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How Do I Choose the Best Online Drawing Classes?

G. Wiesen
G. Wiesen

As you look at online drawing classes, you should choose one that meets your experience and skill level and that provides you with the amount of interaction you need. If you are just getting started as an artist, for example, then you should look for classes that teach you basic skills and techniques. There are many programs that offer a wide range of different courses and lessons that you can use to customize your education. You should also look at how online drawing classes are offered, to choose a course that provides you with the level of instructor interaction that you want.

Online drawing classes allow you to learn different artistic skills and techniques through a computer with an Internet connection, rather than attending a course in a classroom. There are many different programs that offer a wide range of online lessons and courses, so you should consider your skill level before you enroll in a class. If you have little background or training in drawing, then you should typically look for an entry level course that can teach you the basics.

Beginners should find a class that teaches basic techniques, such as how to draw the human body.
Beginners should find a class that teaches basic techniques, such as how to draw the human body.

You may be surprised at the information and skill that you can gain even from beginner-level online drawing classes. This can range from the proper method for holding a pencil and moving your arm while drawing, to techniques used in shading, and providing depth. Even the types of pencils and other equipment you use can improve through this level of training.

Many programs also offer more advanced levels of online drawing classes, or courses that cover a wider range of subjects. If you just want to improve your skills on a personal level, for example, then you might look for programs that offer a number of lessons that you can use without payment. There are also programs that are designed as full classes that take several weeks to complete, similar to programs at a college or art school. These types of online drawing classes often include a tuition fee, though programs may have very different costs.

You should also look at the level of support and instruction provided by online drawing classes to find the best one for your level of experience. If you are just starting out as an artist and want to have a good deal of feedback from an instructor, than an online class that charges tuition is likely to be a better choice for you. The cost of these classes is often used to pay for a teacher who can look at your work and provide you with commentary and suggestions that can help you improve your abilities. Free online drawing classes or lessons do not usually include the assistance of an instructor, and though they are often designed by an art teacher, you cannot usually receive feedback on your individual work.

Discussion Comments

KoiwiGal

@clintflint - I would just add that you have to make sure that you have the right software or materials for an advanced class in art. Some of the software for professional artists can be more than a thousand dollars, so it's not something you want to try and pick up after enrolling in the course.

clintflint

@croydon - Some people just like having a proper lesson format with some kind of accountability. And it's not true that you can learn everything for free. There are definitely high level art courses out there that keep their best lessons for paying students only. Usually they are the kind that teach commercial level graphic design and art.

I don't know if I'd bother to do a learner's class online, since that would probably be better in person, or just done through self education. But a more advanced class could be very beneficial and it would also have the bonus of providing an official qualification that you can add to a resume.

croydon

I would be very careful about this, because online drawing classes can be expensive, but they might not offer anything you can't get just by searching for art lessons online for free.

I would make sure that you are actually going to have an experienced tutor helping you out individually. Because that's pretty much the only thing that would actually be worth paying for. There are so many free lessons online or even in library books. It's a wealth of information about every aspect of art and published in every kind of format. I would definitely take a look around before spending even a dime.

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    • Beginners should find a class that teaches basic techniques, such as how to draw the human body.
      By: mbongo
      Beginners should find a class that teaches basic techniques, such as how to draw the human body.