Introduction
Art has always been a powerful form of expression, and with the rise of technology, it has never been more accessible. In recent years, online art classes have surged in popularity, offering a unique opportunity for individuals of all skill levels to explore their creativity from the comfort of their homes. Whether you’re a complete beginner looking to try your hand at painting or a seasoned artist seeking to refine your technique, there’s an online course designed just for you. With countless options available, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. This article will guide you through the top 10 best online art classes of 2024-2025, highlighting their pros and cons, pricing, and the best deals available.
From traditional mediums like watercolor and oil painting to digital art using state-of-the-art software, online art courses cater to a wide range of artistic preferences. The flexibility of online learning allows students to set their own pace, giving them the freedom to revisit lessons or explore new techniques at any time. Furthermore, many courses come with community support, allowing learners to interact with instructors and fellow artists, creating an environment of inspiration and growth. The combination of professional instruction, flexible scheduling, and diverse topics makes online art classes a valuable resource for budding and professional artists alike.
In this article, we’ll explore ten of the top-rated online art courses available in 2024-2025. We’ll provide detailed information on the pros and cons of each course, pricing, best deals, and where to enroll. Whether you’re looking to improve your skills or take up a new hobby, this guide will help you make an informed choice.
Hereafter, the top 10 Best Online Art Classes in 2024-2025
1. MasterClass – David Hockney Teaches Art
- Pros: In-depth course from a renowned artist, high-quality production, comprehensive lessons on drawing, perspective, and color theory.
- Cons: Expensive, not suitable for absolute beginners.
- Price: $180/year for all-access MasterClass subscription.
- Best Deal: Annual membership provides access to all MasterClass courses.
- URL: masterclass.com
- Contact: support@masterclass.com
2. Skillshare – Digital Illustration for Beginners by Laci Jordan
- Pros: Beginner-friendly, covers digital tools and techniques, affordable.
- Cons: Short lessons, limited feedback from the instructor.
- Price: $32/month or $168/year.
- Best Deal: Two-month free trial for new users.
- URL: skillshare.com
- Contact: help@skillshare.com
3. Domestika – Illustration Techniques with Watercolors
- Pros: Great for watercolor enthusiasts, comprehensive lessons, affordable.
- Cons: Focused on a specific medium, no live interaction with instructors.
- Price: $12/course (on sale).
- Best Deal: Discounted bundles available.
- URL: domestika.org
- Contact: support@domestika.org
4. Coursera – Graphic Design Specialization by California Institute of the Arts
- Pros: University-level curriculum, covers both art and design theory.
- Cons: Time-consuming, may require prior experience.
- Price: $49/month for subscription.
- Best Deal: Financial aid available.
- URL: coursera.org
- Contact: support@coursera.org
5. Udemy – Drawing for Beginners: Learn to Draw
- Pros: Affordable, self-paced, beginner-friendly.
- Cons: Limited advanced content, no live feedback.
- Price: $15.99/course (on sale).
- Best Deal: Frequent discounts and deals.
- URL: udemy.com
- Contact: support@udemy.com
6. The Virtual Instructor – Complete Art Program
- Pros: Comprehensive, covers multiple mediums, live sessions.
- Cons: Expensive, requires long-term commitment.
- Price: $30/month.
- Best Deal: Annual membership at a discounted rate.
- URL: thevirtualinstructor.com
- Contact: matt@thevirtualinstructor.com
7. ArtProf – Free Art Tutorials
- Pros: Completely free, wide range of topics.
- Cons: Limited advanced content, no certification.
- Price: Free.
- Best Deal: Free access to all content.
- URL: artprof.org
- Contact: contact@artprof.org
8. New Masters Academy
- Pros: Professional-level training, variety of topics, excellent for figure drawing.
- Cons: Expensive, not beginner-friendly.
- Price: $35/month or $399/year.
- Best Deal: Annual membership saves money.
- URL: newmastersacademy.org
- Contact: support@newmastersacademy.org
9. Sktchy – Portrait Drawing Classes
- Pros: Focused on portrait drawing, strong community support.
- Cons: Limited to portraits, higher price for premium content.
- Price: $10/month.
- Best Deal: Annual subscription saves 15%.
- URL: sktchy.com
- Contact: support@sktchy.com
10. Proko – Anatomy and Figure Drawing
- Pros: In-depth lessons on anatomy, high-quality videos, professional instructor.
- Cons: Expensive, focuses heavily on figure drawing.
- Price: $99/course.
- Best Deal: Discounts during promotions.
- URL: proko.com
- Contact: support@proko.com
Conclusion
As we head into 2024-2025, online art classes continue to flourish, offering a diverse range of options for both budding and experienced artists. From free resources like ArtProf to in-depth courses from platforms like MasterClass and Proko, the choices are endless. Each course offers unique value, catering to different skill levels, artistic styles, and learning preferences. While some focus on digital art, others provide in-depth training in traditional mediums like watercolor, figure drawing, and portraiture.
When selecting the best online art class for you, consider your artistic goals, budget, and preferred learning style. Do you need structured, professional instruction or a more casual, self-paced learning experience? Are you looking to master a specific medium, or do you want a more comprehensive art education? Ultimately, the right choice will enhance your skills, provide creative inspiration, and help you grow as an artist. With this guide, you’re well-equipped to make an informed decision and start your artistic journey in 2024-2025.
