate to Advanced | 2h 42m of class content | No certificate included |
16. The Ultimate Drawing Course- Udemy
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a professional artist, then this course on The Ultimate Drawing Course –Udemy will help you out. The 11 hours of videos and articles will help you in giving clarity to improve your visual skills.
Along with drawing figures, the course will also help you in drawing human faces and perspective drawing and learn more about realistic shadows and light.
As a beginner-friendly course, it will help you explore and create around 50 projects including texture creating and still life drawing.
| Instructor | Level | Workload | Certification |
| Jaysen Batchelor,
Illustrator & Designer |
Beginner to Advanced | 12 sections, 64 lectures 11 hours on-demand | With certificate included |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these free art classes cover different art forms?
You can find free online classes covering a wide range of art forms such as drawing, painting, photography, digital art, sculpture, and more.
These encompass drawing and sketching, acrylic and oil painting, watercolor techniques, charcoal and pastel art, portrait and figure drawing, urban sketching, botanical illustration, and even animation.
Are these classes suitable for beginners?
Many free art classes are designed with beginners in mind. They often start with foundational concepts and gradually progress to more advanced techniques.
How do I know if a free online art class is right for me?
It's a good idea to read course descriptions, watch previews, and read reviews if they're available. This can give you an idea of the instructor's teaching style and whether the content aligns with your learning goals.
The Best Online Art Classes in 2024
Discovering the Best Online Art Classes in 2024 is all about finding what clicks with you. We’ve carefully curated this list to offer options that cater to artists and creatives of every flavor, making sure there’s something enjoyable for everyone.
Whether you thrive with classic art kits or aspire to master digital platforms, we sincerely hope this guide has been illuminating. Remember, the journey of learning and staying creative is yours to embrace – keep that passion alive!
