Ever stared at a blank canvas, brush in hand, wondering how to bring your creative vision to life? You're not alone. Many of us dream of expressing ourselves through art but lack the confidence to start.
Here's the good news: you don't need fancy art schools or expensive in-person lessons to become a painter. The digital world offers countless resources for artists at every level. We have researched the best online painting option, and we’re excited to share what I've found.
Is It Really Possible To Learn Painting Online?
Absolutely! Online art classes offer major advantages over traditional settings. You can learn at your own pace, rewatch demonstrations as often as needed, and practice in the comfort of your home. No commuting, no rigid schedules, and often at a fraction of the cost of in-person instruction.
The key ingredients for success remain the same: interest, practice, and persistence. Anyone can learn to paint. Yes, even you. All skill levels can improve with consistent study and a genuine desire to create.
Types Of Online Painting Lessons
Acrylic Painting
Acrylics offer the perfect starting point for beginners. They dry quickly, blend well, and forgive mistakes easily. Unlike oils, they don't require special solvents, making cleanup a breeze with just soap and water.
Many online teachers start with acrylics because they're versatile. You can create everything from vibrant landscapes to detailed portraits. The fast drying time lets you layer colors in a single session, perfect for impatient artists who want to see results quickly.
Oil Painting
Oil paints give your work that classic, rich quality seen in museum masterpieces. They stay workable for days, allowing for beautiful blending techniques that create depth and luminosity.
The downside? Oils require more patience and specialized materials. You'll need painting mediums, brush cleaners, and proper ventilation. Online oil painting courses typically cover proper setup, color mixing, and various application techniques.
Digital Painting
Tablets and styluses have revolutionized the art world. Digital painting eliminates supply costs while offering unlimited creative freedom. Made a mistake? Simply hit undo and try again.
Digital art courses cover software basics, brush settings, layer management, and how to achieve effects that mimic traditional media. Many professional artists now work primarily in digital formats, especially in commercial industries like game design and illustration.
Digital Art
Digital art extends beyond painting to include digital collages, vector art, 3D modeling, and animation. These courses teach you to create artwork using various software programs and techniques.
The best online lessons walk you through the technical aspects while encouraging your creative development. You'll learn both the "how" and the "why" behind successful digital compositions.
Abstract Painting
Abstract art frees you from the constraints of realistic representation. Online abstract painting courses focus on color theory, composition, and emotional expression rather than technical accuracy.
These lessons help you develop your unique visual language through experimentation with different tools, textures, and approaches. You'll learn to trust your intuition and break traditional rules with confidence.
Colored Pencil Drawing
Though technically drawing rather than painting, colored pencil work produces painterly effects through layering and blending. Online colored pencil courses teach techniques for creating luminous colors and dimensional effects.
These lessons typically cover paper selection, pressure control, and specialized techniques like burnishing and solvent blending. The precision of colored pencils makes them ideal for detailed botanical drawings and wildlife art.
Figure Drawing
Figure drawing forms the foundation for many artistic pursuits. These courses teach you to capture human proportions, anatomy, and movement accurately.
Online figure drawing lessons often include timed practice sessions with photo references or video models. You'll learn to see shapes rather than labels, a crucial skill for realistic representation in any medium.
Impressionism Painting
Impressionist techniques capture fleeting moments of light and atmosphere. These lessons teach you to use loose brushwork, optical color mixing, and a sense of spontaneity in your work.
Online impressionism courses often include studies of master works, helping you understand the principles behind this influential artistic movement. You'll learn to see color relationships and simplify complex scenes into their essential elements.
Best YouTube Channels To Learn How To Paint
1. Samuel Earp
Samuel's channel offers comprehensive landscape painting instruction with a focus on traditional techniques. His videos cover everything from basic brush handling to advanced composition strategies.
What makes Samuel's channel exceptional? He explains not just what to do but why it works. His attention to fundamentals like value relationships and color harmony builds a solid foundation for artistic growth.
2. Lena Danya
Lena combines technical instruction with career advice for aspiring professional artists. Her channel features diverse subject matter and mediums, appealing to varied artistic interests.
Her authentic, conversational style makes complex concepts accessible. Lena shares both successes and challenges, giving viewers a realistic picture of the artistic process.
3. Oil Painting with Robert Mee
Robert specializes in creating painterly realism through loose brushwork. His channel emphasizes master studies as a learning tool, helping viewers understand timeless artistic principles.
His step-by-step demonstrations break down complex paintings into manageable stages. Robert excels at explaining how to achieve a sense of atmosphere and depth in landscape paintings.
4. Ed Pulella Art
Self-taught artist Ed Pulella proves formal education isn't necessary for artistic success. His channel covers acrylics, gouache, and oils with a focus on nature-inspired subjects.
Ed's approachable style encourages beginners while still offering techniques that challenge intermediate painters. His trial-and-error approach shows viewers how to learn from mistakes.
5. Daria Callie
Daria's channel suits viewers with some foundational skills looking to refine their technique. Her mesmerizing demonstrations offer insights into professional-level workflows.
What sets Daria apart? Her thoughtful narration explains decision-making processes that usually remain invisible. Viewers learn to think like a painter, not just mimic techniques.
6. Scott Christian Sava
Scott brings extensive industry experience to his channel, having worked with major studios like Disney and Universal. His background in animation informs his teaching style.
His channel bridges traditional and digital techniques, perfect for artists looking to expand their skill set. Scott's energetic teaching style keeps viewers engaged through complex lessons.
7. Liz Chaderton Studio
Liz helps viewers see the natural world with fresh eyes through her unique artistic approach. Her channel specializes in watercolor techniques that capture the essence of subjects rather than photographic detail.
Her demonstrations emphasize personal expression over rigid rules. Liz encourages experimentation and finding your own artistic voice.
8. Painting With Jane
Jane proves that artistic skill comes from practice, not innate talent. Her channel caters specifically to beginners who might feel intimidated by art.
Her warm, encouraging approach makes art accessible to everyone. Jane's weekly acrylic tutorials build skills progressively, creating a structured learning path for new painters.
9. TheArtSherpa
The Art Sherpa delivers high-energy acrylic painting tutorials suitable for all skill levels. Her channel features regular live streams where viewers can paint along in real time.
Her enthusiastic teaching style makes art fun rather than intimidating. The Art Sherpa builds community through group projects and viewer challenges.
10. Visual Mind
This channel excels in gouache and watercolor instruction with detailed process explanations. The creator shares the thought processes behind artistic decisions, not just techniques.
Visual Mind stands out for its focus on the why behind successful paintings. Viewers learn principles they can apply across various subjects and styles.
11. Kelogsloops
Though more inspiration than step-by-step instruction, Kelogsloops' channel showcases impressive watercolor techniques. His time-lapse videos reveal professional workflows and approaches.
The channel demonstrates advanced color theory and composition through striking portraits and landscapes. Intermediate painters will find plenty to study and emulate.
12. Marco Bucci
Marco brings 15+ years of industry experience to his teaching. His channel covers fundamental concepts applicable across all painting media.
What makes Marco exceptional? His ability to explain complex artistic principles in simple, practical terms. His lessons focus on concepts rather than recipes, teaching viewers how to think like professional artists.
13. Watercolor by Shibasaki
Master watercolorist Shibasaki shares over 40 years of experience through his channel. His demonstrations emphasize traditional transparent watercolor techniques.
His teaching style combines technical precision with artistic sensitivity. Viewers learn both the mechanics and the mindset needed for successful watercolor painting.
14. Robin Sealark
Robin's channel showcases her journey from hyperrealistic portraiture to landscapes and seascapes. Her mixed-media approach offers viewers techniques they can combine in their own work.
Her formal art education background provides depth to her teaching. Robin helps viewers understand how different media can work together to create distinctive personal styles.
Instagram Channels To Follow For Painters
1. julietarsha_art
Julie's account combines beautiful finished paintings with process insights. Her posts often include specific tips about color mixing and brush techniques.
Following her account gives you regular inspiration alongside practical advice. Julie responds thoughtfully to comments, creating an interactive learning experience.
2. erika_stearly
Erika's landscapes and domestic interior space works showcase thoughtful composition and color use. Her captions often explain her creative process and decision-making.
What makes her account valuable? The balance between finished works and behind-the-scenes content. Erika's honest discussion of artistic challenges normalizes the learning process.
3. juliannamwells
Julianna's oil painting account demonstrates the medium's expressive potential. Her posts highlight technique variations that produce different effects.
Her feed serves as both inspiration and informal instruction. Julianna's distinctive style encourages followers to develop their own visual language.
4. heatherclementsart
Heather's expressive portraits demonstrate how to capture personality, not just likeness. Her account includes process videos that break down complex techniques.
Her thoughtful captions address both technical and conceptual aspects of portraiture. Heather encourages artists to find emotional connection with their subjects.
5. haideejosummers
Haidee combines traditional techniques with contemporary subjects in her oil painting work. Her posts often include specific paint combinations and brush recommendations.
Her versatile approach shows how classic methods apply to modern sensibilities. Haidee's account proves that technical skill and personal expression can coexist beautifully.
6. kristaeatonart
Krista's account features step-by-step landscape painting guidance. Her posts often include specific color formulas and brush techniques.
Her beginner-friendly explanations break painting into manageable steps. Krista's before-and-after comparisons demonstrate how paintings develop over time.
7. kimmyerssmith
Kim's vibrant, textured paintings showcase advanced techniques in an approachable way. Her posts often feature close-up details showing brushwork and layering methods.
Her account emphasizes the physical qualities of paint application. Kim's experimental approach encourages viewers to explore different tools and techniques.
8. alaiganuza
This account showcases oil and digital painting approaches that combine traditional and experimental techniques. The posts demonstrate how different materials interact to create distinctive textures.
Alai’s feed presents numerous entry points for artists interested in expanding beyond conventional painting methods. The account balances technical information with artistic inspiration.
9. jeannerosiersmith
Jeanne's account offers insights into oil painting techniques for nature. Her teaching background shows in her clear, methodical explanations. Jeanne's account demonstrates how careful observation translates into successful paintings.
10. debbierosemiller
Debbie's account portrays her passion for fashion. Her posts highlight different fashion pieces made into art.
Her approach bridges drawing and painting techniques. Debbie's work demonstrates how strong fundamentals support artistic freedom.
Reddit Painting Communities to Join
1. r/ArtistLounge
This friendly community welcomes artists at all skill levels. Members share works in progress, ask for feedback, and discuss creative challenges.
The supportive atmosphere makes it ideal for beginners who might feel intimidated by more critical forums. Regular themed discussions keep conversations fresh and informative.
2. r/painting
This subreddit covers all painting media, from oils to digital. Members share resources, discuss techniques, and post their work for constructive feedback.
The diverse community exposes you to styles and approaches you might not encounter otherwise. Weekly challenges provide motivation and structure for regular practice.
3. r/oilpainting
This specialized community focuses on the unique challenges and rewards of oil painting. Members discuss everything from material selections to advanced techniques.
The concentrated focus allows for deeper exploration of specific issues. Both beginners and experienced oil painters find value in the targeted discussions.
4. r/Watercolor
Watercolor enthusiasts share techniques, materials reviews, and finished works. Members discuss specific challenges like achieving clean washes or controlling paint flow.
The community includes both traditional and experimental approaches. Regular critique threads provide constructive feedback for improvement.
5. r/AbstractArt
This community celebrates non-representational art and experimental techniques. Members discuss conceptual approaches alongside technical considerations.
The focus on abstract work provides a refreshing alternative to more traditional art communities. Discussions often explore the philosophical aspects of creation alongside practical techniques.
6. r/acrylicpainting
This community focuses on acrylic techniques, materials, and challenges. Members share everything from beginner tips to advanced painting strategies.
The targeted focus allows for specialized discussions about acrylic properties. New product reviews help members make informed choices about materials.
7. r/Art
This general art community exposes you to diverse styles and media. The broad focus helps prevent artistic tunnel vision by showcasing varied approaches.
The large membership means quick responses to questions and ample feedback. Regular discussions address both technical and conceptual aspects of art-making.
8. r/PaintingTutorials
This resource-focused community shares tutorials for various painting styles and media. Members ask for specific learning resources and share helpful discoveries.
The emphasis on learning makes this an ideal community for beginners. The collaborative atmosphere encourages resource sharing rather than competition.
9. r/Portraitart
This specialized community focuses on the challenges of capturing human likeness. Members share techniques for achieving realistic facial features and expressions.
Regular critique sessions provide specific feedback on proportion and rendering. The focused nature allows for deeper exploration of portraiture techniques.
10. r/learnart
This beginner-friendly community emphasizes fundamentals and skill-building. Members share resources, ask basic questions, and receive constructive feedback.
The supportive atmosphere makes it safe to share early attempts. Regular exercises and challenges provide structure for systematic improvement.
Best Websites To Learn How To Paint
1. mypaintingclub.com
This subscription site offers structured lessons for various media and skill levels. Members progress through carefully designed learning paths with clear objectives.
The step-by-step approach builds skills logically. Regular additions keep content fresh and engaging for long-term members.
2. willkempartschool.com
Will Kemp's site provides comprehensive acrylic painting courses with clear demonstrations. The lessons break complex techniques into manageable steps.
Will's teaching style emphasizes fundamentals while keeping lessons engaging. The site offers both free and premium content for various budgets.
3. proko.com
Though famous for figure drawing, Proko offers painting courses that build on strong drawing foundations. The scientific approach to anatomy and light creates solid technical skills.
High production values make complex concepts clear. The community features allow for feedback and interaction with other students.
4. thevirtualinstructor.com
This site offers courses in multiple media with structured learning paths. The systematic approach builds skills progressively from basic to advanced.
The comprehensive library covers diverse subjects and techniques. Affordable membership makes quality instruction accessible to most budgets.
5. artistsnetwork.com
This large resource hub provides articles, videos, and courses covering all artistic disciplines. The varied content addresses both technical and creative aspects of art-making.
Regular updates keep content relevant and inspiring. The professional focus helps artists looking to improve specific skills.
6. guidetooilpainting.com
This specialized site offers free and premium resources for oil painters. The focused approach allows for deep exploration of oil-specific techniques.
Clear demonstrations make complex procedures accessible. The logical progression builds skills systematically.
7. onlinepaintinglessons.com
This video-based site combines instruction with community support. The lessons cover various media with clear demonstrations and explanations.
The feedback features allow for personalized guidance. The supportive community enhances the learning experience.
8. explore-acrylic-painting.com
This acrylic-focused site offers targeted instruction for this versatile medium. The specialized approach addresses unique properties and techniques.
Clear demonstrations make techniques accessible to beginners. The resource library provides solutions for common challenges.
9. painting-course.com
This site offers structured courses in oil and acrylic painting. The clear progression builds skills logically from basic to advanced.
The methodical approach provides a solid foundation. The courses balance technical instruction with creative development.
10. ctrlpaint.com
This digital painting resource offers free and premium content for digital artists. The comprehensive approach covers both technical and artistic aspects.
The focus on fundamentals rather than software-specific tricks builds transferable skills. The clear explanations make complex concepts accessible.
11. drawmixpaint.com
This site specializes in realistic oil painting techniques. The unique approach emphasizes systematic color mixing and application.
The straightforward method produces consistent results. The focus on fundamentals creates a solid technical foundation.
Product Recommendations:
Conclusion
Learning to paint online has never been more accessible or effective. The variety of resources available means you can find instruction that matches your preferred medium, style, and learning approach.
Remember that artistic growth comes from consistent practice and experimentation. Use these online resources as springboards for your own creative exploration. The most important step? Simply beginning your artistic journey. Pick one resource that speaks to you and start creating today.