Drawing Courses for Beginners

Drawing is a fundamental skill for any aspiring artist, and with the advent of online learning, there has never been a better time to start honing your drawing skills from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to brush up on your basics, there are numerous online courses designed to guide you through the process. Here, we will explore some of the best online drawing courses for beginners, considering factors such as course content, teaching style, and accessibility.

1. Udemy: The Ultimate Drawing Course – Beginner to Advanced

Overview: Udemy is a well-known platform offering a wide range of courses, and “The Ultimate Drawing Course – Beginner to Advanced” is one of the most popular options for aspiring artists. Taught by Jaysen Batchelor and Quinton Batchelor, this course provides a comprehensive introduction to drawing.

Content: The course is structured to take you from a novice to a confident artist. It includes 11 hours of on-demand video, 13 articles, and 31 downloadable resources. Topics covered include:

• Basic drawing skills
• Shading techniques
• Perspective drawing
• Drawing the human face and figure

Teaching Style: The instructors use a step-by-step approach, breaking down complex concepts into manageable lessons. The course includes practical exercises to reinforce learning and build confidence.

Accessibility: The course is self-paced, allowing you to learn at your own speed. Udemy also offers lifetime access to the course materials, which means you can revisit the lessons anytime.

2. Skillshare: Figure Drawing for Beginners – Learn the Art of Figure Drawing

Overview: Skillshare is another popular online learning platform, and “Figure Drawing for Beginners” by Gabrielle Brickey is an excellent starting point for those interested in figure drawing.

Content: The course focuses specifically on figure drawing, an essential skill for any artist. Key topics include:

• Basic anatomy
• Gesture drawing
• Proportions and structure
• Shading and rendering techniques

Teaching Style: Gabrielle Brickey’s teaching style is engaging and easy to follow. She combines video lessons with practical assignments to help you practice and apply what you’ve learned.

Accessibility: Skillshare offers a 14-day free trial, giving you access to this course and thousands of others. The platform’s mobile app also allows you to learn on the go.

3. Coursera: Drawing and Painting in Photoshop

Overview: While traditionally associated with physical mediums, drawing skills are also crucial for digital art. Coursera’s “Drawing and Painting in Photoshop” by Michigan State University is perfect for those looking to explore digital drawing.

Content: This course introduces beginners to digital drawing and painting using Adobe Photoshop. Key areas covered include:

• Digital tools and techniques
• Creating textures and patterns
• Color theory and application
• Layer management in Photoshop

Teaching Style: The course is taught by an experienced instructor from Michigan State University, ensuring high-quality content and structured learning. The lessons are designed to be hands-on, with plenty of opportunities to practice using Photoshop.

Accessibility: Coursera offers a free enrollment option with access to course materials. For a fee, you can also receive a certificate upon completion. The course is flexible, allowing you to learn at your own pace.

4. Proko: Drawing Basics

Overview: Proko is a platform dedicated to teaching art, and Stan Prokopenko’s “Drawing Basics” course is a highly recommended starting point for beginners.

Content: This course covers the essential foundations of drawing, including:

• Line quality and control
• Shape and form
• Value and shading
• Perspective

Teaching Style: Stan Prokopenko’s teaching style is humorous and engaging, making learning enjoyable. He uses clear explanations and detailed demonstrations to help you understand and apply the concepts.

Accessibility: Proko offers both free and paid content. The “Drawing Basics” course is available for free, but additional premium content can be purchased for a more in-depth experience.

5. New Masters Academy: Beginning Drawing

Overview: New Masters Academy is known for its high-quality art instruction, and its “Beginning Drawing” course is no exception. Taught by industry professionals, this course is ideal for serious beginners.

Content: The course provides a thorough introduction to drawing fundamentals, covering topics such as:

• Drawing materials and techniques
• Line and contour drawing
• Basic shapes and forms
• Light and shadow

Teaching Style: The instructors at New Masters Academy are experienced artists and educators. Their teaching style is detailed and methodical, ensuring you gain a solid understanding of the basics.

Accessibility: New Masters Academy operates on a subscription model, offering access to all courses for a monthly or annual fee. This allows you to explore a wide range of topics beyond just drawing.

6. Domestika: Introduction to Drawing – Learn to Sketch with Confidence

Overview: Domestika offers a variety of creative courses, and “Introduction to Drawing – Learn to Sketch with Confidence” by Puño is perfect for beginners looking to develop their sketching skills.

Content: The course covers the basics of sketching, including:

• Drawing materials and techniques
• Observational drawing
• Proportions and composition
• Developing a personal style

Teaching Style: Puño’s teaching style is relaxed and approachable. He emphasizes creativity and experimentation, encouraging students to develop their unique artistic voice.

Accessibility: Domestika courses are available for purchase individually, and you retain lifetime access to the course materials. The platform also offers subtitles in multiple languages, making it accessible to a global audience.

7. LinkedIn Learning: Drawing Foundations: Fundamentals

Overview: LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) offers a range of professional development courses, including “Drawing Foundations: Fundamentals” by Will Kemp.

Content: This course provides a solid foundation in drawing, covering topics such as:

• Drawing tools and materials
• Basic shapes and forms
• Perspective and proportion
• Shading and texture

Teaching Style: Will Kemp’s teaching style is clear and concise. He uses straightforward explanations and demonstrations, making it easy for beginners to follow along.

Accessibility: LinkedIn Learning operates on a subscription basis, giving you access to this course and thousands of others. A free trial is available, allowing you to explore the platform before committing.

8. Khan Academy: Art Fundamentals

Overview: Khan Academy offers free educational resources, and its “Art Fundamentals” course is an excellent option for beginners on a budget.

Content: The course covers the basic principles of art and drawing, including:

• Line and shape
• Perspective
• Light and shadow
• Color theory

Teaching Style: The lessons are concise and straightforward, with a focus on core concepts and practical exercises. The content is accessible and easy to understand, making it ideal for beginners.

Accessibility: As a free resource, Khan Academy is accessible to everyone. The platform is user-friendly, with a wealth of additional resources available to supplement your learning.

9. Drawabox: Free Online Drawing Lessons

Overview: Drawabox offers a structured series of free online drawing lessons designed to build foundational skills through practice and repetition.

Content: The course is divided into several modules, covering topics such as:

• Basic shapes and forms
• Perspective
• Construction drawing
• Texture and detail

Teaching Style: The lessons are practical and exercise-focused, emphasizing skill development through consistent practice. The structured approach helps build a solid foundation in drawing.