If you’ve ever wanted to improve your artistic skills but struggled to find the time or resources, online art classes might be just what you need. Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced artist looking to refine your craft, there’s a class out there for you.
The best part? You can learn from top instructors, follow step-by-step lessons, and practice at your own pace—all from the comfort of your home. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 10 best online art classes to consider in 2025 and help you figure out exactly what to look for when choosing the right one.
Top 10 Online Art Classes to Consider in 2025
Whether you’re interested in drawing, digital art, or painting, there’s a course for you—no matter your skill level. Below, you’ll find a mix of free and paid classes, covering everything from foundational skills to professional-level techniques.
1. Drawing Fundamentals at Drawabox
If you’re serious about learning how to draw from scratch, Drawabox offers one of the most structured free online art classes designed to build strong fundamentals.
Created by an experienced concept artist, this independent course is perfect for disciplined beginners who want a solid grounding in drawing basics like perspective, form, and observation through simple exercises and daily practice.
Lessons are self-paced and rigorous, guiding you through drills and assignments that train essential skills like line control, 3D form drawing, and basic shading. You can submit your “homework” for feedback and join the enormous Discord community!
Platform: Drawabox.com
Cost: Free
Best for: Beginner
2. Digital Drawing & Painting at Ctrl+Paint
Ctrl+Paint is a huge library of free video tutorials that teach digital art from the ground up. The site provides a full curriculum starting with traditional drawing basics and moving into digital painting techniques like composition, color, using Photoshop, etc.
Lessons are bite-sized (often just a few minutes each), making it easy to learn step by step at your own pace. It’s an ideal starting point for adults new to drawing or transitioning from traditional to digital art.
Platform: Ctrlpaint.com
Cost: Free
Best for: Beginner to intermediate
3. Traditional Drawing at Princeton University Art Museum
Looking for online art classes for adults? The Princeton University Art Museum, in partnership with the Arts Council of Princeton, offers free live online drawing classes open to all ages.
These weekly classes are taught by an artist-instructor and emphasize drawing with basic materials (pen or pencil and paper). Each session draws inspiration from artworks in the museum’s collection, making it a fun blend of art history and practice.
The live format lets you draw along in real time, and recorded sessions are available for those who want to learn on their own schedule.
Platform: artmuseum.princeton.edu/learn/art-making/online-drawing-classes
Cost: Free
Best for: Beginner of all ages
4. The Complete Drawing Masterclass at Udemy
This is a comprehensive 20-hour online drawing course on Udemy that takes you from absolute basics to more advanced techniques. It covers a wide range of topics, from drawing simple objects and still lifes to human figures and portraits, teaching concepts like perspective, shading, gesture, and composition along the way.
The course is self-paced with on-demand video lessons, and you get lifetime access once enrolled. With thousands of students enrolled and an average rating around 4.4/5 stars on Udemy, this masterclass is praised for its clear instruction and progression.
It’s perfect for beginners seeking a one-stop course, as well as intermediate artists who want to refresh fundamental skills and quickly go from beginner to advanced. What’s more, a certificate of completion will be given when you finish this online art class!
Platform: udemy.com/course/complete-drawing-course
Cost: ~$20 on sale
Best for: Beginner to Advanced
5. Figure Drawing at Vilppu Academy
Glenn Vilppu’s online academy is the go-to for serious students of classical drawing and figure art. Vilppu, a world-renowned instructor, offers intensive drawing courses that are structured like a traditional art school class. Each course spans several weeks and includes weekly video lessons and assignments, which you submit for personalized critique and feedback from Vilppu himself.
The instructor feedback is the real value here. Few online classes offer the chance to have your work reviewed one-on-one by a master teacher. There are also live Q&A sessions and group discussion forums, recreating the feel of a workshop or university course.
These courses are pricey, but for experienced artists or dedicated learners, the Vilppu Academy provides a “virtual atelier” experience that can dramatically improve figure drawing skills.
Platform: vilppuacademy.com
Cost: $800–$1500 (includes instructor feedback)
Best for: Intermediate to advanced
6. Drawing, Painting & Sculpture at New Masters Academy
New Masters Academy is an on-demand learning platform sometimes nicknamed the “Netflix of Art Education”. For a monthly subscription, you get unlimited access to 2,000+ hours of video lessons taught by professional artists and art instructors.
The content library is vast and covers everything from fundamental drawing courses for beginners to advanced masterclasses in oil painting, anatomy, portrait drawing, watercolor, sculpture, and even art theory. NMA also provides thousands of reference images and weekly live classes, and they offer an optional coaching/critique add-on for more guided learning.
The sheer breadth and depth of content is unparalleled. You can effectively design your own art curriculum across multiple disciplines.
Platform: nma.art
Cost: $35/month (unlimited access)
Best for: All Levels
7. Traditional Drawing & Painting at Watts Atelier Online
The Watts Atelier, founded by renowned artist Jeff Watts, brings a classic atelier (art studio) training approach to the online world. Subscribers gain access to a structured program and a library of 20+ “masterclass” courses covering areas like figure drawing, portraiture, landscape painting, anatomy, oil painting, and more.
The teaching method emphasizes traditional fundamentals. You start with basics, like drawing simple forms and anatomy lectures, and gradually move to advanced projects like full paintings or complex figure compositions.
New lessons and live workshop opportunities are regularly added. The curriculum is thoughtfully sequenced, so self-learners always know what to tackle next. If you’re seeking a disciplined, classical art education in a flexible online format, Watts Atelier is a top choice.
Platform: wattsatelier.com
Cost: From $49/month
Best for: All Levels
8. Oils, Acrylics, Watercolor Painting at My Painting Club
My Painting Club is an online membership program especially suited for hobbyist and emerging artists who want to grow their painting skills. For a low monthly fee, you can unlock 150+ video lessons and 70+ interactive workshops in a variety of media and styles.
The lessons cover everything from acrylic landscapes and oil portraits to drawing fundamentals and even abstract art. You can follow structured paths or browse the library by medium or subject. For example, search “flowers” or “mountains” to find related painting classes.
Members also benefit from group events like live workshops, Q&A sessions, and critique opportunities, plus a community of fellow artists. It’s very practical for those who might be unsure what to paint next: the searchable lesson database means inspiration is always at hand.
Platform: mypaintingclub.com
Cost: $20/month
Best for: All Levels
9. Concept Art & Animation at Schoolism
Schoolism is a popular online art school that features high-quality courses taught by world-class industry professionals. The focus is on illustration, concept art, animation, and design.
You’ll find classes by artists from Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks, and top illustration fields. Course topics range widely: character design, digital painting techniques, environment design, color and light, caricature, and even traditional subjects like figure drawing (taught with a modern twist).
You have options to learn at your own pace with a subscription (unlocking 60+ courses on-demand) or to enroll in time-limited “live” classes where you submit assignments and get instructor feedback (for an extra fee).
Platform: schoolism.com
Cost: ~$30/month or $300/year
Best for: All Levels
10. Digital Painting & Animation at Aaron Blaise’s Art Lessons
Former Disney animator Aaron Blaise offers a collection of online courses that are perfect for art enthusiasts who love animals, wildlife, and animation. On his “Creature Art Teacher” platform, you can find lessons on how to draw and paint animals (both realistic and imaginary creatures), how to do character design, storyboarding, and even traditional animation basics.
Many courses focus on specific subjects. For instance, a charcoal drawing course where Blaise demonstrates sketching a bear, or digital painting tutorials for big cats, etc.
Students love the warm, engaging teaching style and the chance to learn creature drawing from someone who’s spent decades at Disney. The pricing is flexible: you buy only the courses you want, and there are frequent discounts or bundle deals.
Platform: creatureartteacher.com
Cost: $15–$50 per course
Best for: Beginner to intermediate
What to Look for When Choosing an Online Art Class?
Choosing the right online art class can feel challenging with so many options out there. But don’t worry—by focusing on a few key factors, you’ll find a course that fits your goals, skill level, and lifestyle. Here’s what to consider:
Your Skill Level
Start by asking: Is this class meant for beginners, intermediates, or advanced artists? Check the course description for prerequisites. A good class will clearly state who it’s designed for, so you won’t waste time on content that’s too basic or way over your head.
Instructor Expertise
Look for teachers with both experience and teaching chops. Do they have a portfolio or social media profile showcasing their work? Have they taught before? Read reviews or watch preview videos to see if their teaching style clicks with you. A knowledgeable instructor who communicates clearly can make all the difference.
Curriculum & Structure
A well-organized course should outline what you’ll learn week by week or lesson by lesson. Avoid vague promises like “master painting in 30 days.” Instead, opt for classes that break down topics into digestible steps—for example, “Color Theory Basics” followed by “Creating Depth with Shadows.” If possible, preview a lesson to gauge the pacing.
Class Format
Decide whether you prefer self-paced (prerecorded videos) or live sessions. Self-paced courses offer flexibility, while live classes let you ask questions in real time. Many platforms offer hybrid options, like pre-recorded lessons with weekly Q&A sessions.
Interaction & Feedback
Will you get personalized feedback on your work? Look for classes that include instructor critiques, peer reviews, or community forums. Learning art isn’t just about watching videos—it’s about growing through constructive input.
Cost & Value
Price doesn’t always equal quality. Compare what’s included: longer courses might offer certificates, downloadable resources, or 1:1 coaching, while shorter ones could be an affordable or free intro. Look for refund policies or free trials to test the waters.
Building Your Own Online Art Platform? Try Tencent RTC!
If you’re a developer looking to create an online platform for art classes, you need a stable, high-quality, and low-latency communication solution to enable real-time interaction between instructors and students. This is where Tencent Real-Time Communication (TRTC) comes in:
High-Quality Video & Audio Calls
With TRTC, you can enable real-time teacher-student interactions through smooth, high-definition video and audio calls. Whether it’s a one-on-one mentoring session or a group workshop, TRTC ensures low-latency, reliable communication—essential for an immersive online art learning experience.
Interactive Chat for Better Engagement
Art classes thrive on feedback and discussions. TRTC’s real-time chat feature allows students and instructors to share text messages, emojis, and multimedia files instantly, making it easy to discuss techniques, get feedback, and foster an engaging learning environment.
Live Streaming for Large-Scale Classes
Want to reach a wider audience? TRTC’s live streaming solution supports high-quality broadcasts with low latency, perfect for hosting live art demonstrations, lectures, or large online workshops with thousands of participants.
Virtual Classrooms with Screen Sharing & Whiteboards
Teaching art often requires demonstrations and visual aids. TRTC’s conference solution enables effortless screen sharing, whiteboard teaching, and multi-person collaboration, making it easier to illustrate techniques, annotate images, and create an engaging classroom-like experience for students.
Quick Integration & Multi-Platform Support
TRTC offers multi-platform APIs, server-side APIs, and UI components that allow you to easily integrate messaging, video, live streaming, and conferencing features into your platform with just a few lines of code. Whether you’re building a web, mobile, or desktop app, TRTC provides a cost-effective, scalable, and reliable solution.
Try TRTC’s online demo and see how it can enhance your platform today!
Conclusion
With so many online art classes available, there’s never been a better time to start—or continue—your creative journey. Whether you’re looking for structured lessons, interactive workshops, or just a fun way to explore new techniques, there’s something out there for you. The key is finding a class that matches your goals, learning style, and schedule. So go ahead, explore your options, and take that first step toward unlocking your artistic potential!
FAQs
What is the best online art website?
The best online art website depends on your needs. DeviantArt is great for a broad art community, while Pixiv focuses on anime and manga. Google Arts & Culture offers high-resolution images of famous artworks and virtual museum tours. Colossal showcases contemporary and underrepresented artists. Each platform caters to different artistic interests, so exploring them can help you find the best fit.
Can I learn digital art online?
Yes, you can learn digital art online. Numerous platforms offer comprehensive courses, tutorials, and resources for all skill levels. Websites like Skillshare, Udemy, and Coursera provide structured classes, while YouTube and various art forums offer free tutorials and community support. They are good places to develop digital art skills online.
Are there free online art classes available?
Yes, there are free online art classes available. Platforms like Coursera, Skillshare, and Khan Academy offer a variety of free courses covering different art styles and techniques. Additionally, YouTube hosts numerous free tutorials from professional artists. Anyone can register to learn and improve artistic skills for free.
What are the best digital art courses?
Some of the best digital art courses include Udemy’s Complete Beginner’s Guide to Digital Art, Proko’s Figure Drawing Classes, and Skillshare’s Digital Art Tutorials. These courses offer comprehensive lessons on various techniques and tools for everyone looking to enhance their skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced artist, they will get you fully covered.
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