While we stay home in order to help flatten the curve of the Coronavirus pandemic, many fantastic resources have appeared online, to help us keep engaged with our practice and feel connected to others. Originally published at the beginning of the first UK-wide lockdown in March 2020, this post has now been updated with details of the most reputable online painting and drawing classes currently available. If you have suggestions of other resources that should be mentioned here please do submit them by making a comment at the end of the article.
Etchr Studio
Known for their range of unique and innovative art products, Etchr have launched an ongoing series of virtual workshops, taught by professional artists from all over the world.
Selected Courses: Acheiving Illusions of Depth with Gouache, Spontaneous Landscapes in Watercolour, Faces & Expressions: Portraiture in Ink and Watercolour, and many more.
Tutors: Tutors include Steve Mitchell, Ian Fennelly, Sarah Stokes, and Ashwini Sajeendran.
Format: Live sessions takes place via Zoom and a downloadable PDF containing the workshop link and other details will be sent via email after the course has been purchased. There are also recordings of workshops that you can watch whenever suits you.
Description: The workshops focus on water-based media such as watercolour, gouache, and ink, and each artist demonstrates their own unique approach. The live sessions are interactive, allowing participants to ask questions throughout the workshop. As they are attended all over the world, Etchr give information for what time the workshops will begin in various time zones, which for the UK is usually 5pm GMT.
Cost: Around £4.00 per Mini-Workshop. Participants will have access to a recording of the workshop 2 days after the live session.
Etchr Studio’s Online Workshops.
The Art Academy
Art Academy London is a young and innovative art school, offering courses that are designed and delivered by expert, practising artists. It was founded in 2000 to offer something different: the best of an old-school atelier combined with the vibrancy and diversity of a contemporary art school.
Courses: Art History (Early European Modernism), Design a Children’s Picture Book, Fundamentals of Oil Painting, Fundamentals of Portrait Painting, 1-1 tutorials
Tutors: Daniel Greaney, Rachael Ball, Lucy Smallbone, Annabel MacIver, Kate Dunn, Benat Olaberria, Carl Randall, Eigil Nordstrom, Gail Seres-Woolfson, Jackie Smith, Jessica Wetherly, Lynne Abrahamson, Natasha Lien, Nevine Fathy, Nicholas McLeod, Zoe Toolan
Format: varies from 30 mins – 2.5 hours depending on the course.
Description: A range of online course all of which are taught by Art Academy expert tutors who are specialists in their respected fields. Art Academy Online Tutorials are designed to give students remote access to feedback and discussions about their work and advice on how to improve techniques and develop their skills. Tutors will be able to supply students with exercises and tasks they can then complete in their own time.
Each tutorial slot will last either 30 or 60 minutes, during which your tutor will talk to you remotely via Zoom. You can use this time to discuss through any ideas surrounding your artistic practice and how to develop your work. Once your session is booked the Academy will be in contact with you about the different options available to get in contact with the tutor.
Cost: £30 – 275 depending on the course
Our recommendation: The online tutorials are a unique opportunity to get some external feedback on your current practice, something that is often overlooked if you are used to working in isolation.
The Artist’s Journey with Nancy Hillis
Dr. Nancy Hillis (photo courtesy of Sidharta Pascual)
Dr. Nancy Hillis is a Stanford trained psychiatrist as well as an artist and writer. On her website artistsjourney.com she expresses her belief that your most astonishing work comes from deep exploration and experimentation. Nancy encourages you to find the nascent, unexpressed parts of yourself, give voice to your subconscious experiences, and finally express yourself in your art and life. Her courses and blog posts are focussed on unleashing creativity and expression through abstract painting.
Courses: ‘The Artist’s Journey: Certified Coach Creativity Program’, ‘The Adjacent Possible Creativity Immersion Program’, ‘Light Your Creative Studio like a Pro™’, ‘Experimenting With Color™’, ‘Activating The Canvas™’, ‘The Studio Journey™ Course’, ‘The Artist’s Journey®: 3 Secrets of the Masters’, ‘Studio Journey™ Masterclass’
Tutors: Dr. Nancy Hillis and Dr. Bruce Sawhill
Format: Each course has a weekly bundle of information that includes lectures, lessons or info sheets for you to work through and exercises to complete — you can move through them at your own pace. You’ll have one year of access, which is plenty of time to go through the material — multiple times! There’s an introductory video explaining how to navigate the course, and all the videos after that go through the material in easy-to-manage chunks, so you never get overwhelmed.
Description: ‘I’ve led experimental painting workshops at Stanford Sierra Camp since 2011 exploring the expressive language of mark making, automatic drawing and intuitive painting.
In my first offering The Artist’s Journey: 3 Secrets of the Masters online course my goal is to teach you 3 concepts that make 90% of the difference in a painting so that you can consistently and confidently create work that is authentic, mysterious, and alive. I invite you to explore my blog for articles on painting, creativity, and cultivating your studio practice’. – Nancy Hillis
Cost: Depends on the course, prices start st $197 (approx. £143)
Barnes Atelier
‘Skull’ by David Martinez, of the Barnes Atelier
The Barnes Atelier was started by artists Travis Seymour and Nancy Fletcher, together classically trained at the Angel Academy in Florence as well as The Water Street Atelier and Grand Central Academy in New York.
They provide a core full-time atelier diploma programme in classical drawing & painting, with a supporting schedule of masterclasses and workshops held throughout the year.
Courses: 1-1 Online Critiques via Zoom, Online Mentorship
Tutors: Travis Seymour and Nancy Fletcher
Format: Videos, Zoom meetings, pdfs containing exercises and useful information.
Description: ‘The efforts of the realist painter are only hindered in so far as to the limits of his or her drawing ability. Additionally, the ability to master the art of observation does not necessarily make one a good draughtsman.
At the Barnes Atelier, we believe that the means justify the ends – that drawings and paintings are constructed, not just copied; and that the ability to adapt to nature and, when necessary, improve upon it, gives the artist a level of mastery over their materials and confidence over their work’. – The Barnes Atelier
Cost: £100 for 1 hour online critique (£50 for a follow up session), or £199 per month for the Mentorship programme.
Bridge House Art
Bridge House Art is a small, independent art school and studio established in 1995 by Eleanor White. It offers a rich and varied programme of courses in the visual and creative arts.
Courses: Re-inventing the Familiar, Documenting the Change, Painting the Poetic, Colour, Composition, Design, Expressive drawing with Colour, Experimental Mark Making and Surface Textures, Drawing into 3D.
Tutors: Tembe Gibbs, Eleanor White, Kittie Jones, Rosanna Dyke
Format: Videos and worksheets issued on payment of the course, the estimated time needed to work through all the material is stated in each course description.
Description: Courses are unique to Bridge House Art and teach techniques in expressive painting and drawing. Each course is led by an artist with years of experience in both teaching and making art.
Cost: Varies from free to £150 for a 5 day course.
Our recommendation: Eleanor White’s ‘Painting the Poetic’ absolutely looks worth trying. In the description trailer Eleanor has a friendly and down to earth delivery, and she explains that the course is all about making a triptych that is led by your own personal inspirations. A sure fire way to try something different, and step out of your comfort zone to reinvigorate your art practice.
Dermot Cavanagh’s ‘Learn to Paint’ Online Resources
Dermot Cavanagh is an artist, tutor and broadcaster, who presents the BBC TV Series ‘Awash with Colour.’ On his website he offers a wide variety of resources for those wanting to begin and advance their watercolour painting skills.
Courses: Dermot’s extensive video library is full of hints and tips on the following subjects – Sketching, painting skites, mixing colours, painting trees and foliage, giving texture to rocks and brickwork, contrasting light against dark, painting buildings, windows and doors.
Tutor: Dermot Cavanagh
Description: Dermot Cavanagh can bring out the artist in anyone. He is the artist, tutor and broadcaster behind the hit BBC learn to paint TV series ‘Awash With Colour’. During 74 episodes of his TV art show he taught a host of celebrities to paint. Now you can join him as he takes the mystery out of painting on his On-line Virtual Courses, Small Group Hands-On Courses and Painting Holidays throughout the UK, Ireland & Europe.
Cost: Live painting demos happen regularly and cost £14.99 per session. 25 practical tutorials can be bought as a package for £19.99, with additional videos being added at no extra cost.
Review: ‘Incredibly valuable for giving a beginner great instruction and confidence. Learnt so many techniques and valuable info about mixing and composition. Fully intend to do a follow-on course. I would recommend the course to anyone’.
Learn to paint with Dermot Cavanagh
Clae Eastgate’s Portrait Painting Workshops
Clae Eastgate is a British portrait painter with over 15 years’ experience of painting portraits to commission. Her portraits are concerned not only with the psychical likeness of subjects, but also the stories that can be communicated through portraiture. You can read our interview with Clae here.
Courses: Drawing the Head, Colour and Palette, Painting the Portrait.
Tutor: Clae Eastgate
Format: Delivered via Zoom
Description: Clae says ‘Although the online workshops are attended on Zoom, they are very ‘hands on’ – I work through each exercise with you, demonstrating beforehand and alongside, with continual one-to-one tuition throughout the workshop. There are advantages and of course some disadvantages with both online or physical workshops. These are minimal and either way is very beneficial to your practice as a painter. The number of students on the workshop are small. This ensures that everyone gets the proper focus and attention in order to benefit from the training.’
Cost: Depends on the workshop, prices start at £48.
Our Recommendation: For beginners it is recommended to attend all three sessions, starting with ‘Drawing the Head’, then ‘Colour and Palette’, and finally ‘Painting the Portrait’. For those at intermediate level and higher, or continuing with the portrait painting workshop, the workshops can be mixed and matched according to your needs.
Clae Eastgate’s Online Workshops
Hampshire Art Studio
Work by Studio Director Kate Measham
The Hampshire Art studio runs on a termly basis with regular courses, one-off workshops and masterclasses taught by tutors who are eminent in their field. Many different aspects of art practice are taught to students of all abilities in a supportive environment.
Courses: Forthcoming classes include Standing on the Shoulders of Giants with artist Alex Fowler, Oil Painting From Life, At Home with Michael Weller and Still Life with Acrylics with Eve Dawson, the term starts at the end of September 2021.
Tutors: Include Alex Fowler, Michael Weller and Eve Dawson
Format: Classes start with a 2 hour session over Zoom which is recorded so can be revisited at a later date (within 2 weeks). A one to one crit is offered in the afternoon of the same day of the original class. A WhatsApp group is set up as a place to share work amongst the class and with the tutor.
Cost: Full courses from £160, or daily rates from £50
Hampshire Art Studio Online Classes
Hampstead School of Art
Founded in 1946 under the patronage of Sir Henry Moore, Hampstead School of Art is a practitioners’ art school teaching essential practical skills that form the foundation of a career in the visual arts.
Courses: Portrait Painting Techniques, Painting from the Kitchen Table, Drawing and Painting, 1-1 Personal Mentoring, Watercolour, Chinese Brush Painting, Life drawing, Drawing and Contemporary Practice
Tutors: Desmond Healy, Jack Ford, Dolph van Eden, Mick Kirkbride, Xiaolan Gu
Format: Weekly 2 or 3 hour live sessions via Zoom
Description: HSoA Virtual will provide opportunities to continue to develop your talent and art making skills in your own home. Enjoy a live studio class experience with tuition and personal feedback while connecting with friends and sharing experiences. There are 3 ways to join in. Studio + Online Live allows you to participate and interact with live, studio-based 3-hour, weekly classes over 6 weeks. Join your class from home and interact with your tutor and colleagues, receiving tuition and personal feedback. Virtual Studio Live shares an interactive online art learning experience in your own home, with weekly classes over 6 weeks. The Virtual Studio offers an intimate, open studio approach with tutor engagement & mentoring. Finally Paint-along Live is an opportunity to paint–along or observe techniques from leading artists and educators in a 2 hour virtual session with intermittent Q&A. Single classes are available or join in over the whole 6 week programme.
Cost: from £20 per session
Our recommendation: Look out for the series of portrait painting sessions throughout November with Jack Ford (Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year participant).
Hampstead School of Art Virtual
The Heatherley School of Fine Art
Founded in 1845 The Heatherley School of Fine Art is one of the oldest independent art colleges in Britain and is among the few art schools in the UK that focus purely on portraiture, figurative painting, sculpture and printmaking. The college offers both vocational and part-time courses to students aged 18 years and over.
Courses: Drawing from Paintings in London Collections, Mixed Media: Printmaking without a Press, Drawing – Imaginative Figurative Compositions, Observational Drawing
Tutors: Laura Smith, Joletta Thorburn, Carl Randall
Format: A series of weekly sessions from 90 minutes to 3 hours, delivered via Zoom.
Description: Live tutored sessions via Zoom which can be followed at home – you will not need any special facilities to be part of these courses.
Cost: From £110 for 6 x 2 hour sessions.
Our recommendation: At the time of writing, the only available class is Drawing from Paintings in London Collections (November 2020), which, according to the Heatherley’s website, ‘allows you to explore London Collections from home. Each week, we draw from paintings from different London galleries and museums. Examples include: The National Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum and Tate Modern. Beginning with an introduction to the artists and group discussion, you will draw from chosen paintings with guidance from your tutor. This course is open to all levels’.
The Heatherley School of Fine Art online courses
The Henley School of Art
Henley School of Art are usually a small, well-equipped & welcoming, Art Studio, right in the heart of Henley on Thames. Whilst things are a bit different and whilst the good health of our community is paramount, HSA have decided to take their Art School online.
Courses: Animal life drawing and unguided life drawing sessions.
Format: 2 hour sessions at specific dates/times.
Description: A variety of observational drawing sessions, including with animals! All delivered at set times and dates, via Zoom.
Cost: All sessions are £10
Recommendation: ‘May I recommend the untutored life drawing on line twice weekly. Only £10 a session with models zooming in from around the world. Monday and Thursday 7-9pm. Really excellent’ – Ginger Sherriff
Insight School of Art
By Michael Kirkbride, tutor at Insight School of Art
Insight has been providing an ‘art school’ style education to people wanting to become better painters since 2001. Before Covid-19 ISoA ran twenty three different classes each week, covering adult education, children’s classes and mentoring for new and emerging artists looking to exhibit in London galleries. During the Covid-19 lockdown they continued to provide an art education by meeting students on Zoom and sending lessons and critiquing using email. In the summer of 2020, ISoA re-opened their studios, with many new safety measures in place, and offered classes over Zoom simultaneously.
Courses: 12 week life drawing, Oils, Acrylics, Watercolour, Drawing, Painting Advice and Guidance, Watercolour for Beginners
Tutors: Michael Kirkbride, Karen Walters, Paul Regan, Lara Sparey.
Format: 12 x weekly 2 hour sessions via Zoom
Cost: From £174 for 12 weeks, or £10 per life drawing session.
Recommendation: ‘I have been meaning to write to you about the Wednesday eve life drawing class at Insight. It is a popular class with a huge positive energy, mainly due to our tutor Michael Kirkbride. We all talk about how fortunate we are to have such an encouraging passionately spirited teacher. His enthusiasm for creating is infectious.’
Jane Blundell Watercolour Artist Online Classes
Blue Wren by Jane Blundell, Pen and Wash
Well respected watercolour artist Jane Blundell offers online tutoring, courses and consulting on watercolour practice.
Courses: 1-1 Palette consultation, Getting started in watercolour, Mastering Watercolours, Travel Sketching, Colour mixing.
Format: One off lessons, email consultations and 12 lesson courses (depending on the area of study)
Cost: £174 for 12 lessons, 1-1 email consultations from £44
Recommendation: ‘I stumbled across Jane’s Mastering Watercolor course when I was searching the internet for a beginners watercolor palette. I had no idea where to start with WC, what paints to get, what colors or how to use them. Taking Jane’s course has been the best thing I have ever done! The course is jammed packed full of information easily understood and it has opened up an understanding of color and watercolor I have never had before. I am almost finished this course and can now view the world around me in palette colors. I have learnt WC techniques that I can use on any number of subjects. Jane’s critiques are so informative they add yet another learning dimension. Through Jane’s exercises I feel confident to take on any given palette of colors and be able to use it to its full potential. Take this course if you are really serious about Mastering Watercolor’.
Kerry Bennett Zoom Art Classes
Kerry Bennett is an East Sussex based artist who inspired by the flora and fauna of the natural world. Her work is predominantly watercolour based. Her online classes include pre-recorded demonstrations as well as live interactive workshops.
Courses: Tutorial videos include – The Big Wave in Watercolour, Poppies in Watercolour, Mr. Toad, Ink and Watercolour, Daidy the Cow in Watercolour
Zoom group classes in watercolour (series of 6 weeks), also Zoom workshops suitable for beginners, and pre-recorded demonstrations.
Format: Pre-recorded videos and bookable Zoom sessions with exercises.
Cost: Some pre-recorded tutorials are free, six week classes from £80 and one-off workshops from £14.99.
Recommendation: ‘I just wanted to say a big thank you for teaching us lots of watercolour techniques and tips and painting with us, it makes me want to paint all the time now ! We really appreciate it. I hope you have a good summer, thank you again.’
Kerry Bennett Online Art Classes
Kimberley Bevan Art Classes
Kimberley Bevan: Portrait study in pastels
Kimbley Bevan believes art should be fun and easily accessible to all, and as a result she maintains an online programme of art classes that are low price but high quality. Kimberley describes her classes as a bit quirky and fun compared to the others advertised; she offers classes that include a variety of projects, from Art History to traditional techniques in watercolour, graphite, pastel and more.
Courses: Ink Animals, Portraits in Graphite, Sunset Boats in Acrylics or Oils, Art History, and more.
Tutors: Kimberley Bevan
Format: Webinars, digital handouts and YouTube videos.
Description: ‘Projects explore a variety of themes (Art History/Animals/Portraits/Landscape/Still Life) and techniques – you will never get bored and just maybe find that hidden talent you didn’t know existed! Upcoming art Classes consist of projects in Pencil/Watercolour/Pastels/Acrylics, with more mediums being added each month; further details are listed on the website, to avoid missing out join the Artist Newsletter and see the new classes before anyone else allowing you to book early and avoid disappointment as class sizes are limited.
June and July 2021 Online Art Classes are now available to book – just email to reserve your place. All live Online Art classes include a Step by Step Hand out on the featured project plus a Demo film link; you can therefore work in your own time after the class to complete your master piece and receive personal feedback from the tutor to develop your individual skills. No contract or subscription required – just book the class you want to attend, it’s easy and designed to suit your lifestyle’.
Cost: £6 per person per class.
Lavender Print School
Lavender Print School is an independent art school offering daytime, evening and weekend workshops in Lavender Hill, London. During the pandemic Lavender Print School began to offer online classes to keep the creativity alive! The studio was founded by Isabelle Moreau, a practicing artist whose work is increasingly inspired by marine wildlife conservation. Online classes are not only in printmaking, but also in 3D, painting and drawing.
Courses: Rubber Stamp Repeat Patterns, Charcoal Self Portraits, Botanical Watercolour, Plasticine Portraits, Cross-Hatching, Mark-Making
Tutors: Ben Hendy, Jack Ford, Eva Merendes, Wilfrid Wood, Joella Wheatley, Christabel Forbes
Format: 1.5 – 2 hr sessions via Zoom.
Description: ‘Meet our artists, learn about their art practice and then join along with them. We have invited a bunch of artists who we love and know you will too! Whether you’re a beginner, already delved into a creative process or just need a little creative time, then this is perfect.
These workshops are all different, taught differently and need minimal materials. You can join the workshop live or purchase the recording of the workshop, you can then do it in your own time. So jump on board and let’s fill our houses with art!’
Cost: From £15 per class.
London Drawing
life model Trixie Divine
London Drawing originally built their reputation through running a successful regular life drawing class within the Tate Modern galleries from 2006 – 11. Since then they have been running drop in sessions around London as well as one off workshops. They are experienced in bringing their life drawing sessions to an online audience, accessible via their website, where you will also find recordings of previous events, including the ever colourful ‘Drawing Theatre’.
Courses: Life drawing livestream, Portraits, Still Life, Fantastical Beasts – Masks of Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe
Tutors: Anne Noble-Partridge, Josie Deighton, Kim Scouller, Sisetta Zappone, Susannah Pal,
Format: 2 hour sessions via Zoom
Description: Join London Drawing tutors for an exploration into what we can do within the frame of the camera. Expect a fine art event – curated visuals and unique performances- a friendly crowd, good vibes and encouraging tuition- and some great life drawing exploration London Drawing style!
Cost: From £8 plus booking fee (£1.37)
Recommendation: ‘London Drawing are an excellent group if a bit bizarre at times, but their virtual life classes and portrait classes are great and supported by artists from all over the world’ – Jackson’s Art Blog reader
London Drawing Online Creative Sessions
London Fine Art Studios
London Fine Art Studios was founded by Ann Witheridge with the aim of teaching the craft of drawing and painting to a community of dedicated artists. The Studios are based in Battersea and welcome students of all levels, providing a supportive learning environment in which to acquire new skills and a deeper understanding of the figurative tradition.
Courses: A 3-part series of representational art courses, comprising Drawing for Beginners (1), Transitioning to Oils (2) and Advanced Cast Drawing and Painting (3)
Tutors: Michael Gallone, Nneka Uziogwe, Ann Witheridge
Format: Each course consists of 10 units guiding you through 1-3 hours of drawing/painting time, as well as 1-3 individual sessions per week, and interaction with other course participants and individual feedback from your mentor.
Description: Art is a wonderful pursuit, helping people find internal rewards such as happiness and a sense of peace, and external rewards such as artistic recognition and an income.
Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned artist, this course will teach you the foundations of representational art.
With a step by step process, London Fine Art Studios will help develop your artistic skills and teach you the essential techniques of drawing and painting, re-instating the importance of tradition within contemporary art education.
This series of three 10-week courses will guide you through the fundamentals of drawing, oil painting and cast drawing.
Each week, you will unlock a new batch of video and practice-based sessions that take you step-by-step through the process of drawing and painting. With Workshop’s unique hands-on method of learning, you’ll be putting pencil to paper from day one with no need to read pages of theory in advance.
For each of the three courses, you will have access to the following through the Workshop app:
- 10 units, unlocked weekly, guiding you through 1-3 hours of drawing/painting time each week
- 1-3 individual sessions per week, totalling a suggested minimum of 3 hours practice
- Expert guidance and one-to-one support from your class mentor
- Collaborative group chat with your own private class and mentor
- Feedback on your artwork from your class and mentor via a private in-app feed of photo uploads
- An assessment to earn your course Certificate of Completion
In addition to the core aspects of the course, you will also get:
- Downloadable theory notes for you to keep
- Access to all video sessions for an additional 6 months after the end of each course
Cost: £350 per course, of £840 for all 3.
London Fine Art Studios on the Workshop App
London Art College
London Art College is the oldest distance learning arts college, founded in 1931 to teach practical skills to artists and designers. With its long and successful history, London Art College have built on decades of distance teaching experience by now introducing classes online. They offer thirty online classes.
Courses: Beginners Drawing, Beginners Painting, Botanical drawing, Botanical Painting, Cartooning, Chinese Brush Painting, Pen Drawing, Graphic Design, Art History, Illustration, Landscape Painting, Oil Painting, Pet Portraits, Still Life, Pastels, Watercolour…as well as art classes for children and Art History.
Tutors: Alan Dedman, Gayle Mason, Heather Joliffe, John Byrne, Ida Mitrani, Maggy Roberts, Melanie Phillips, Monika Cilmi, Monique Piscaer Bailey, Paul Weaver, Rona Cox, Polly O’Leary, Steven Hersey, Stewart Roberts and Vanessa Weaver.
Format: Various – courses are anything from a few months long to a year (with 2 years to complete). Each course comprises hand outs and information alongside tutor interaction in the form of online tutorials or critiques via regular mail.
Description: ‘We provide 30 online art courses for all ages and abilities. Start at any time and study at your own pace. Whether you are at home or on the move…you can access our art courses online 24 /7.
Thinking of a career change or starting a new hobby? Our professionally written art courses will guide you through your development. You will have access to your own personal tutor who will be with you at every step. Start choosing your course today!’
Cost: From £200 for a three month class (Beginner’s Drawing)
London Art College Distance Learning
MoMA
The Museum of Modern Art New York is one of the biggest galleries for contemporary and modern art in the world.
Course: In the Studio: Postwar Abstract Painting
Tutor: Corey D’Augustine
Format: 26 hours of tuition to be viewed in your own time.
Description: Want to know how some of the 20th century’s most celebrated artists made abstract paintings? This course from MOMA offers an in-depth, hands-on look at the materials, techniques, and thinking of seven New York School artists, including Willem de Kooning, Yayoi Kusama, Agnes Martin, Barnett Newman, Jackson Pollock, Ad Reinhardt, and Mark Rothko. Through studio demonstrations and gallery walk-throughs, you’ll form a deeper understanding of what a studio practice means and how ideas develop from close looking, and you’ll gain a sensitivity to the physical qualities of paint. Readings and other resources will round out your understanding, providing broader cultural, intellectual, and historical context about the decades after World War II, when these artists were active.
The works of art you will explore in this course may also serve as points of departure to make your own abstract paintings. You may choose to participate in the studio exercises, for which you are invited to post images of your own paintings to the discussion boards, or you may choose to complete the course through its quizzes and written assessments only. Learners who wish to participate in the optional studio exercises may need to purchase art supplies. A list of suggested materials is included in the first module.
Cost: The course is available for free, or for $37 if you wish to receive a certificate on completion.
Postwar Abstract Painting on Coursera
My Painting Club
My Painting Club is a membership based painting school, whereby you pay $20 per month to access all the lessons presented on their website. There is a seven day free trial which you can take advantage of before you commit to full membership, as well as the option to purchase individual lessons.
Courses: Hundreds of lessons covering subjects such as abstracts, acrylics, landscapes, coastal, figure, drawing, colour, still life, sunsets.
Tutors Include: Richard Robinson, John Crump, Kathleen Dunphy.
Format: Online videos and some DVDs
Description: ‘Hi I’m Richard. I’ve been painting my whole life and back in 2001 I traded my graphic design career for the humble life of a full time artist. I love painting, and as it turns out, I love teaching too. Nowadays I balance my life between parenting, painting, surfing, travelling and teaching. My work is regularly featured in international art magazines, in galleries in New Zealand and America, on TV and in my mum’s house. I give outdoor painting workshops in interesting spots around this beautiful planet of ours and love encouraging people to paint. Two of my favourite artists are John Singer Sargent and Joaquin Sorolla. My painting website is www.nzpainter.com. I’d love to be your new teacher’ – Richard Robinson, main tutor at My Painting Club.
Cost: From $20 per month
The New School of Art
Self Portrait by Andrew James RP
The New School of Art is an independent art school offering courses at The Rag Factory in London and in various venues in Sussex. Their courses celebrate excellence in figurative & abstract contemporary painting and drawing.
Courses: Portrait demonstrations in oils
Tutors: Andrew James, Tim Benson
Format: Pre-recorded video demonstrations, either 2, 3.5 or 4 hours in length.
Description: Andrew James and Tim Benson are two of the most well respected portrait painters and teachers of figurative painting working today. The New School of Art’s exclusive painting demonstrations by these esteemed artists offer a glimpse into their working practices.
Cost: £40 per demonstration.
Our recommendation: Both artists are fascinating to watch as they work and are excellent in offering insight into how they deal with issues such as colour, light and perspective.
New Masters Academy
New Masters Academy is a US based online art school which focuses on a classical approach to art training and development.
Courses: Over forty different courses including portrait painting for beginners, advanced Renaissance Figure drawing, How to draw the costumed figure, The portrait in watercolour, Introduction to landscape painting, Sight-size drawing, drawing hands, Portraits in clay, Rendering techniques, Anatomy, Finding your voice as an artist, Pastel painting and oil painting.
Tutors Include: Joseph Todorovitch, Glenn Vilppu, Bill Perkins, Mark Westermoe, Ben Fenske, Daniel Graves, Kamille Corry, Chris Legaspi, David Simon, Charles Hu, Hollis Dunlap, Steve Huston.
Format: Online videos and downloadable references.
Description: ‘New Masters Academy is the Internet’s leading subscription-based art education website. We bring top quality art instruction to artists around the world for affordable prices.
The website was founded in 2012 by Joshua Jacobo along with a core group of instructors that includes master draftsman Glenn Vilppu, figurative painter Steve Huston, monumental sculptor Ed Fraughton, and Disney art director Bill Perkins.
The website launched with just over 100 hours of video content from twelve instructors, all experts at the top of their fields.
Since then, the website has grown to include over one thousand hours of content from over twenty instructors, including Juliette Aristides, John Asaro, Mark Westermoe, David Simon, Johanna Schwaiger and Rey Bustos. We have reached millions of artists online and we have educated tens of thousands of students from around the globe.
We also offer a first-of-its-kind 3D viewing application for artist references, as well as a photo reference library with tens of thousands of high quality, royalty-free images.
Years after our website launched, we are still honored to work to empower artists with the highest quality art instruction ever produced’.
Cost: From $39 per month.
The New Masters Academy website
Norfolk Painting School
The Norfolk Painting School have been providing exceptional painting tuition since 2007. The school, lead by artist Martin Kinnear, provides live interactive, online and studio courses for all levels of ambition and experience.
Courses: Studio Talk is a subsciber service which allows you to access weekly demonstrations live from the Norfolk painting studio, and interact with the demonstrator and other subscribers via Facebook live. The new ‘Simply Oils’ channel on Facebook allows you to access the successful Simply Oils class, which guides you through how to get set up with oil painting. A series of videos based on the ‘in person’ class, available to view on Facebook once you have paid the class fee. ‘Masterclass’ videos examine the painting approaches of well known artists, such as Winifred Nicholson, Edward Seago and John Piper.
Tutors: Martin Kinnear, Bryony Reed
Format: Once you have placed your order via the Norfolk Painting School website, you will be able to access the videos you have paid for via their Facebook channel.
Description: Since 2007 Simply Oils has been NPS’s signature studio course for artists wishing to learn oils or transition to them from another medium. They say, ‘As we all need to work and study from home we’ve put together special 120 minute live interactive demonstrations to show you everything you need to start oils the right way, in four easy to join sessions, which you can take in any order to top up your existing skills.
The sessions cover everything from getting the right kit and equipping your studio, through the core classical skills which enable you to exploit the things that only oil does, to professional colour mixing and the best process you can learn for reliably creating professional paintings rather than hoping your work comes together each day.
It’s the complete ‘how to’ from professional oil painters which will save you hours of frustration and ensure you don’t waste money on buying expensive kit you don’t need.
Our fully interactive interactive lectures cover everything you need to know, and unlike a pre recorded video allow you to ask questions to ensure you fully understand the information on offer.
At £50 per session, you get the full tuition of a studio based Simply Oils course (normally £399), meaning you can have the tuition sessions and demonstrations, plus the materials you need from the School shop, for around the cost of Simply Oils Studio Workshop!
Plus your lecture is streamed directly to a dedicated private Simply Oils Facebook site (NPS Simply Oils Channel), so you can watch it on demand for 7 days after your class, and easily take part in our Simply Oils community by sharing your work and checking your understanding with our painting community. It’s a fantastic, and rewarding learning experience’.
Cost: Studio Talk from £2.50 a week on the 1 year plan, Simply Oils from £50.
Review: ‘The Norfolk Painting School is outstanding. Weekly studio sessions, Masterclasses and Simply Oils Channel for learning skills for aspiring and established artists. Martin Kinnear and Bryony Reed are inspiring, generously sharing extensive knowledge and technical skills’. – V.C.
Pascal Anson YouTube Channel – Ordinary Made Extraordinary
Pascal Anson
Fun and informal YouTube videos of Pascal Anson’s livestream art sessions,, originally presented via Zoom.
Videos: Freehanding Drawing, Foreshortening, Drawing portraits, sketchbook work and still life.
Format: Thirty minute (approx) videos.
Description: ‘I have always really liked making films ever since I got hold of a camcorder in the 1990s. Art and Design are often difficult things to explain, to talk about and unravel, I have become a little better at it. There are many different ways to create and ideas come from lots of sources. The simplest way I can talk about the design process is like this “Observation, Analysis and Opportunity” or more simply put, what you look at, the questions you ask, and what you can think of doing with that information. Ten years ago I started putting some design ideas on YouTube, you get really honest feedback, sometimes people really hate what I do and that is great too. It generally makes me feel like I must be doing something right’ – Pascal Anson
Cost: Free
Proko
Proko was founded by US based, figurative artist Stan Prokopenko. Proko.com will teach fundamental drawing skills, based on a classical approach to developing skills. His approach is fun and informative, and focuses primarily on anatomy, figure and portraits.
Courses: Anatomy, Figure, Portraiture, Masterclass demos, Caricature.
Format: a bundle of information with each course including video lessons, 3D models, demonstrations, Assignments and examples.
Description: ‘Many lessons are available to watch for free. When you’re ready, get the premium version of the course for extended lessons and extra features. We’re dedicated to teaching you how to draw with fun and informative lessons. When you’re having fun, you learn better. So grab your pencil, and let’s do some drawing!’ – Stan Prokopenko
Cost: From $109 for a 15+ hour course.
Raw Umber Studios
Raw Umber Studios are a Stroud-based artist studio who specialise in a classical approach to painting and drawing the figure. During the pandemic the studio has brought their expertise online, and offer regular figure and portrait sessions via their website, with professional guidance throughout each session. Click here to read an interview with the founder of Raw Umber Studios, Neil Davidson.
Courses: Portrait drawing, figure drawing
Format: Pre-recorded hour-long video sessions via the Raw Umber website.
Cost: From £5 per session.
Realist Academy Walton Hall
The Realist Academy Walton Hall was established in reponse to a demand for a traditional academic approach to drawing and painting in the North West of England. The school teaches the fundamentals of portrait drawing and painting.
Courses: One Year Painting programme
Format: Tuition via Zoom and assignments to work on between lessons.
Description: ‘Take your skills to the next level this year and learn the traditional techniques of classical realist art. The portrait painting programme will teach you tried and tested methods going back to the Renaissance.’ There is opportunity to trial the tuition before you buy the course.
Cost: £2950
The Renaissance Workshop
drawing from a recent class with Juliano Hollivier, inspired by Pontormo (The Renaissance Workshop)
The Renaissance Workshop was set up by History and Philosophy graduate Jonathan Long in order to realise his vision of society having a real connection to the cultural roots of Western Civilisation. The Renaissance Workshop is underpinned by a passionate and robust affirmation of Western culture and its remarkable artistic and intellectual legacy. The Renaissance Workshop offers a variety of online content, from 6 week drawing courses to weekly life drawing via Zoom.
Courses: 1 year Old Master Drawing, The Expressive Nude (6 weeks), The principles and process of drawing (6 weeks), Inspiration and Meaning – the history and development of Western Art (6 weeks), plus one-off, 2 hour life drawing classes
Tutor: Jonathan Long
Format: Live teaching via Zoom at fixed times, further information on the Renaissance Workshop website.
Description: The Renaissance was a period of unbound cultural and creative efflorescence in Europe. The artistic legacy of The Renaissance can be interacted with by us and through doing so we can unlock our creative potential. The Renaissance Masters had used a multitude of methods that surprise and shock the students of The Renaissance Workshop. The principles embedded in The Renaissance approach to drawing enable you to draw intuitively and express your own unique vision. This remarkable historical method unlocks your potential.
These courses demystify the process of drawing used by the Old Masters of the Renaissance, especially in Renaissance Florence. Embark on a journey with The Renaissance Workshop and find out how Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Andrea del Verrocchio and Jacopo Carucci da Pontormo used the principles, techniques and process of drawing to affirm their vision.
Cost: £6.99 for a 2 hour life drawing session, £199 for a 6 week course, £1200 for 1 full academic year.
Our recommendation: Some of the UK’s best loved life models pose in The Renaissance Workshop’s 2 hour life drawing classes, which at £6.99 are a fraction of the cost of a regular life drawing class, with the ability to take part in the comfort of your own home.
The Royal Drawing School
The Royal Drawing School runs over 250 different full and part-time drawing courses each year for adults and children of all ages and abilities. Alongside their public courses they offer an MA-level postgraduate programme in drawing, a fine art foundation course, fully-funded international artists’ residencies and places on a Young Artists programme for 10-18 year-olds with an aptitude for drawing. Their courses are taught by a specialist faculty of over 75 practising artists, and they are committed to the continued training of future teachers of drawing. All RDS courses are heavily subsidised, with a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and concessions making them accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance.
Selected Courses: Drawing a Head, Drawing Space (Interior and Exterior), Drawing from the National Gallery, The Studio Room in Colour, Where Drawing Meets Words, Drawing: Composition and Colour 2, Drawing from the V&A, The Drawn Print, Mindfulness and Drawing, Printmaking at Home: Woodcut, Lino and Monotype, Drawing a Story, World Imagery: Drawing from Life, Portraits and Self Portraits, Printmaking without a Press, Immersive Narratives.
Tutors: Ian Rowlandsm Sharon Brindle, Jeanette Barnes, Martin Shortis, Ann Dowker, Mark Cazalet, Andy Pankhurst, Sophie Charalambous, Sophie Herxheimer, Emily Haworth Booth, Harry Parker, Will Topley, Nicola Durvasula, Sam Marshall, Perienne Christian, Mathew Cunningham, Ethan Pollock, Helen Burgess, Jake Garfield, Thomas Newbolt, Constanza Dessain, Richard Ayodeji Ikhide, Aude Herail Jager, Dilip Sur, Harriet Miller, Rebecca Harper, Melissa Kime, Maggie Jennings, Susan Wilson, Robert Dukes, Marcus Cornish, Christabel MacGreevy, Leon Pozniakow
Format: 5 – 10 week courses, sessions are either full day (10am – 5pm) or 3 hours long at a fixed weekly slot.
Description: A whole array of Drawing focussed courses that range from observational drawing to drawing from imagination, illustration and portraiture.
Cost: from £195 for 5 sessions
Our recommendation: We particularly love the sound of Winter and Watercolour: Immersive Narratives. The description reads, ‘ We will draw inspiration from Winter, being the night-time of seasons, as darkness grows and the cold surrounds us, we are compelled to light the fire, presented with the opportunity to, come and sit together, sharing our stories in the warmth. This course is designed to develop your drawing into painting through narrative and storytelling, combining observation with imagination, thus providing a place for the inventions of the mind to take hold and expand the possibilities of image making. Making work as a catalyst from films such as ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,’ ‘Somersault’ by Cate Shortland, Hans Christen Anderson’s fairy tale ’Snow Queen’, and Carol Anne Duffy’s Christmas poetry amongst other literature; all with an emphasis materially on developing your drawings into a more painterly approach throughout the week utilising water-based mediums. We suggest watercolour but are inclusive of inks, gouache, acrylics and all fast-drying water-based paints as we are open and experimental in approach. Each day students may choose to create their own environment or still-life to work from, collecting relevant imagery or props, using themselves or those at home as models, or drawing from memory. Guided by the tutor, students will combine this with a poem or narrative to depict a moment in an ongoing story or as a sequence of events unfolding over time, from the nostalgic and the sublime, to the mysterious. Students will be encouraged with personal development inclusive of all abilities.’
Online courses at The Royal Drawing School
Schoolism
Schoolism is an online art school run by Imaginism Studios, who specialise in film, television, gaming and animation. Consequently the approach is very much from a design/illustration perspective, with many of the tutors being well respected animators and designers.
Courses: (Include) Digital Painting, Sculpting, Drawing People, Painting Sci-Fi from Start to Finish, Drawing Portraits in Charcoal, Conceptual Characters, Story-Driven Illustrations, Understanding Textures, Watercolour Fundamentals, Environment and Light, Painting with Light and Colour, Realistic Portraits, Landscapes in Watercolour and Gouache, Drawing Fundamentals, The Art of Caricature, Oil Painting, Fundamentals of Lighting
Tutors: Alex Woo (Pixar), Andrea Blasich (DreamWorks), Daniel Arriaga (Pixar), Gonzalo Carcamo, Nathan Fowkes and Kris Pearn, among others
Format:Pre-recorded online content with set exercises to try at your own pace.
Cost: All Schoolism content for $29.85 per month or $299.40 annually. Critique sessions with instructors available at an additional cost.
Description: ‘When you choose Schoolism for your art education, you will learn to draw, paint, and design from the comfort of your home for a fraction of the cost of traditional art school. Your instructors will be top professionals in the art industry who are doing the dream jobs that you want. You will have easy access to pre-recorded lectures and video feedback, be able to control your own schedule, and rewind and rewatch the lectures whenever and as many times as you want.’
Scottsdale Artists’ School
Scottsdale Artists’ School is a not-for-profit art school with a traditional approach to representational painting and drawing, based in Arizona. The school offers art tuition for both adults and young people.
Courses: Painting the Dog as Fine Art, Abstracting the Landscape using Modern Technology, Drawing Beyond the Photo, Figure in Lace, Secrets to Painting Children, Three Step Still Life, Exploring the Classical Pose in depth, Watercolour Unleashed, Alla Prima Portraits with a Limited Palette
Tutors: Paolo Acuna, Rob Adamson, Vanya Allison, Kathy Anderson, Juliette Aristides, Steven Assael, Mitch Baird, Garin Baker, and many more.
Format: Zoom session with a private Facebook group for discussion following the class. Each workshop is a different duration, but each is several hours long.
Cost: From $120
Description: ‘Scottsdale Artists’ School is dedicated to the artistic enrichment of the community and to developing the capabilities of artists and aspiring artists of all ages by teaching the applied fundamentals of fine art.’
Shari Blaukopf Online Learning
Shari Blaukopf is a Montreal based watercolourist and urban sketcher, with a background in grpahic design and teaching. Her classes are tailored for watercolour beginners who are interested in responding to landscape from direct observation.
Courses: Sketching Structure in the Garden, My Favourite Five Watercolour Brushes, Light Colour Shadow, Still, Rushing, Falling Water, Thrifty Sketcher’s Trio, The Broken Mill, Sketching Fresh Flowers, Sketching Boats, Mexican Street Scene, My Favourite Plein Air Sketching Tools, Sketching the Everyday, Every Day, Sketching Winter
Tutors: Shari Blaukopf
Format: A mix of pre-recorded videos with provided resources and exercises, and some live workshops via Zoom
Cost: Some are free, those that are not start at $25.
Description: ‘When you take Shari Blaukopf online sketching and painting courses, you’ll learn to “see” what’s important in a scene. Simplify that into a powerful composition. And turn it into a finished sketch or painting. One you’ll be proud to show — maybe even hang on your wall. It’s easy, when you learn to draw and paint in steps. With simple-to-follow online courses broken down into lessons. Where you can pause, go back and watch again. And where you can listen in as I explain and show the what and why every step of the way. Welcome to my school. I hope you enjoy learning as much as I enjoy teaching.’
Shari Blaukopf Online Learning
St Ives School of Painting
Established in 1938, the St Ives School of Painting is still in the same studios where Leonard Fuller taught their very first drawing course.
Courses: The Luminous Landscape, Saturday Life Live – Inspired by Toulouse-Lautrec, Getting Started with Oil Painting, Saturday Life live – Inpisred by Jenny Saville, Sketch into Painting: From Near to Far & Back Again, Winifred Nicholson + the Window
Tutors: Amy Albright, Hilary Jean Gibson, Greg Humphries, Tom Rickman, Alice Mumford
Format: All via Zoom, from 1 hour webinars to short workshops with a small group, to longer courses spanning several weeks.
Description: Currently there are 6 online courses available to book although the website says that St Ives is hoping to expand their programme. The courses are well planned out and you will have access to the course content for 8 weeks after completing each course, as well as valuable individual feedback from the tutor.
Cost: Life classes are £10, 4 day courses start at £225
Recommendation: ‘I’ve been taking online courses and webinars from St Ives School of Painting, and highly recommend it’. – R.M.
St Ives School of Painting Online Classes
Sky Arts Portrait Artist of The Week
At the time of writing we are into a third season of Portrait Artist of the Week. On Sundays visit the Sky Arts page on Facebook and watch a previous contestant of Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year paint a well known sitter. The process is both entertaining as you listen to the artist-sitter dialogue, as well as a fantastic opportunity to paint or draw along and submit your work to be considered by the expert judges, Tai Shan Schierenberg, Kate Bryan and Kathleen Soriano.
Format: on Facebook line on Sundays from 10am, but the broadcast is then recorded and available to view throughout the week.
Cost: free
Watch Portrait Artist of the Week on Sky Arts’ Facebook page
Smart School
Smart School is an online resource for emerging and established artists to help not only with technique, but also how to network and promote your artworks to reach a wider audience.
Courses Include: The Alchemy of Figurative Art, Impactful light and colour in oil painting, Allegory in contemporary painting, Portrait as story
Format: Weekly three hour interactive classes for small groups of 8 maximum, the number of weeks depends on the course.
Description: ‘The artist Rebecca Leveille Guay founded SmArt School to address a pressing need. Often art students, self trained artists, and working professionals find themselves stranded and looking for more:
How do you push your vision and your technique further?
How do you connect with people in the industry?
How do you learn the nuts and bolts about how a professional lives and works?
How do you learn the business of art?
How do you shift from one area of art to another successfully?
SmArt School was constructed specifically to address these questions. Our success can be measured by the astounding success of our alumni’.
Cost: $2500 for 14 weeks.
Sotheby’s Institute of Art
Sotheby’s Institute of Art offers educational programs for professionals, pre-college audiences, and graduate students seeking expertise in art business and an understanding of the $60 billion global art economy. Our course offerings cover everything from art history to key business skills from our campuses located in the world’s art capitals of London and New York, as well as online.
Selected courses: Presenting yourself in the Art World, Pursuing a Career in the Art World: Pathways and Opportunities, Building an Art Business, The Power of the Arts: Chronicler, Convener, Activist, Careers in the Art World: A Practical Guide, Curating, Museum and Galleries
Tutors: Renee Pfister, Dr. Amy Mechowski, Leo Crane among other industry experts.
Format: Varies from 1 hour sessions to fixed weekly sessions for 4 – 12 weeks.
Description: Gain valuable insights, dive deeper into a subject, or discover something entirely new. From one-hour live video lectures to 12-week in-depth explorations, Sotheby’s online courses are ideal for building your understanding of the contemporary art world, and how to look at art as a business, taught by the people who really know.
Cost: from £45 for 1 hour to £6550 for 12 weeks
Our recommendation: ‘The Power of the Arts: Chronicler, Covener Activist – The arts shape history. As the world adjusts to COVID and political shockwaves like the US election and Brexit, artists are stepping up their game. In this one-hour live conversation led by Leo Crane, guest speaker Alvin Hall will reflect on art as activism and how artists today are using their creative process to challenge established power structures and reshape our society’.
Sotheby’s Institute of Art Online
Surrey County Council Online Art Courses
Adult Learning courtesy of Surrey County Council now includes a number of online art courses delivered via Zoom.
Selected Courses: Acrylic & Watercolour, Acrylic Painting Techniques, Drawing – Observation & Imagination, Abstract Painting,
Tutors: Steven Moonan, Rebecca Le Tourneau, Roger Hutchins, Alison Carlier, Sophie Artemis
Format: 10 weekly 2 hour Zoom sessions, each course has fixed dates and times.
Description: When you join an Arts class you will be amazed what you can achieve in a short period of time, and how much you can learn from seeing other people in your class using their creativity. Surrey Country Council tutors are experienced artists who are trained to teach adults how to learn the art of visual expression.
Your tutor will be able to advise you on progressing to other learning opportunities, and there are progression leaflets available giving details of useful websites and information on local providers offering qualifications.
Online courses include portrait and figure drawing and painting, art history, calligraphy, and painting with watercolour and acrylics.
Cost: From £133 for 10 x 2 hour sessions
Our recommendation: ‘Powerful Portraits in Acrylics’ – This online course is designed to help develop existing skills in portrait painting using acrylic paint. This class will cover technique based tasks which will be delivered through demonstration and discussion before using the remaining lesson time to produce your own work. In addition to this you will be introduced to a range of portrait artists to help further develop your understanding of technique and put the classwork task into context.
Where this course consists of more than one session you will find you make the most progress if you attend every taught lesson and complete any self-directed study opportunities provided.
Art and photography courses in adult learning at Surrey County Council
Tucson Art Academy Online
TAAO is a beautifully presented website, offering tuition in oil, acrylic, pastel and watercolour, for all levels of experience.
Courses Include: Mentoring opportunities with professional artists, self-study classes and instructional videos including How to push your paint to the edge, Composing with light and colour, Anatomy of trees, Mixing oil colour, Interpreting the form.
Format: Mentoring years include 15 hours of videoed demonstrations, critiques with your tutor every other month, resources and access to a Facebook group with other students so that you can compare notes. The Self Study courses are the same, but without the critiques and individual feedback. The instructional videos are indepth lessons pre-recorded and lasting around 2 hours.
Description: ‘We offer Traditional Fine Art Online courses and educational videos. Each (TAAO) Tucson Art Academy instructor is a renowned artist who is passionate about teaching you. All of our content from concept to completion has been put together by Fine Artists who want you to excel in your art journey. We believe that craft precedes artistry.
Let us help you improve your craft and master your technical challenges. Designed for students at every skill level and in every medium: oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, and clay for sculptors.
“What you will learn will be limitless”!
Cost: Videos from $69, mentoring from $695 for 1 year, self-study classes from $395.
University of the Arts London
University of the Arts London is a collegiate university in London, England, specialising in arts, design, fashion and the performing arts.
Selected Courses: Introduction to Illustration, Intro to Modern Art History, Contemporary Drawing and Painting, History of Art, 100 Drawing Projects, Portrait Drawing and Painting, Watercolour for Beginners, Contemporary Oil Painting
Tutors: Roger Gill, Rod Judkins, Leni Kauffman, Guy Noble, Bettina Reiber, David Price
Format: Most are week long, full time courses (10am – 4pm) on fixed dates.
Description: UAL online short courses are designed to help creative people master new challenges, develop their skills, get inspired by new ideas and access the UAL learning experience wherever they are. Courses are taught in a “live studio” format, where you can chat and get real time feedback from our expert tutors and interact with other like-minded creatives.
All online courses include personal feedback on your work and a certificate upon completion.
Cost: £580 for 1 week intensive or £360 for 4 sessions spread over 4 weeks.
Our recommendation: ‘Contemporary Drawing and Painting – This short course is ideal if you want to achieve real progress in your paintings, and invest in yourself to learn new techniques and develop your own individual art style. It is also ideal if you are looking to create new compositions and to help find your response to contemporary life. This course is taught by weekly online sessions with dedicated projects each week.’
Vilppu Academy Online School for Drawing
The Vilppu Academy has an international reputation for expert tuition in drawing. Great information for fine artists as well as illustrators and animators.
Courses Include: Anatomy, Animal drawing, Clothed figure, Composition, Drawing essentials, Figure drawing, Head drawing.
Format: Lessons and weekly assignments are given to students, who have one week to complete the assignment to email back to the Academy. There is opportunity to communicate with Glenn Vilppu directly, a tutor with over 50 years’ experience of teaching drawing.
Description: ‘In over 50 years of teaching drawing my focus has been to bring to the student logic and practical application of drawing in communication. Drawing is thinking and feeling and the needs of the artist today to communicate are no different than they have been down through the ages. All artists have the same problems that they must deal with the differences are in their interests and the order of importance they give to various elements. I do not teach a style, I teach tools of communication and give direction to acquiring knowledge. Knowledge coupled with the development of skill and feeling is what creates the magic. There are no Rules, just tools. In the many means that I use to teach, DVD’s, Books, Subscription Drawing Lessons, you will find the same threat of logic. Get the total and communicate it as clearly as you can’ – Glenn Vilppu
Cost: Subscriptions from $29 per month (for access to all videos), or 10 week courses from around $800
Virtual Art Academy
The Virtual Art Academy offers a full program of painting classes, which comprise videos and documents full of information and exercises to try out. The core program is made up of four years of teaching.
Courses Include: Virtual Art Academy offer an all-round course in painting for beginners, which as you follow it becomes more challenging, and is designed to put you on a fast track to painting competently and finding your own creative voice. It aspires to offer teaching on a par with a real life classical art academy. In Spring 2021 VVA launched a new system called the Spiral of Learning℠ community. It is an app that you can download to your phone, enabling you to learn on the go. You can work systematically through a 2-4 year program that is equivalent to a university education, taking you from a very basic beginner level all the way to becoming a professional painter. The new pricing can be found under the ‘Join’ menu on the Virtual Art Academy website.
Format: Videos and resources online, including a comprehensive elibrary to support the teaching of the artist-tutors.
Review: ‘I joined 2 years ago with my daughter. We have both learnt so much and have enjoyed our VAA time together. My daughter is now 13 and already produces amazing paintings. The Virtual Art Academy is simply the most comprehensive art instruction I could find anywhere online, and trust me, I had been looking for a long time. Even art schools and academies I’ve been exposed to are nowhere near as thorough, VAA is just amazing! Most paintings I see where the artist clearly has some skill still lack in either the values or notan department, or fall down on composition- it’s baffling that VAA seems to be the only program that goes into detail on this. Therefore, if you are new to painting or an experienced artist, studying with VAA will get you to that next step. I also find that Barry is always interested in what we students do and is at hand with great advice. Worth every penny, Thank you Barry!’
Cost: From $49 per month (for 16 lessons)
Watts Atelier of the Arts
Founded by artist Jeffrey Watts, the Watts Atelier offers online tuition for representational painting and drawing.
Courses Include: Painting and Drawing instruction including anatomy, the figure and portraiture.
Format: PDF resources and videos, access to online forums and feedback from the Watts staff.
Description: ‘With hundreds of hours of instructional content and disciplined studies ranging from drawing and painting to color theory and composition and beyond, our online program is sure to provide you with the mastery of instruction your skills need to grow and thrive. Begin learning from Jeffrey Watts and the world-class instructors of the Watts Atelier today, and build your foundation for artistic excellence’.
Cost: Subscriptions from $49 per month for specific masterclass content, $99 for all drawing content, $119 for all painting content.
Will Kemp Art School
Will Kemp is an award-winning professional artist and teacher. His online art school has developed a loyal following, and offers practical drawing and painting tuition, which demystifies Classical fundamentals learned during his time studying portraiture in Florence.
Selected Courses: How to apply a coloured ground (acrylics), How to clean your paintbrush, How to set up art studio lighting, How to approach lighting for a portrait painting, Acrylic Gels and Mediums, How to paint an oil portrait, How to draw perspective, How to Glaze.
Tutors: Will Kemp
Format: Free pdfs, videos and blog posts, as well as full paying courses comprising video tution and jpeg image references to download and have access to indefinitely.
Description: ‘I’ve taken care to film everything from my perspective so you can see exactly what I’m doing as we go through the entire drawing process in real-time with over 3 hours of video instruction, alongside full-colour photographs and drawing guides. The course is delivered with: 7 Downloadable Step-by-Step Video Lessons – over 3 hours of video instruction that once downloaded – you have any time, anywhere access; A Quick Start PDF guide – which includes your materials list; A Drawing Downloads PDF guide – which includes all the reference images used throughout the course, alongside stages of my more detailed drawings.
The video files are large (2GB) so you need a broadband internet connection and enough space on your computer hard drive. I filmed, edited, and coloured the course myself (with a little help from Vanessa!) rather than working with a production company. Artists have different needs than editors so I wanted to cut the course like an artist, showing you exactly what I wanted to see when I was learning. I show all the real-time pencil marks so you don’t miss a step’.
Cost: Free online content as well as online courses that start at £49
Our recommendation: ‘Urban Sketching Course – Imagine becoming an artist where your inspiration comes from observing your everyday life. You would gain an eye-opening appreciation for the town or city you live in and places you visit. Bustling crowds, interesting architecture, and wonky lamp posts would become your subjects and a fine-line pen your only drawing tool. You could start today!
This drawing course looks at how to develop the habit of Urban Sketching – sketching the everyday environment around you. Creating a visual diary of the world and develop the daily practice of recording the story of your life through sketches. Over 3 hours of tuition, you’ll develop an eye-opening appreciation for cities and towns and their surroundings from the view out of a bus window to a half-built construction site. It will enable you to practice your drawing skills and create fast, bold urban sketches with pencils, pens, or watercolours, whatever tools you have on hand. The simple step-by-step tutorials follow a logical progression from creating frameworks for successful sketches, understanding perspective, using tonal blocks for a composition to capturing the movement of individual figures and bustling crowds’.
Reader review: ‘Will Kemp is a UK-based instructor who is encouraging and very engaged. His online courses are thorough, professional, and very approachable for beginning and intermediate students. Plus, Will Kemp’s website and YouTube channel are excellent resources with a ton of great reference material and shorter, free lessons to get you started’.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Our pleasure, Margaret! It’s amazing how much is out there.
Best wishes
Lisa
Thanks for including Will Kemp Art School in this list. I have many of Will’s courses and he is an exemplary teacher and consummate artist. Will’s Colour Mixing course for Acylics is worth the investment for anyone learning colour fundamentals or who want to take their mixing skills to the next level.
thank you Paul!
I would like to propose an on-line
dialogue
in this time of lock down, when we’re all
being so nice to each other. it’s an
opportunity to vent.The topic is “Colours
you hate” and it might be titled “Colour
prejudice”
I have never really liked purple,
(poisonous purps), but as a painter it has
it’s uses in small amounts. At the moment
the colour I have no time for is Pyrrole
Orange, it’s horrid, far to pink, too strong
and just yuck, scientifically speaking.It
sneaks onto my pallet pretending to be
orange and then pollutes everything with
it’s pinky deviation, I could go on…. So
come on you artists get down and dirty,
let your bile out and sound off on Horrible
Colour
Hi Jonathan,
Haha I love the idea! We’re discussing the best platform for this. Mine is any of the phthalos – they look beautiful but then find a way of staining everything – like an overbearing guest at a party.
Best wishes
Lisa
I completely agree Lisa. The other
colour I cannot stand is yellow ochre
because it just seems to deaden the
surface of any painting. If you use it to
mix it seems to muddy everything else.
I prefer transparent yellow oxide instead of Yellow Ochre, much easier (for me) to use a transparent yellow earthy hue. Maybe there is mileage in this idea!
Thanks
Lisa
Gosh! Up until now yellow ochre has always been a necessary part of my pallet–I will immediately try another yellow to see if that’s the reason I’m not happy with my paintings; perhaps that is what is happening–muddying things up.
I am an art tutor and have been hosting a
free Facebook live at 2pm everyday for
those self isolating. Please take a look. I
set up the page purely for this purpose
I am also hosting virtual paid for classes
using Zoom video conferencing
ART Share Challenge,
Hi Eunice,
Thanks for your comment. Please reply with the link so people can check out your classes.
Many thanks
Lisa
Wow. Great list! I look forward to going
through them all. Thanks for the info
and support.
Hi Hilary,
Thank you! Let us know how you get on and which were your favourites.
Best wishes
Lisa
Thank you so much! If I may add in
another resource it is the Great British
Paint-in live with Norfolk Painting
School on Facebook at 1pm on
Wednesdays.
Hi Nandhini
Ooh that sounds great, I will check it out! Many thanks
Best wishes
Lisa
I work for a small independent art school in
the north west of Scotland. We have put up
On This Day… 30 day art project, which will
run for the whole of April, but will remain on
the website indefinitely. It’s free and open to
all with a FB group and instagram page for
those that want to share their work.
http://www.bridgehouseart.co.uk Hoping this is of
interest and you can feature it. Many thanks
for a great article.
This is great. I did something similar
over 30 days in the first lockdown. A list
if these type of challenges/
opportunities that will drive creative
experimentation would be welcome.
Thank you – we did art prompts during the first lockdown each Friday – if you scroll down on our Instagram and see text on a coloured background they’re worth a read for the inspiration.
Best wishes
Lisa
This is wonderful, thank you!
I’ve been taking online courses and
webinars from St Ives School of Painting,
and highly recommend it.
https://www.schoolofpainting.co.uk/?
gclid=CjwKCAiAnIT9BRAmEiwANaoE1YLV
H4JTl4AcP2xBp2uKLzhc5T8-
W48MZMc7_za7kYhHecmXSoJNGRoCOac
QAvD_BwE
Oh wonderful, thank you! I will add them.
Best wishes
Lisa
May I recommend the untutored life
drawing on line twice weekly Only 10
pounds a session with models zooming
in from around the world. Monday and
Thursday 7-9pm.
Henleyschoolofart.com. Really excellent
Thank you so much, I will add them to the list!
Best wishes
Lisa
The Norfolk Painting School is outstanding.
Weekly studio sessions, Masterclasses and Simply Oils Channel for
learning skills for aspiring and established artists.
Martin Kinnear and Bryony Reed are inspiring, generously sharing
extensive knowledge and technical skills.
Thanks Veronica! I will add them to the list.
Best wishes
Lisa
I agree Veronica. Studio Talk is the highlight
of my week these days and I’ve learnt so
much in a short time. Can’t recommend
Norfolk Painting School too highly.
Thank you Shona!
This is a wonderful initiative because the
arts and culture along with shared creative
experience is more essential than ever. Since
March I have been giving drawing classes for
free on Zoom in place of my regular life
drawing classes in London. Every Tuesday I
invite all to come on a journey with me into
the history of art and to draw from a diverse
range of inspirations. In order to keep this
project afloat I launched affordable life
drawing sessions on Zoom paying the
models a minimum of 50% of the proceeds
from ticket sales and also intensive online
drawing courses. I would love more people
to have access to what I do and to feel the
benefits of community and joint endeavours.
Jonathan Long
Director
The Renaissance Workshop
HI Jonathan,
Thanks for your comments, your classes sound fascinating! I will check them out!
Many thanks
Lisa
Thanks for all the info! Great article!
I have loads of free tutorials and a
membership scheme for anyone whose
interested – loads of us artist/tutors
have gone online recently and need your
support
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK
A1lCovZc1PzFppLVn5ddw
I can highly recommend an alla prima
portrait course taught by Louis Smith at
Realist Academy Walton Hall in
Warrington. He teaches in person and also
now by live zoom classes. I studied there
for a year and went from complete
beginner to turning out portraits of a
standard that I was really pleased with.
https://www.realistacademy.com/
Thank you so much for the suggestion.
Hi Lisa – great article and great list. I just
wanted to let your readers know that our
school, The Barnes Atelier, offers online
drawing & painting instruction in the form of
1-to-1 mentorship to artists wishing to study
in the atelier tradition. Thanks in advance for
sharing.
That’s great, thank you!
I highly recommend Will Kemp Art School!
http://www.willkempartschool.com
Only reason why I’m not a raging alcoholic
this year!
Haha! Thank you!
London Drawing :- https://londondrawing.com/ are an excellent
group if a bit bizarre at times, but their virtual life classes and
portrait classes are great and supported by artists from all over
the world.
thank you!
We offer a range of online affordable
painting, drawing, illustration,
watercolour, photography and
sketchbook courses. Spring enrolment
now open. Visit our website to browse
courses.
Don’t forget us at Insight School of Art! We moved all of our classes to Zoom during lockdown and now hold classes in the studio and on Zoom at the same time, including painting classes, life drawing and classes for children.
Thanks for mentioning Paul! I will add.
Many thanks
Lisa
Thank you. This would be great!
(1) Will Kemp, Will Kemp Art School – for Acrylic Painting, Drawing,
and Water-Mixable Oils (Beginners, Portrait, Sketching, and Still
Life Courses)
https://WillKempArtSchool.com
Will Kemp is a UK-based instructor who is encouraging and very
engaged. His online courses are thorough, professional, and very
approachable for beginning and intermediate students. Plus, Will
Kemp’s website and youtube channel are excellent resources with a
ton of great reference material and shorter, free lessons to get you
started.
(2) Jane Blundell for Watercolors and Urban/Travel Sketching
Mastering Watercolours:
https://JaneBlundellArt.com/mastering-watercolors-online-course
Travel Sketching:
https://JaneBlundellArt.com/travel-sketching-online-course
Jane’s blog is an excellent resource with +4 million page visits:
https://JaneBlundellArt.blogspot.com
Jane Blundell is an Australian-based teacher who is both a
Daniel Smith Watercolors Brand Ambassador and an instructor for
the Urban Sketchers organization. She’s been a very popular
worldwide instructor for years. Her blog (link above) is the online
go-to resource for watercolors. Jane’s two online courses, (above)
with more coming in the near future, reflect her vast experience and
professionalism from years of teaching.
You can’t go wrong with the online classes and the helpful
resources available from both Will Kemp and Jane Blundell. Cheers!
Oopsey! Jane Blundell’s correct Master Watercolours link
(“watercolours” was spelled incorrectly above) is here:
https://www.janeblundellart.com/mastering-watercolours-online-
course.html
Cheers!
Would you recommend the open college of arts as a good place to
do a foundation course in painting and drawing?
Hi Fran
I’m afraid I’m not in a position to make recommendations for Art Foundation courses. However if any readers have completed the Art Foundation at the Open College of the Arts, please share your experiences!
Best wishes
Lisa
What a great list being compiled, very
informative. Thank you.
I am also an art tutor of watercolour and
since the first lockdown had to teach my
self all the new technology and am
delighted have been able to keep offering
my courses on the magic of watercolour
for all levels of experience.
https://kerrybennett.co.uk/online-art-
lessons/live-online-classes/zoom-classes.
Grateful to still spread the joy of this
medium and keep the creativity flowing
during these hard times.
Thanks Kerry! your Zoom classes look great, I wish you all the best with them and will add them to the list.
Best wishes
Lisa
Some really wonderful looking courses. My only concern is that
there appears not to be as many options for beginners. I’m an
absolute beginner with not a lot of confidence and I tend to find
the art world very intimidating. A lot of gatekeepers. If anyone has
any recommendations for a woman who doesn’t have much money
and can’t draw a circle that would be great.
Hi Ruth
Art Academy London (#1 on this list) is
offering a free Saturday morning arts club
each week on Zoom:
https://artacademy.org.uk/saturday-
morning-art-club/
It would be a great place for a beginner to
start
Great suggestion, thank you Harriet!
Do you have any knowledge of courses in Pan Pastels and Liquid Charcoal? I’m abandoning my oils for a while and trying to concentrate on these two totally new mediums. Any help would be much appreciated.
hi Lee,
I did a quick Google as I wasn’t sure of the answer to your question, but found these tutorials. Perhaps they will be useful?
https://thevirtualinstructor.com/panpastellandscape.html
https://panpastel.com/resources.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AgEtM9VeyY
Many thanks
Lisa
I strongly recommend Virtual Art
Academy
(https://www.virtualartacademy.com) if
you want a well researched, well presented
online course. You can work at your own
pace. I have continued to enjoy and learn
from VAA for several years.
This is a terrific resource Lisa. Thank you.
May I suggest adding:
https://learn.shariblaukopf.com
Shari is based in Montreal, Canada and
currently offers 8 different watercolour
courses ($35 CAD) to buy and follow at your
own pace. There are some free short videos
and excellent previews for each class, so
you get a clear idea of what to expect.
Shari is well known in urban sketching
circles. Her watercolour workshops, around
the world, quickly sell out. This is a great
opportunity to learn from a master.
Thank you for continuing to include our
courses n your feature, we very much
appreciate your support! Could you please
check the link for Bridge House Art
http://www.bridgehouseart.co.uk as it seems to
have an error. Many thanks
Many thanks
So sorry about that, I am in the process of correcting this now.
Many thanks
Lisa
All working now, may thanks again
wonderful resource Lisa, thank you for
compiling. Creativity and encouraging
creative expression is more important now
than ever. My best moments come when a
student makes creative discoveries and gets
into the flow of creating, I’m an artist and
educator, and author of Creative Me – the joy
of paint.
Thank you Helen for your response!
This is a terrific resource Lisa. Thank you.
If you are still adding resources, may I
suggest:
https://learn.shariblaukopf.com
Shari is based in Montreal, Canada and
currently offers 8 online watercolour
courses. There are some free short videos
and excellent previews for each class, so you
get a clear idea of what to expect.
Shari is well known in urban sketching
circles. This is a great opportunity to learn
from a master.
(P.S. Wasn’t sure what to fill in below for
website, mine or the one I’m suggesting, so I
put the latter).
Cheers from Canada.
Thanks Alison so much for making contact! I’ll be updating the list next week so it’s great to have your suggestion.
Very Many thanks,
Lisa
A great list Lia but I’m surprised you missed
out Raw Umber Studios. , Solid academy
style grounding and excellent value.
Hi Denise
Thanks for your comment. We have included Raw Umber Studios (who we’re big fans of!) in the life drawing classses list here https://www.jacksonsart.com/blog/2021/03/05/recommended-online-life-drawing-classes/
and we also have interviewed Raw Umber founder Neil Davidson here – https://www.jacksonsart.com/blog/2020/05/13/neil-davidson-on-raw-umber-studios-online-portrait-classes/
Absolutely agree, they offer excellent tuition.
Many thanks
Lisa
What an excellent resource. I did a
couple of the SMARTART courses quite a
few years ago. It is fairly heavily aimed
at artists wanting to go into commercial
work (film/publishing/gaming etc) so a
lot of the work is directed that way,
although if your aim is fine art it will still
work for you. It requires a lot of
commitment and time hence the price
(tutors are very well known/regarded in
the commercial artist industry).
I’ve also done a few of the Tucsan Art
Academy courses as well as purchased
some of their videos. Their artists are
very good and well worth a look. Their
year tuition are good value, since you
get a year and plenty of
communication/facebook group if you
want it – you get out what you put in like
everything. I shall definitely look at the
other online courses listed here.
Another online resource is Bobby Chui’s
http://www.schoolism.com which does a whole
range of online art classes too, which
might be worth a look to some people.
Thank you Fes for making contact, this is really helpful! I’ve added your suggestions to the list for when I update next week.
All the best
Lisa
Thank you Lisa, really informative article. It
would be lovely to see Lavender Print School
on there 🙂 http://www.lavenderprintschool.co.uk.
Online workshops from different types of
artists, all for beginners. Some artists
include Wilfrid Wood, Jack Ford and Ben
Hendy. Thank you.
Hi Joella, Thank you so much for making contact. Three favourite artists of mine you mention! So of course I’ll add this to the list when I update it next week. Thanks so much.
Really wonderful list and descriptions
of so many opportunities. I have used
several online classes and found them
really helpful, particularly encouraging
working alongside a tutor. Thank you
for this, much appreciated, to keep us
sane!
Thanks for your comment Elizabeth, I couldn’t agree more!
Hi Lisa, it’s Ira from Scottsdale Artists
School in Arizona. We are offering a
successful and growing online program.
Just wanted to let you know ❤️
Thank you so much for making contact, your Art School offers some great online courses! I will be updating the list next week and will be sure to include yours.
All good wishes
Lisa
Great article! Can I also recommend another 2 x small independent
life drawing / portrait online drop in classes? Both really good value
for money and they profit share with their life models. As well as
running live sessions they also sell photo sets and videos from
their online sessions on their websites:
Often really imaginative and unusual sessions, some reimagining
famous paintings, others more experimental using things like slow
movement – Drawing Life Glasgow:
https://www.drawing-life.com
Great life drawing – lots of guided sessions which are great for
beginners – The Jolly Sketcher:
https://bookwhen.com/thejollysketcher
Hi Jess,
Thanks so much for your suggestions. I am posting a new article specifically for life drawing today and have included both the classes you mention.
Many thanks
Lisa
awesome post
Thank you Star!
Hi there! I would love to be able to list my
Art School if that is possible? We are a
independent art school based in East
Lothian outside Edinburgh and offer a large
number of studio course and online courses.
We are avid Jackson’s fans and would love to
feature if it is possible! Many thanks
Hi Jemma,
Thanks for getting in touch, the courses you offer look great! I shall add to the list on the next update, which I’ll be working on next week.
Very best wishes
Lisa
Hi Lisa.
Can I promote my class in your blog?
I am doing a Life Drawing class with a
circus contortionist and has been going
very well. started only a month ago. I am
teaching.
Let me know. I send you our email.
Regards.
Dear Gianinna
Thank you for making contact, I have emailed you about this and would be glad to add your class to our life drawing classes post – https://www.jacksonsart.com/blog/2021/03/05/recommended-online-life-drawing-classes/
Many thanks
Lisa
Hello Lisa, we have just released a new
system called the Spiral of Learning℠
community. It’s basically an app you can put
on your phone and tablet to learn on-the-go.
You can work systematically through a 2-4
year program that is equivalent to a
university education, taking you from a very
basic beginner level all the way to becoming
a professional painter. The new pricing is on
our website (under the Join menu item). I
wonder if you could update your description
above? Thank you so much
Hello Barry John Raybould,
Thanks so much for the update – the Spiral of Learning sounds really exciting! I have updated the information about the Virtual Art Academy accordingly.
I wish you every success!
Best wishes
Lisa
Thank you for the list!
Our pleasure! Hope you found it useful.
Best wishes
Hi Lisa, If its not too bold can I mention I
have started making Oil painting tutorials
on DVD and Live Stream. I cover the
‘Where to Start’ to ‘Look What I’ve Painted’
with my Beginners DVD’s just to help a
new person get started. Being mindful of
budget and space I’ve designed my tutorial
to be affordable and fit in a draw. Hope
this is applicable to your Blog but please
contact me for more advise
Thanks so much Paul, this sounds great for beginner oil painters!
Best wishes
Lisa
Thank you!
Hi Lisa
I’m looking for the blog about drawing
paper.
12th July 2021. Where can I find it?
Hi Phil
Here it is: Everything You Need to Know About Drawing Paper
Very best, Clare
Hi Lisa,
Lovely article, I moved my classes,
workshops and private Tuition online in
the lockdown and have continued in this
format with the addition of starting a
YouTube Channel this year. I teach a wide
range of subjects, watercolour, drawing,
coloured pencils, pastels, acrylic.
http://www.milamarts.org