Looking for the Best Online Art Classes?
Here is a directory of popular art instructors with links to their websites and a short introduction to their work and history. I’ve asked the artists what their most popular online art classes are and have them listed below. These are all independent artists so I encourage you to support their work and creativity. The world needs more art!
Table of Contents
Don’t Miss The Art Bundles for Good!
Most of the artists listed on this page are regular contributors to the Art Bundles for Good, a huge collection of digital art classes offered at more than a 97% discount off the retail price with 25% of the profits donated to charity. Art Bundle for Good #6 will be back for 4 days at the end of April 2022.
I’ve interviewed most of the artists featured below in the free Business of Art ebook that you can download for free below.
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The Business of Art ebook by signing up below. If you are on the Art Bundle mailing list, you’ll also be notified of the next Art Giveway in May. We’ll be giving out three full versions of the entire Art Bundle for Good. There will be dozens of online art classes by the top artists.
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Most Popular Online Art Courses
Here is a list of the most popular online art classes from previous Art Bundle for Good contributors. If you are looking for a great art class you can take in the comfort of your home, this is a great list to start from.
Life Book by Tamara Laporte
Tam’s annual Life Book is her most popular art class. Thousands of artists purchase this year-long course every year. Tam is joined by dozens of incredible artists, crafters and healers who are all gearing up to share their art, crafting and personal growth techniques with YOU! With a holistic approach to creativity, self-development and healing, you’ll be creating several loose mixed media art journal pages per month which by the end of the year you will bind into a glorious journal (a Life Book)! Your final book with your artwork in it will function as wonderful keepsake that you can treasure for the rest of your life!
Check out the full interview with artist Tamara Laporte
Abstract Mojo Art Class by Tracy Verdugo
In Tracy Verdugo’s most popular online art class you’ll:
- Work across multiple mini canvases to generate cohesive series and color palettes.
- Use Tracy’s “embracing the contrast” approach to help avoid those frustrating STUCK PLACES!
- Translate emotion through color and mark into your work.
- Take your own photos OR images found and abstract them using a whole variety of apps and other exercises.
- Be inspired by nature to create stunning evocative abstracts.
- Create more narrative in your work through the exploration of figurative abstraction and the use of symbols.
- Go BIG in the last unit together with LARGE sheets of paper and canvas.
Check out the artist interview with Tracy Verdugo
Bloom True by Flora Bowley
The Bloom True E-Course presents a groundbreaking, transformational approach to painting and living that celebrates intuition, connects body, mind and spirit, and allows unique, expressive paintings to emerge naturally. Brimming with gorgeous, high-definition video demonstrations, unique creative lessons, inspiring prompts, interviews with fellow artists, in-depth Q&A sessions, and enough encouragement and inspiration to last a lifetime.
Check out the artist interview with Flora Bowley
How to Draw Faces Using the Reily Method on PencilKings.com
PencilKings.com most popular course teaches you how to construct the face using Reilly Rhythms. You’ll learn the anatomy of the face and the important muscles to remember, lighting techniques for added realism in your drawings and how to draw the face from any angle. At only $15, this is a great deal.
Check out the artist interview with Mitch Bowler of PencilKings.com
Yummy Layered Backgrounds
Shawn Petite’s most popular online art class teaches you step-by-step ways to create backgrounds in your paintings. For the beginner all the way to the advanced artist. Gain more confidence in forming luscious layers of depth and texture.
Go to the artist interview with Shawn Petite
The Fearless Artist Community
Angela Fehr’s most popular art class is her membership community that gives access to all her courses. Get access to more than 25 of Angela’s art classes, plus join a supportive community. Angela offers live lessons, live critiques, demonstrations and interviews that are available only to Fearless Artist members.
Go to the artist interview with Angela Fehr
Colin Bradley Art Membership
Learn to draw using pastel pencils with Colin Bradley. Join his membership and watch over 132 hours of pastel pencil and watercolour tutorials online.
Check out the artist interview with Colin Bradley
Whispers of Nature by Katrina Koltes
This class is for anyone who loves pastel and wants to get familiar with them and discover interesting combinations with mixed media… but most of all this class is for those who want to bring more magic in their art and lives by reconnecting with nature and it’s wonderful spirits, bringing guidance, empowerment and healing.
Check out the artist interview with Katrina Koltes
Sketch your Life by Andrea Gomoll
Andrea’s most popular art course has more than 27 video lessons with step-by-step instructions on:
- keeping a visual Journal / Sketchbook of your Everyday Life
- sketching on the go / in-field sketching
- Basic & Advances Techniques for Sketching, bringing your sketches to life with watercolor, adding whimsical touches to your sketches
- lots of Info on her favourite sketching supplies (Pens, Pencils, Paper, Sketchbooks, Watercolors)
- you will create detailed sketches and quick on-the-go sketches, step-by-step from start to finish
- you will create a mini watercolor sketchbook / Art journal and fill all the pages with colourful sketches
Check out the artist interview with Andrea Gomoll
Abstract Watercolor Flowers by Iris Fritschi-Cussens
Iris Fritschi-Cussens’ most popular art class has three watercolor projects. You’ll learn her signature style for creating abstract watercolour flowers, you’ll learn to sketch a simple portrait and explore a layering technique for shading a face with watercolours and in the mixed media project you will use modelling paste for a raised effect.
Check out the artist interview with Iris Fritschi-Cussens
Book Of Days by Effy Wild
Book Of Days is a year-long e-course produced by Effy Wild, which features 13 many journal art teachers every year. This course is designed to immerse you in art journaling with new content going live at the beginning of each and every month throughout the year, including full-length video tutorials by Effy and her all-stars, bonus content by Effy’s rising stars, interviews, journal prompts, live virtual gatherings and monthly vlogs. Along with more content than you’ll ever need to sustain your own creative practice, you will be enfolded in a community of gorgeous, wildly creative, supportive journal artists who make building and maintaining a creative practice one of their priorities.
Check out the artist interview with Effy Wild
A Year of Painting by Alena Hennessy
An Inspired Whole Year! At the beginning of each month, Alena posts a new lesson and technique related to painting (ink, acrylic watercolor, collage, mixed media and so forth). This way you can stay inspired throughout the seasons, keep in contact with an awesome worldwide community, and learn new ways of seeing and expressing yourself in intuitive processes that explore a wide range of subject matter.
Check out the artist interview with Alena Hennessy
Gelli Plate Printmaking by Carla Sonheim
In Carla’s best selling class, you’ll create beautiful monotypes without a press! In this quick, technique-based class, Carla Sonheim will show you how to make fine-art quality prints with inexpensive materials. No experience necessary! You’ll learn how to apply bands of color and texture, develop your images with stencils, stamping and drawing, and finish your prints with glazing and sink work. Warning: Gelli Plate Printmaking is addictive.
Check out the artist interview with Carla Sonheim
Introduction to Figure Drawing – Create a Dynamic Character by Don Corgi
Get this course at 87% off with the above link! It is one of the most complete figure drawing courses on Udemy. You will be drawing right along throughout the course, and will see your figure drawing and character designs skills improve along the way!
Check out the artist interview with Patricia Caldeira
Acrylic Painting for Absolute Beginners eBook by Ashley Picanco
A full course in learning to paint with acrylics, from materials and setting up your palette to layering and color mixing, to giving your painting that professional-looking finish. Follow along a full step-by-step still life painting to demonstrates each step in the painting process.
Check out the interview with Ashley Picanco
Matisse vs Picasso by Lucy Chen
This course is for beginner to intermediate artists who would like to learn about Fauvism, Mattise, or Picasso through hands-on fun and quick projects.
Check out the interview with Lucy Chen
Acrylic Painting for Beginners by Malcolm Dewey
Learn what you actually need to know to start painting right away. This course from professional artist, Malcolm Dewey, is packed with the basic no-nonsense information you need to paint effectively in no time at all.
Check out the interview with artist Malcolm Dewey
Book of Flow by Jenny Grant
This is a very popular in-depth 3-week adventure in a unique Mixed Media Art Journaling process. Jenny shares all her favourite art supplies and techniques and guides you through the process of making your own Art Journal. Jenny will bring you into her Art Journaling world, in her studio as well as out and about in different places. She will art journal by the sea and on the plane and do two collaborations with some amazing artists in their studios.
Check out the interview with Jenny Grant
Fill a Page 7 Day Doodle Challenge by Jane Snedden Peever
Doodling can be one of the most fun and relaxing hobbies and so perfectly portable that you can take it with you anywhere you go. Join Jane Snedden Peever and draw together in a 7 Day Challenge. Each day Jane will challenge you with a new technique that will work towards filling an entire page with beautiful doodles.
Check out the interview with Jane Snedden Peever
The Storytellers by Micki Wilde
A fun ‘storyteller animals’ themed mini class with a whimsical face tutorial plus four ‘Storyteller’ paintings.
For this mini online class, Micki has created some wonderfully whimsical animal paintings with a pastel colour theme.
Check out the interview with Micki Wilde
One Badass Art Journal by Tiare Smith
One BADASS Art Journal is designed to empower you to create, to learn, to feel confident and provide you with the tools, techniques and encouragement needed to feel BADASS every day that you make art!
Check out the interview with Tiare Smith
Brush Lettering for Beginners by Shelley Hitz
How to Get Started the Best Way for Success. By the end of this class you will be able to letter your name and will have a great foundation to continue practicing your brush lettering. When you enroll in this class you will be able to download Shelley’s class resource list, practice sheets and more.
Check out the interview with Shelley Hitz
100 Days of Art Journal Therapy by Shelley Klammer
It is possible to live your life with inspiration instead of emotional pain. This in-depth daily e-course will support you to heal emotionally through daily spontaneous imagery paired with in-depth writing prompts. This course is an in-depth exploratory adventure for artists wanting to experience self-led expressive art and narrative therapy and includes an optional private Facebook support group. There are 100 Expressive Arts Directives with 100 PDF’s available for download.
Check out the interview with Shelley Klammer
Figure Drawing Fundamentals by Stan Prokopenko
This course is approachable enough for beginners and detailed enough for advanced artists. Stan’s philosophy is to teach timeless concepts in an approachable entertaining way. Stan Prokopenko’s philosophy is that when you are having fun, you learn better.
Check out the interview with Stan Prokopenko
The Drawing Academy by Vladimir London and Natalie Richy
Learn How to Draw Whatever You See or Imagine. The Drawing Academy is an online Drawing Course and Art Community, where you can learn how to draw in the comfort of your home, and benefit from the support of Academy tutors and fellow students.
Check out the interview with Vladimir London
Layers of Light by Laly Mille
What if you were a light seeker? What if your unique creative spark was just a few brushstrokes away?…
In this in-depth mixed media art class, I’m sharing all my favorite painting techniques through soulful and nurturing painting projects, journaling prompts and creative exercises that will inspire you to shine!
Check out the Full Interview with Laly Mille.
Directory of Online Artists
Artist: Tamara Laporte
Website: willowing.org
Tamara Laporte (‘willowing’) is a creative catalyst of thousands of beautiful people. She is a celebrated mixed media artist and art teacher who has been running her own creative business since 2008. Her work can be described as ‘mixed media folk art’ with a focus on ‘magical realism’. It ranges from whimsical children’s illustrations to a more stylized fantasy art. Love, mystery, innocence, hope, spirituality, kindness and self-connection inspires her artwork. Symbolism and layering play a big part in her work. Her paintings often contain healing themes, uplifting messages, and inspirational poetry.
She believes that the act of creating art can be a gateway into healing and personal growth – often, her art classes contain an element of self-development as well as learning art techniques. She is deeply devoted to helping people get in touch with their creative fire and would love to help YOU too to get in touch with the artist in you!
Check out the Full Interview with Tamara Laporte.
Artist: Tracy Verdugo
Website: tracyverdugo.com
Tracy is an inspiration instigator, prolific painter, singer/songwriter and lover of the written word, smitten traveller and soaker up of all that is beauty-full. She teaches her Paint Mojo and other creative workshops all over this amazing planet and reminds her students of the wonder that already resides within them.
Her works are vibrant and filled with joy, inspired both by family travels in Mexico and the beauty of everyday life. Since 2000 Tracy has held 16 successful solo exhibitions and her works are held in collections both in Australia and overseas.
Mostly though she is mama bear to two gorgeous, zest-filled daughters, Santana and Sienna, and co-adventurer in life with her amor of 30 years, the talented and brilliant Marco.
Check out the Full Interview with Tracy Verdugo.
Artist: Mary Beth Shaw
Website: stencilgirlproducts.com
Mary Beth Shaw worked in the insurance industry for 18 years before she quit her job in 2000 to re-ignite a childhood love of art. Since then she has spent all her waking hours exploring life as a painter working in mixed media, primarily acrylic, encaustic and collage. She initially put in lots of hours as a road gypsy, exhibiting at outdoor art fairs and selling as many as 300 paintings in one very blurry year. She transitioned into being a workshop instructor in 2008 and finds pleasure helping students find their own voice as a painter. Her personal creative process is a dance between spontaneity and intent; she finds great joy in the physical act of painting and looks at her best work as a gift from a higher power. She welcomes mistakes because they so often provide a delightful detour into new territory. She is author of Flavor for Mixed Media and Stencil Girl, is a columnist for Somerset Studios Magazine, and a Golden Artist Educator. She is the founder of StencilGirl® Products, LLC.
Check out the Full Interview with Mary Beth Shaw.
Artist: Laly Mille
Website: lalymille.com
Hi, I’m Laly Mille. I’m a mixed media artist living in the beautiful Loire Valley of France. I believe that art connects us to the deepest, most beautiful parts of ourselves, and that beauty and creativity have the power to change the world in magical ways. Through my online workshops, I guide and inspire like-minded creatives from all over the world to shine their light and grow their artist wings. I’m on a journey of wonder and discovery, and I’d love for you to join me!
Check out the Full Interview with Laly Mille.
Artist: Flora Bowley
Website: florabowley.com
Flora Bowley is a painter, creative pioneer, gentle guide, and author of two books, Brave Intuitive Painting and Creative Revolution.
Blending over twenty years of professional painting experience with her background as a yoga instructor, healer, and lifelong seeker, Flora’s soulful approach to the creative process has sparked a new holistic movement in the intuitive art world — empowering thousands of people to courageously pick up a paintbrush, often for the first time.
Flora lives in Portland, OR. Her own vibrant collection of paintings can be found in galleries, shops, and printed on unique products around the world. Find out more at www.florabowley.com.
Check out the Full Interview with Flora Bowley.
Artist: Dina Wakley
Website: dinawakley.com
Dina is a mixed-media artist and teacher. She loves everything about art: creating it, thinking about it, looking at it, and teaching it. She has been scrapbooking since 1995, stamping since 1996, and art journaling since 2004. She believes in writing yourself down, expressing yourself, and making your mark on the world. As a Ranger Signature Designer, Dina designs a line of mixed-media art supplies that includes acrylic paints, mediums, brushes, rubber stamps, stencils, and more. Dina’s two books Art Journal Freedom and Art Journal Courage are available now.
Dina lives in Arizona with her husband and 3 boys (affectionately termed “the fellas”). With a love of teaching and traveling, Dina travels the world to teach and share her art passion with students on every continent.
Check out the Full Interview with Dina Wakley.
Artist: Mitch Bowler
Website: pencilkings.com
Mitchell Bowler is an author, mentor and coach for up-and-coming artists. After a successful career in film and video games he created a private online community PencilKings.com, where artists from all over the world can develop their skills in a safe, positive environment. He hosts a regular podcast where he interviews and breaks down the processes of experienced artists for the benefit of younger students.
He is passionate about empowering people to live more creative lives by making quality art education accessible to all. His first book titled “Digital Artist Career Blueprint” outlines the process of finding your focus as an artist and turning that into a viable career. These days he is focused on helping everyday people develop realistic art skills via the breakthrough training being offered at EvolveArtist.com.
Check out the Full Interview with Mitch Bowler.
Artist: Shawn Petite
Website: shawnpetite.com
My name is Shawn Petite and I’m a mixed media artist living my dream of creating every day and my passion for art has been with me from childhood.
I’ve been teaching and painting for over 30 years in many different mediums but found my art soul mate in mixed media.
I produce my own line of stencils, create soulful and informative online workshops on mixed media and sell my art originals, prints and products.
But most importantly, I try everyday to encourage, uplift, and give meaning to our everyday life and to share how to do that through mixed media art. To show love with my paintbrush and to leave my little corner of the world a better place.
My favorite quote: I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. ” Maya Angelou
Go to the artist interview with Shawn Petite
Artist: Angela Fehr
Website: angelafehr.com
From her home in northern British Columbia, Canada, through her video lessons on her website and YouTube, Angela Fehr has created a community of watercolor lovers that spans the globe. She wants every painter to know the freedom of fearless self-expression and she has made it her mission to share this empowering message through lessons in watercolour technique and loose intuitive painting. More than anything she demonstrates that the most important thing you bring to your art is you.
Go to the artist interview with Angela Fehr
Artist: Shelley Klammer
Website: expressiveartworkshops.com
Shelley is a counsellor who provides online depth therapy for creative people. She is an educator with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association offering online e-courses that encourage the self-expression of original thought, authentic emotions and intuitive insight. Shelley also supports expressive arts facilitators to start art programs in their own communities.
Check out the Full Interview with Shelley Klammer.
Artist: Jane Snedden Peever
Website: jspcreate.com
Jane is an Illustrator, Author and Educator living in Ontario Canada. She is known for her intricate and fun mandala designs which she creates using pen and ink and digitally on the iPad. Her drawing style includes engaging and simple patterns of geometric and organic shapes which she playfully combines with symmetry. Jane enjoys using her mandala drawing practice as a way to reconnect, slow down and as a form of mindfulness. She finds inspiration throughout nature, old architecture and in her interest of sacred geometry. She enjoys sharing her process in a simple and approachable way so that everyone can experience both the relaxing and energizing effects of drawing mandalas. You can find Jane exploring creative drawing ideas weekly on her blog, and you can learn more of her simple techniques through her courses and workbooks available through her website.
Check out the Full Interview with Jane Snedden Peever.
Artist: Iris Fritschi-Cussens
Website: iris-impressions.com
My name is Iris, I am a London-based mixed media artist. I live in the heart of Bloomsbury with my beautiful family (husband, 2 kids & 1 cat). I’m a mixed media artist, art journaler and creative coach. My passion is art for self-expression and self-discovery. There is a real sweet spot where art and self-development overlap. I love inspiring people to look further and go deeper through their own art.
Check out the Full Interview with Iris Fritschi-Cussens.
Artist: Effy Wild
Website: effybird.com
My name is Effy, and I’m a journal artist and online teacher. My passion is using art as a portal to a deeper relationship with ourselves, the world around us, and the divine as we understand it.
I believe that you can’t deeply love what you don’t deeply know, so we dive deep in my programs so that we might learn to deeply love ourselves. While I feature a lot of technique-driven lessons in my classes, the main focus is on meeting ourselves on the page and being with what is true for us in any given moment.
Check out the Full Interview with Effy Wild.
Artist: Jennibellie
Website: jennibelliestudio.blogspot.ca
Jennibellie is an insatiable mixed media artist, avid journaler, fevered journal maker, addicted DIY supply creator and a crazy campaigner of eco-friendly creativity (meaning she says ‘use whatever you have – go recycle something’ constantly, really you’re probably sick of it). She is committed to the opinion that everyone is creative, even when they still have yet to unleash their artistic power, and joyously practices this by creating art daily while inspiring others to do the same. She is the creator of Journal Workshops, an online art community of beautiful beings who creatively play, share and inspire one another.
Check out the Full Interview with Jennibellie.
Artist: Andy Walker
Website: artclasspro.com
My first memory of drawing was sitting at an aunt’s bureau in Suffolk when I was about five, and being taught how to hold a brush the right way around! Throughout my life I continued to paint and eventually developed a business hand-painting ceramic tile panels for clients who wanted something special.
During this time I also taught painting in a large adult education class, and as the Internet Revolution took hold, I began to write various painting courses and publish them online through my website artclasspro.com, continuing to add more courses when my wife Donna and I moved to Spain in 2008. Over the years I have taught thousands of people worldwide to paint and draw from the comfort of their own homes. I believe that anyone can learn to paint if they are shown the right techniques.
I am now also selling my original paintings online on my website at andywalkerart.com and on Facebook @andywalkerart.
Check out the Full Interview with Andy Walker.
Artist: Colin Bradley
Website: colinbradleyart.com
Although I always loved to draw from an early age it was not until I was in my late thirties that I started to paint seriously. My preferred medium was watercolour having tried oil acrylics and soft pastel I felt that watercolour suited my style of painting best.
I started selling my landscapes through a local art gallery resulting in an exhibition that again was successful and confidence building. I was persuaded to open my own art gallery where I not only sold my own paintings but those of other local artists. I discovered pastel pencils a few years later having tried, unsuccessfully to paint a friends dog. The pastel pencils proved to be very suitable for pet portrait work and I soon developed a demand from my clients to paint their pets.
I caught the eye of a pastel pencil distributor who asked me to demonstrate my skills for them in a major art exhibition in London. This lead to many years of demonstrating around the UK and for art groups. Eventually I was asked if I could teach a small group of artists my techniques, this was well received and I went on to running my own private art classes and workshops for over 18 years.
I started teaching online through YouTube in 2007 and very quickly developed a following for my techniques. In 2011 with the help of my son Steve we started our online teaching school which has proved to be very popular and an online store for students to purchase the materials I use. On YouTube we now have well over 25,000 subscribers and nearly 4 million views.
Check out the Full Interview with Colin Bradley.
Artist: Annie Hamman
Website: anniehamman.com
I am an artist and a teacher from South Africa, but I am originally Russian. My most favorite subject in art is a face. I tend to fluctuate in styles and media, as I am constantly curious about new possibilities in art. I can describe my style as symbolic soulful story art. Occasionally I gravitate towards surreal, then to realistic, then to expressive. My favorite color palette is muted or monochrome, but I do venture into full color blast areas of art and find it exciting as well.
Check out the Full Interview with Annie Hamman.
Artist: Ashley Picanco
Website: ashleypicanco.com
Ashley is a self-taught artist with a passion for bright colours, mixing abstract expressions with detailed linework, and anything nature-related. She shares free art tutorials on her blog in the hope of empowering anyone looking to expand their own artistic abilities.
Check out the Full Interview with Ashley Picanco.
Artist: Katrina Koltes
Website: katrinakoltes.com
Katrina comes from a childhood of often traveling, discovering, and seeing new places. Originally of German nationality, but born in South East Asia, she and her family worked full-time doing relief work all over the world.
She loves to create beautiful worlds of magic and mystery, stories of hope and beauty with her art. She now lives in Italy, is a full-time artist and mother to two small boys. Her creative imagination is often fueled by inventing bedtime stories for her boys, tales of magical realms, faeries and dragons, mystical creatures, and nature spirits.
But most of all, her inspiration comes from spending time in nature, working with Mother Earth’s energy, dream journeys, and visions.
Katrina teaches online and in-person workshops and retreats, where she enjoys sharing her techniques, ideas, and creative process to inspire others to discover their true magic and creative voice through art.
Check out the Full Interview with Katrina Koltes.
Artist: Andrea Gomoll
Website: andrea-gomoll.de
Andrea Gomoll is a mixed media artist from Berlin, Germany, where she lives with her husband Thomas and 3 crazy cats. She studied Media Design in Berlin and then spend her days working in an advertising agency for many years before she took the leap and turned her passion for art and creativity into a business – and is working fulltime as an artist, art instructor, designer and wedding photographer ever since. “It was one of the best decisions I ever made following my dream!”
“I love art journaling, mixed media art and painting in a whimsical style. Being creative with paints, inks, pens, markers etc. is essential for me – it helps through the rough days and makes the good days even better. Art can help you in so many ways – it has a positive impact on your life – and I love to inspire and enable others to play, have fun creating and to discover the artist within, just waiting to be nurtured.”
Check out the Full Interview with Andrea Gomoll.
Artist: Nadine J. Larder
Website: nadinelarder.com
Nadine J. Larder is a #1 best-selling author, intuitive artist, art teacher, coach, award-winning entrepreneur, small business owner, creator and speaker.
As an artist, Nadine allows the canvas, her bright color palette, paint, brushes, and most importantly, her intuition, to lead the journey of creating each unique piece. As an art teacher, Nadine’s focus is helping people unlock their creativity through intuitive art. With creativity being imperative to most of what we do in life, Nadine guides her students to find, learn and meet parts of themselves they’d not known before. Her students find her intuitive art courses to be life-changing.
As the founder of International Paint Party, Nadine inspires and motivates people who have never even held a paintbrush before, as well as people who have been creating art for years but have never experienced the intuitive art process.
To learn more about Nadine, visit her website at: NadineLarder.com Connect with Nadine of Facebook and Instagram.
Check out the Full Interview with Nadine J. Larder.
Artist: Matt Fussell
Website: thevirtualinstructor.com
Matt is an artist and teacher that owns and operates TheVirtualInstructor.com, an online platform for learning how to draw and paint. The platform is used by countless artists, teachers, and students worldwide. Over 19,000 students and teachers have participated in the membership program and his courses have been viewed by over 45,000 students. Matt lives in North Carolina with his wife, four kids, and two dogs.
Check out the Full Interview with Matt Fussell.
Artist: Micki Wilde
Website: thesecrethermit on Etsy
My painting process is a fusion of pre-planned and intuitive work with the main aim being to create a thought provoking visual tale. My work is approached in a light-hearted manner with the hope to charm and endear it’s characters to the onlooker and draw them in to my wondrous and whimsical world.
I work with a range of different mediums but typically I use; Paint, watercolour crayons, inks and pencils to create layers and help these stories unfold on to the canvas.
Check out the Full Interview with Micki Wilde.
Artist: Jenny Grant
Website: flowbyjenny.com
Jenny is a Mixed Media Artist living in Stockholm, Sweden. She creates her work in an interesting and fun process where she builds up her paintings in many layers which give them depth and texture. Her art is very peaceful even though it is rich, full of energy and colour. Jenny runs in-person workshops around the world, as well as, online.
Check out the Full Interview with Jenny Grant.
Artist: Cindy Wider
Website: drawpj.com
Cindy Wider is a professional award-winning artist, author and art instructor with over 20 years of experience sharing her passion for art with her students.
As one of the internet’s most experienced instructors teaching on-line since 2008 she also trains others to teach her course. She is the course author and co-founder of DrawPj.com along with her husband and fellow artist Stuart Wider.
Cindy’s unique method of teaching complete beginners how to draw is known as the ‘Cindy Wider Method’. This course which is based upon Cindy’s method is the The Complete Drawing Certificate Course.
Cindy presents her course worldwide through both internet and live art classrooms supported by her team of international instructors.
Check out the Full Interview with Cindy Wider.
Artist: Richard Robinson
Website: livepaintinglessons.com
Richard Robinson (b.1975) has been painting his whole life and back in 2001 he threw in his graphic design career for the humble life of a full time artist. He loves painting, and as it turns out, he loves teaching too. Nowadays he balances his life between parenting, painting, surfing, travelling and teaching. His work is regularly featured in international art magazines, in galleries in New Zealand and America, on TV and in his Mum’s house. He gives outdoor painting workshops in interesting spots around this beautiful planet of ours and loves encouraging people to paint. Two of his favourite artists are John Singer Sargent and Joaquín Sorolla.
Check out the Full Interview with Richard Robinson.
Artist: Roben-Marie Smith
Website: makerstechu.com
Roben-Marie provides ideas, inspiration and quality instruction for hobbyists and art entrepreneurs. She teaches artists from beginners to those making a living from their art through her blog and her popular online workshops.
As an artist, blogger, woman of faith and founder of Maker’s Tech U, her mission is to serve others and help them get the most out of their art as a hobby, or as a business.
She lives in Florida with her husband of 33 years, loves to read, bake, travel and also has a heart for mission work, having served in Panama, El Salvador, Romania and Honduras.
Check out the Full Interview with Roben-Marie Smith.
Artist: Nancy Reyner
Website: nancyreyner.com
Painter, author and instructor, Nancy Reyner has been painting for over 30 years, using a variety of media, including oil, acrylic and gold leaf. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Nancy received her BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, an MFA from Columbia University, and now lives in Santa Fe, NM. She is the author of several books on painting, including the best-seller “Acrylic Revolution”, has appeared on television for HGTV’s “That’s Clever”, and worked as technical consultant for Golden Paints.
Check out the Full Interview with Nancy Reyner.
Artist: Sheldene Visagie
Website: sheldenefineart.com
Sheldene is an Australian colored pencil artist who captures the tiny details of the art of realism. Drawing animals, people, places and objects Teaching and providing weekly tutorials and resources. Her custom commissions and private works are in private collections world-wide Sheldene now endeavours to teach others her creative processes.
Check out the Full Interview with Sheldene Visagie.
Artist: Stéphanie Kilgast
Website: petitplat.fr
Inspired by natural forms, Stéphanie Kilgast’s artwork is an ode to nature and its current biodiversity. Plants, mushrooms, insects and other animals encounter a vibrant swirl of colors under her brush or sculpting tools.
Since 2017, in her series “Discarded Objects”, she grows colorful organic sculptures on human-made objects, celebrating the beauty of nature in a dialogue with humanity, questioning the lost balance between human activities and nature. Her work has a cheerful post- apocalyptic feel to it, a reassuring reminder that nature has the capacity to grow back, if we only let it.
She built her reputation and her sculpting skills around hyperrealistic miniature food sculptures. Her miniature work and more recent sculptures have been exhibited in America, Asia and Europe. Stéphanie is French, but was born in 1985 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. She currently resides in Vannes, France.
Check out the Full Interview with Stéphanie Kilgast.
Artist: Cat Whipple
Website: catwhipple.com
I am an artist, photographer and graphic designer. I have used Photoshop for over 20 years in my personal artwork and professional career as a graphic designer and photographer.
Being a Photoshop expert has helped me land a job at a big daily newspaper (The St. Paul Pioneer Press in Minnesota); helped me become a graphic designer; given me the skills to work as a freelance photo re-toucher; and given me the confidence to sell my artwork online (you can see my work on FineArtAmerica).
I have taught numerous real-life classes in Photoshop, photography, and art journaling and mixed media collage. I now teach Photoshop courses online at Udemy and soon I will also be offering art journaling and mixed media courses on Udemy as well.
Check out the Full Interview with Cat Whipple.
Artist: Tiare Smith
Website: tiaresmith.com
Tiare Smith is a self-taught mixed media artist and instructor.
Born with art in her heart she lost her way from her art for 18 years. It came back to her life in a burst of emotion and anxiety. By practicing techniques of love, positive self talk, and action which have helped her to overcome other areas of struggle, she now enjoys her art in a free and inspiring way.
She inspires creatives to embrace their inner artist while also nurturing their hearts and memories.
She has not only been featured on HGTV but has had numerous works published in a variety of crafting magazines and blogs.
She aims to help women embrace the artist within through lessons infused with love, happiness, confidence and creativity, empowering them to experience and express their art more freely.
Check out the Full Interview with Tiare Smith.
Artist: Amarilys Henderson
Website: watercolordevo.com
Amarilys Henderson enjoys bringing the dynamic vibrancy of watercolor strokes to everyday products–from paper to porcelain. Her experience in print design influences much of her work, which found its renaissance in new motherhood and refreshed faith. You’ll find her curled up in her warm studio in snowy Minnesota.
Check out the Full Interview with Amarilys Henderson.
Artist: Vladimir London
Website: vladimirlondon.com
Vladimir London – fine artist and art teacher
I have drawn and painted for as long as I can remember and was very fortunate to have professional fine artists as my art teachers from a very young age. The art skills I have today came from intensively studying easel drawing and painting. This experience and knowledge did not come overnight. It was accumulated, learned, and practiced during many years of education and a creative career.
I work in various mediums such as oil, graphite pencil, and silverpoint, yet watercolor is the most interesting for me because it brings unpredictability. Mastering it gives a sense of achievement. My artworks have found their homes in private collections in many countries in North America, the UK, Europe and Asia.
Presently, I am teaching fine art students over the Internet as it helps to provide value to so many people around the world who would not be able to benefit from me otherwise. No more do limitations of my personal time or country borders constrain the way students can learn the skills and techniques of drawing, painting, and art marketing from me.
Check out the Full Interview with Vladimir London.
Artist: Lucy Chen
Website: lucychenfineart.com
As a woman who has struggled to find her identity, her life purpose, who has to juggle many balls as a modern woman does, who has been through depression and self-loathing and come through to the other side, I know what it is like to feel lost, trapped, and disconnected. The mass media has not been set up to make us feel good about ourselves or the world. As Abraham Hicks says, the media has taken upon itself to point out the things that go wrong and amplify it out of proportion.
My art is created with the intention to connect with the beauty and well being in this world, and in ourselves. I believe we need this kind of art to put the contrast and duality in a more balanced perspective. So we can journey more consciously as human beings.
My art courses are designed to help you reconnect with the beauty and love of your soul, and to help you develop and improve your technical skills so you can express that beauty and love. As you may already know, the creative process is as empowering as it is healing.
I love that you are here because we both value art and creativity. We know that art truly makes the world a better place because it makes each and every individual who owns and makes art a better person.
Check out the Full Interview with Lucy Chen.
Artist: Lindsey Slutz
Website: eastcoastcharm.com
Hi! My name is Lindsey Slutz and I’m a graphic and surface pattern designer, blogger and the founder of East Coast Charm. I’m known for my preppy style that comes organically from growing up near the coast of North Carolina. I also gather inspiration from my travels and hikes with my husband, Eric, and our dog, Willow. In my spare time, I enjoy photography, which lends to helping create beautiful color palettes.
Check out the Full Interview with Lindsey Slutz.
Artist: Alena Hennessy
Website: alenahennessy.com
Alena is the author of Cultivating Your Creative Life, The Painting Workbook, Intuitive Painting Workshop, and beloved teacher of the art-making process, both online and at select retreats. Her work has been featured in numerous magazines and publications, including Dwell, The Washington Post, Somerset Life, Spirituality & Health, ReadyMade, Redbook, Stitch, Victoria, and Natural Health magazine, as well as being featured on Good Morning America and pilot shows for ABC Studios. Her paintings have been exhibited across major cities in the U.S., along with several museum shows. Alena is also a flower essence practitioner, along with being a Reiki master and energy healer. Through grace and intuitive guideposts, she calls the beautiful town of Asheville, NC her home. As a facilitator, her intention is that each participant leave a little more transformed, content, and open to wild possibility.
Check out the Full Interview with Alena Hennessy.
Artist: Carla Sonheim
Website: carlasonheim.com
Carla Sonheim is a painter, illustrator, and creativity workshop instructor known for her fun and innovative projects and techniques designed to help adult students rediscover a more spontaneous, playful approach to creating. She is the author of three instructional art books: Drawing Lab for Mixed Media Artists: 52 Creative Exercises to Make Drawing Fun; Drawing and Painting Imaginary Animals: A Mixed-Media Workshop and The Art of Silliness: A Creativity Book for Everyone. In 2013 she co-authored Creative Photography Lab with her husband, Steve Sonheim. Steve and Carla offer online classes in drawing, painting and mixed-media with a variety of talented teachers. They also produce “365,” a daily video-based class designed to encourage creative thinking and action. They live in Seattle, WA.
Check out the Full Interview with Carla Sonheim.
Artist: Patricia Caldeira
Website: doncorgi.com
Patricia Caldeira is an Artist and Illustrator that focuses on teaching EVERYONE to draw in a very simple and easy to follow way.
She has created many Drawing Courses on Udemy that are constantly being updated and have a solid community. These courses cover drawing basics like gesture drawing, anatomy and much more.
Not only that but she also covers drawing animals, chibi characters and vector art in a very fun and creative way!
You can also find how to draw articles and tutorials on her website “Don Corgi” where she explains different techniques and helpful advice for any creative artist.
She’s passionate to teach everyone about this amazing art world and even if you have never picked up a pencil in your life, she’ll help you accomplish your goals!
Check out the Full Interview with Patricia Caldeira.
Artist: Malcolm Dewey
Website: malcolmdeweyfineart.com
Living the life of a full-time artist is not simple, but Malcolm Dewey has been able to achieve this through many years of commitment to his art. Having started in graphic design Malcolm was attracted to fine art through his love of landscape and nature. Impressionism in its contemporary form is the driving force behind Malcolm’s painting ideas.
Malcolm has devoted much time to studying form and color to create his paintings. Together with a loose brushwork style Malcolm’s paintings are filled with light, color, and movement.
Through teaching his method to thousands of artists worldwide over the years Malcolm has strengthened his painting skills. His aim is to describe his painting with an economy of shape, but without compromising on paint and generous brushwork. He teaches this approach with equal generosity to his art students both online and in coaching workshops.
Take a free painting lesson from Malcolm.
Check out the full artist interview with Malcolm Dewey.
Artist: Liz Chaderton
Website: lizchaderton.co.uk
Liz Chaderton creates paintings which help people see the natural world in a fresh light. Her paintings are full of vitality and joie de vivre, capturing the beauty and energy of the flora and fauna we often take for granted. She creates special paintings which bring a sense of wonder into your life.
Liz lives and works in a small village in Berkshire, UK working mainly in watercolour and ink. A selection of her paintings are published in the UK, US and worldwide. She has written three practical art books all published by The Crowood Press, and a fourth is coming out in July 2022.
Check out the Full Interview with Liz Chaderton
Artist: Andy Griffiths
Website: solvingwatercolour.com
My name is Andy Griffiths. I was born in South Wales, UK. I’m 56 and I’ve worked as a
professional artist for over 30 years. I began my art career in 1990 as a trainee animator in
Cardiff, South Wales.
In 2004, I emigrated to New Zealand and continued my art career as a freelance illustrator
producing illustrations and character designs for over 350 clients worldwide. I also regularly
work as a teaching artist. I teach watercolour painting to adults and I also run comic and
cartooning workshops for kids in my local area.
Check out the full interview with artist Andy Griffiths
Artist: Stan Prokopenko
Website: proko.com
I was born in Odessa, Ukraine and came to America at the age of six. At the age of 13, I pronounced myself as a lifelong student of art. Since then I have devoted my life to the arts. During high school, I got an internship at Sony Online Entertainment to animate for the upcoming video game, Everquest II. I wrote an article on animation for Imagine Magazine at Johns Hopkins University and created a five minute animated short film, “A Game of Pool”, which featured on all American Airlines flights in September through December of 2004.
In 2003, I began studying at the Watts Atelier of the Arts in Encinitas, California, where I got most of my arts training. After attending the Watts Atelier for many years, my focus shifted from animation to fine art painting. In 2007 I became a teacher at the Watts Atelier of the Arts and have taught drawing and painting classes on numerous topics such as portrait, figure, quick sketch, and plein air landscape.
Check out the full interview with artist Stan Prokopenko.
Artist Services
Chris Kirkland
Website – artweb.com
Since 2006 Chris has been a hobo entrepreneur having lived in Tokyo, Berlin, London and a few spots in South East Asia. In that time his achievements of note:
• Founder of ArtWeb.com webhosting platform and gallery for over 30,000 artists
• Co-founder of the media company Fast Train Limited, whose flagship site is TokyoCheapo.com, a popular Tokyo blog with over a million monthly page views
• Podcast co-host and writer on HoboCEO.com
• Occassional speaker and occassional headstands (published on hbm.jp)
• Advisor to the fintech start up KYC-chain
Check out the Full Interview with Chris Kirkland.
Creativity and Marketing
Alex Mathers
Website – redlemonclub.com
Alex Mathers is an illustrator and writer from the UK, currently based in Bangkok, Thailand. He’s worked with clients like Dots Games, Saatchi & Saatchi, Google and the BBC.
He enjoys drawing and writing on topics that help people live more confidently and creatively.
Check out the Full Interview with Alex Mathers.
Ira Kadir
Website: goldenwhimsy.com
Ira is an art & design enthusiast, left-handed crafter, and small business owner. She is super passionate about creating art and teaching others how to make art. Her passion enables her to earn passive income from home. When she’s not creating art, you can find her binge-watching Netflix 99% of the time.
Check out the Full Interview with Ira Kadir.
Bonnie Glendinning
Website – theartistsmentor.com
Bonnie Glendinning is the founder of The Artists’ Mentor, The Thriving Artist Summits and Artmuse®, providing education, programs, and platforms for professional artists. As an artist, designer and entrepreneur herself, her mission is to empower artists to create their artistic legacy.
Check out the Full Interview with Bonnie Glendinning.
Cory Huff
Website – theabundantartist.com
Cory Huff teaches artists how to make money from their art. He is the founder of The Abundant Artist and author of the book How to Sell Your Art Online (Harper Collins). Over 6,000 artists have taken courses through The Abundant Artist. Cory lives in Portland, Oregon.
Check out the Full Interview with Cory Huff.
John Paul Fischbach
Website – auspiciousartsincubator.org
John Paul divides his time between personal creative projects and helping independent artists through the Auspicious Arts Incubator. He has a long history of producing and directing theatre, film, festivals and site-specific events. He has lived and worked in the U.S., Denmark, England, Bali, Canada, and Australia. His advice for artists has been featured in monthly columns for Creative Foyer and Arts Hub. John Paul has been coaching Artists for over 20 years, and his book, No More Starving Artists: How to Master Your Art, Your Life & Build Your Business, will be out in early 2018.
Check out the Full Interview with John Paul Fischbach.
Andrea Schroeder
Website – creativedreamincubator.com
I’m Andrea Schroeder, creator of The Creative Dream Incubator. I help bright + soulful creative types make their dreams real – with deep and transformative spiritual practices that feel more like a cross between a tea party and a creative playdate.
Check out the Full Interview with Andrea Schroeder.
Crista Cloutier
Website – theworkingartist.com
Actively involved in the contemporary art world throughout her career, Crista Cloutier is the founder of The Working Artist, an online business school for visual artists of all media. Honored as an “Influencer in the Contemporary Art World” by LinkedIn, Crista’s work has reached artists in over 50 different countries. Visit theworkingartist.com to learn more.
Check out the Full Interview with Crista Cloutier.
Hayden Aube
Website – hkaube.com
Living in Toronto, Hayden helps artists improve their skills and create careers that they love. This spans technical courses, motivational videos, 1-on-1 mentoring and an online community of hundreds of creatives. Hayden is one of the top-performing teachers on Skillshare.com.
Check out the Full Interview with Hayden Aube.
Eric Maisel
Website – ericmaisel.com
Eric Maisel, Ph.D., is the author of more than fifty books, among them Overcoming Your Difficult Family, The Future of Mental Health, Rethinking Depression, Life Purpose Boot Camp, The Van Gogh Blues,Mastering Creative Anxiety, Why Smart People Hurt and Coaching the Artist Within.
A retired family therapist, active life coach and creativity coach, and mental health advocate in the areas of critical psychology and critical psychiatry, Dr. Maisel writes the “Rethinking Mental Health” blog for Psychology Today, the “Coaching the Artist Within” print column for Professional Artist Magazine, and serves as editor for parent resources at Mad in America.
Dr. Maisel lectures nationally and internationally, facilitates deep writing workshops in locations like San Francisco, New York, London, Paris, and Rome and at workshop centers like the Esalen Institute, the Omega Institute, and the Kripalu Yoga Center, and presents keynote addresses for organizations like the International Society for Ethical Psychology and Psychiatry and the International Association of Pastel Societies.
Check out the Full Interview with Eric Maisel.
Calligraphy and Lettering
Shelley Hitz
Website – yourcreativeadventure.com
Shelley Hitz is the lettering and watercolor artist behind YourCreativeAdventure.com. She is also the author of over 40 books and in 2016, while writing her book, Broken Crayons Still Color, she was looking for an artist to create coloring pages for the book. However, she sensed God saying to her, “you do it.” This led her to design and illustrate seven hand-drawn coloring pages. In the process, she stumbled upon the art of brush lettering. She has been hooked ever since and now creates art on a daily basis in the art studio in her home.
She is the best-selling author of two art books, “Calligraphy for Beginners,” and the “Brush Strokes Workbook.” She lives Colorado Springs, Colorado and enjoys exploring the mountains where she gets much of the inspiration for her artwork.
Shelley has taught art classes to over 16,000 students and would love to help you explore your creative gift. You can learn more and sign up for her free classes at www.yourcreativeadventure.com free.
Check out the Full Interview with Shelley Hitz.
Laura Hooper Calligraphy
Website – lhcalligraphy.com
Laura teaches the art of pointed-pen calligraphy at in-person workshops around the US & Canada with her sister, Alyssa. Their online shop also offers Laura’s recommended tools for learning the art of calligraphy, including her personally curated starter kit + video tutorial for at home learning. As of August 2017, over 5,200 kits have shipped worldwide and more than 4,000 students have attended Laura & Alyssa’s in-person workshops. Additionally, over 3,000 individuals have learned remotely through the Modern Calligraphy Summit. In 2014, Laura and Alyssa were thrilled to announce the release of their first book, Wedding Calligraphy: A Guide to Beautiful Hand-Lettering.
Laura has been practicing the art of calligraphy for over 20 years, with her graceful scripts highly sought after in the wedding industry. She has worked with countless couples, offering comprehensive services from envelope addressing to invitation & stationery design as well as reception signage & details. Laura has worked with high profile celebrities and corporate clients, and her work has been published in numerous magazines, including The Knot, Inside Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings and Town & Country Weddings, among others.
Laura Hooper Calligraphy operates out of our studio in Old Town Alexandria in the DMV area. Laura resides in Virginia with her husband, Jeremy, and their two dogs, Kepler & Tycho, and Alyssa resides in Los Angeles with her husband, Jesse.
Check out the Full Interview with Laura Hooper Calligraphy.
How to Learn Art Online
Benefits of Taking Online Art Classes
Studying art online has many benefits of over in-person workshops and classes. While it is great to meet other students and the teacher in person, that is not always practical with our busy lives. Doing more art should be the objective of all artists, and internet delivered art classes offer many advantages.
Online Courses are Generally Less Expensive
Since internet-based art courses can be offered to many more people than in-person workshops the cost is much lower. You get much of the same instruction, but often at a fraction of the price. A university art education can cost tens of thousands of dollars. That money can buy a lot of online art classes.
Learn from the Best Artists
Online art classes allow you to study from your favorite and most talented artists where ever they may be located. Without online classes, most of these artists wouldn’t be accessible.
Diversity of Art Instructors
Different artists have different perspectives, techniques and ideas about art and creativity. Learning from a variety of art teachers will allow you to benefit from all of their experiences.
Studying Art at Home is More Convenient
Studying art in your own home means you don’t need to travel to art studios, universities or other locations. That means more time to spend on your art and less cost for you.
Your Own Home is More Comfortable
Creating art in your own art studio, with your own art supplies feels better and is likely to be much more creative and inspirational. It’s also nice to have your coffee maker and fridge nearby.
Study at Your Own Pace
Online videos allow you to pause, rewind, play in slow motion and watch again any time you want. This really is an amazing opportunity to really hone in on the skills the artist is teaching. This technology was barely available even a decade ago.
Online Art Classes are Better
While in-person workshops and formal art education can be very valuable, taking art classes on your computer in the comfort of your own home is a great way to improve your art skills. No matter your skill level, there is always something to learn from different art instructors.
How Can You Start to Learn Art Online
With so many classes and options available now, it can be hard to know how to start learning art. If you are like most people, you probably have a lot of questions on how to improve your art skills.
- Should you learn to draw first?
- What should you draw?
- Should you start with pastels or watercolors?
- Are oil paints a good idea for beginners?
- What is a good class to begin with?
Subscribe to Interesting Artists
Most art teachers will have blogs where they regularly publish articles on their courses and art. Subscribe to artists that look interesting to you. There is a large list of artists write on this page that can get you started. Browse their courses and get on their mailing lists. You will find that many of them offer free classes so that you can sample their teaching style.
The Art Bundle for Good is Perfect for Beginner Artists
I’m biased, but I think this Art Bundle is one of the best ways to improve your art skills. Every year the art bundle has dozens of classes by all types of artists all at a 98% discount. It’s hard to beat the value offered in the Art Bundle for Good.
YouTube Art Lessons
Many artists will publish art classes for free on Youtube. Search for Art Classes on YouTube and you will find thousands of lessons. While the quality of instruction can be hit or miss, if you search long enough, you’ll definitely find some good classes.
Online Course Sites
There are many online course platforms like PencilKings.com, Udemy.com and Skillshare.com that offer online art classes at different prices. There are many great teachers on these learning sites.
There is no shortage of courses and opportunities to improve your art. The difficulty will be choosing courses you are most interested in and finding the art teachers you most resonate with. Progress is most important. Do art every day and you will improve.
Online Art Classes for Beginners
You get better at art by doing more art. It is not enough to just watch online art courses, you have to do the lessons. However, it can be frustrating to regularly create art if you don’t have advanced skills. That is why taking art classes from instructors you like can help you improve quickly. Going through an art lesson step-by-step is much easier to follow through than just trying to create unique artwork on your own.
If you are in the early stages of your art journey, classes in sketching, drawing or simple doodling are a great place to start.
Online Art School
If you are serious about taking your art to a professional level and are willing to commit the time and work needed to get there, a systematic online art program with regular feedback from tutors can be very effective. Rather than doing independent art projects, a good online art school will guide you through all the skills you need to master from beginner to expert.