Discover the Best Art Classes Near You
Art is a unique form of expression that allows individuals to express their creativity through different mediums and styles. Taking an art class can be one of the best ways to relax and learn a new and valuable skill. Some of the best art classes include painting, drawing, flower arrangement, candle-making, and more. Art classes offer a way for individuals to channel self-expression and personal growth.
CourseHorse offers access to hundreds of art classes at your fingertips. You can browse CourseHorse’s site and find a wide variety of classes, including pottery, drawing, painting, sewing, and more.
Why You Should Learn Art
There are many reasons why you should learn art. By taking an art class, you are adding a unique talent to your list of skills. These classes can help you look at the world differently and see design concepts in each area of your life. When you learn how to best set up a drawing composition, you also learn how the eye moves around a page, which is a skill that can help with interior design, website design, and decorating.
Learning art also helps you to become part of a larger community. While taking classes, you can connect with like-minded individuals who are equally interested in art. You can join local clubs and attend events. It’s also a great way to feel more productive in your free time.
5 Ways to Learn Art
There are several ways to learn art, and you should choose an option that best fits your personal learning style. Here are five of the best ways for you to learn art.
- Taking an in-person art class: In-person art classes offer personal feedback and guidance from a professional artist. By far, in-person art classes are the most popular option.
- Joining a live online art class: For individuals who prefer online courses, taking a live online art class is another amazing option. You will get much of the support that you’d get from an in-person class.
- Signing up for a self-paced art class: Some classes offer course material to use and learn at your own pace.
- Teaching yourself through YouTube: Many free art courses are available through YouTube, though you won’t get personable feedback and direct guidance.
- Apply for an art school: Attending an art school allows you to take a variety of art classes. This is a good option if you want to begin an art career.
Although formal classes are the fastest way to learn new skills, you should always choose an option that fits your budget, schedule, and learning style. For example, if your main reason for taking an art class is to connect with classmates and get 1-on-1 instruction from the teacher, then an in-person class is the best option. However, if you don’t have the resources to commute to class, online classes are a good second option.
You can also connect and learn from other artists by finding artists on social media. You’ll be able to learn new techniques, get new art ideas, and make new friends.
In-Person Art Classes
Art is a vast field that has many different disciplines and mediums. That being said, you should be able to find art classes in your area for any of your artistic interests. CourseHorse offers classes across the country, including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and more. In the next sessions, we’ll talk more about some of the classes available.
In-Person Art Classes in New York City
CourseHorse offers an Accelerated Introduction to Drawing course for individuals living in the New York City area through an NYC school called The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art. The class lasts two hours and costs only $35 per person. In addition, each session holds only a few students to ensure that each participant gets 1-on-1 time with the instructor.
While taking this class, you’ll learn how to start drawing correctly through straight-line construction and comparison. This process teaches you to set up the correct proportions and begin shading. Students will also learn the basic principles of light, shadow, and shading. The class doesn’t provide the materials, but all you’ll need is a sketchbook, pencils, and an eraser.
Another example for individuals living in New York is the Intro to Machine Sewing class. The two-hour course includes all of the materials that students will need and is open to complete beginners. The classes are small — only six people per class — so students will get dedicated time from the instructor.
While taking the Intro to Machine Sewing class, you’ll start from the basics. The teacher will walk you step by step through all of the essentials of sewing. By the end of the class, you’ll have a solid foundation of the basics, and you’ll learn how to sew a tote bag.
In-Person Art Classes in Los Angeles
Individuals living in the Los Angeles Area can take a Draw Comic Book & Cartoon Characters class with five sessions. The course accommodates students of all levels but specifically leans towards beginning art principles. Students will learn drawing techniques such as linear perspective, proportions, and more for just $75.
To take their drawing class, you’ll need to bring a pencil, eraser, and a pad of paper to the first meeting. After that, the instructor will address additional materials that you can consider purchasing at the first sessions. This is a great class for those who have no experience with drawing or art but who would like to establish a good foundation.
Another Los Angeles class is Soap Making: Cold Process Method from El Camino College. The class teaches students how to use the cold process soap-making method to create soap completely from scratch. In a single session, you'll learn how to create beautiful handmade soaps at home.
Because this soap-making class is hands-on, students will need to dress accordingly. In addition, the class is open to all experience levels, including beginners and advanced students. The teacher will help beginners establish the basics and ensure that advanced students are perfecting their techniques.
In-Person Art Classes in Chicago
Chicago residents can take a private Half Day Private Digital Photography class for $350. A professional photographer will teach you how to use a professional camera and how to set up the perfect shot. You can also take this course with a private group for no extra cost.
This three-hour photography class will also discuss the student’s specific camera equipment, give tips on how to use it, and give suggestions. After that, the instructor will lead an in-the-field shoot that follows the photography goals of the student. Because it’s a private class, the student will get personalized instruction that focuses on what they want to learn.
Another in-person art class in Chicago is the Stained Glass Workshop offered by the Discovery Center. In the class, you’ll learn how to create your own beautiful stained glass art. Students will gain the skills to cut and break glass with the appropriate tools. You’ll leave the class with a fully completed project.
Chicago residents can also consider taking a Stone Carving Workshop. This one-day workshop teaches students to design, carve, and polish an alabaster sculpture. The average class size is only five students, which means that you’ll get personalized instruction on how to use a hammer, point, flat, and tooth chisels. The class also teaches the following skills:
- Techniques for Blocking
- Techniques for Detailing
- Finishing a stone sculpture in alabaster
You need no prior experience to take the class, and you’ll leave with a fully finished stone sculpture. The class lasts all day — from 10 am to 4:30 pm — so you’ll have time to learn everything you need to have a foundational skill level in stone working. The workshop includes one small block of alabaster, tools for carving, safety glasses, gloves, and dust masks. It also suggests bringing your own earplugs if you’re sensitive to noise.
In-Person Art Classes in Houston
A class option for those in the Houston area is the Spinner Ring class. The class teaches students to weld and design spinner rings from .925 sterling silver over a three-hour course. During the class, students will learn the following skills:
- Learn to measure for a wide band
- File, sand, and polish using a flex shaft
- Solder multiple butt joints
- Texture your ring band by hand
- Form metal using a ring mandrel and various pliers
- Learn our spinner ring technique
You’ll also learn to use all of the equipment safely, including a flex shaft, miter jig, pliers, and a torch. However, this isn’t a beginner class. To take this course, you’ll need to take a prerequisite class. Some classes that qualify as prerequisites include the Simple Rings course or Asymmetrical Hoops course. Feel free to reach out if you have questions about whether a previous class qualifies as a prerequisite.
Another class option for Houston residents is the Classic Handmade Pasta class. Cooking is a unique art that you can use to impress your friends and family. In the class, you’ll learn to make the perfect pasta dough and create your favorite noodles, including Fettuccine, Tagliatelle, Farfalle, and Garganelli. By the end of the class, you’ll have a delicious plate filled with pasta and topped with tomato sauce and parmesan cheese.
In-Person Classes in San Diego
In San Diego, you can also take a Portrait Drawing class. In the class, an instructor will guide the students in understanding how to use realism to capture a person’s likeness on paper. It includes four three-hour courses and costs $165.
Another art class in San Diego is the two-hour Pottery Wheel 2 workshop. During this workshop, you have full use of the studio’s tools, and you’ll have access to five pounds of clay. The instructor will teach the basics of pottery and walk students through how to create their own pots. At the end of the class, you’ll glaze and fire your creations. Each guest can create one large pottery piece or two small pieces.
CourseHorse offers classes in many other cities as well. For example, you can find art classes in Seattle, Atlanta, Nashville, and many other cities. Each course aims to help students achieve their creative goals, whether you want to learn drawing, painting, flower arrangement, sewing, or other creative skills. For more information, visit CourseHorse’s art class page today.
Virtual Art Classes
Some individuals may prefer virtual art classes instead of in-person courses. Online art classes offer the benefit of remote attendance, meaning you don’t have to travel into the city or leave the comfort of your home. Online courses are the best option for individuals with busy schedules and those with difficulty traveling. In addition, sometimes, you can find a greater variety of classes online. However, the downside of online courses is that you’ll often need to bring your supplies.
There are several online art classes available to those interested in learning new skills. For example, you can take a Preserved Flower Arranging class. Before the class’s date, the instructor will ship all the materials you need, including the vase and the flowers. It is a one-hour class that costs $77 and begins May 13th.
Another virtual art class is Acrylic Painting for Absolute Beginners. The class begins April 20th and costs $310. It includes six class sessions that each last an hour and a half. Students will learn how to paint basic forms, still lifes, and live models with acrylics.
You can also take a Virtual Japanese Flower Arrangement class for just $30 on May 7th. The class lasts two hours, and the instructor will teach the students the best way to arrange flowers using Ikebana. Students will need to bring their own flowers, vases, and materials.
Private Group Art Classes
Art classes are great for business team-building events. Employees will gather remotely and learn new skills together while expressing their creativity. CourseHorse has live online group classes that they can prepare for private groups. These private group art classes are tailored to your need to ensure you have a fun team-building event.
If your group wants to relax and unwind, consider CourseHorse’s Virtual Terrarium Workshop for $75 per person. The class provides all of the materials and will ship the items directly to your group members. The items include a glass terrarium, several types of moss and succulents, rocks, soil, and crystals. If you’re unsure whether you want to book, you can schedule a $100 demo of the class.
Another private group class option through CourseHorse is a Virtual Watercolor Workshop for $75 per person. The class lasts one hour and a half and includes all the necessary materials. It teaches the "wet on wet" technique and guides the participants as they create a beautiful watercolor painting.
CourseHorse’s private classes are diverse. Some other options are Virtual Gameshow Bingo, Virtual Tapestry Loom Weaving, Virtual Wood Burning Workshop, and other unique and interesting courses.
When booking with CourseHorse, you get the best experience. For example, there are no booking fees, online classes are supported on multiple platforms, and group size can be changed after the booking. In addition, after scheduling a CourseHorse class, you will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours to confirm the course.
What Will I Need to Learn Art?
Before you book an art class through CourseHorse, you’ll find a list of materials. Most in-person and private classes offer these materials as part of the course. However, some online classes may require you to purchase the materials beforehand.
Typically, the class will provide exact instructions about how or where to get the items to make this as easy as possible. For classes that provide the materials, they will ship the items to your home before the class date.
Some art mediums require very little materials. For example, if you join a drawing class, you’ll only need pencils, a pad of paper, and an eraser. However, other classes may have longer course material lists. For example, the Animals Gone Abstract class in San Diego has a longer list of needed materials. To fully participate in the class, you’ll need the following:
- 1 small or medium canvas
- palette knife
- palette paper
- acrylic brushes in various sizes
- acrylic paints in various colors
- soft gel medium
- colorful scraps of paper
Each class on CourseHorse will list the class’s required materials. Some classes will also note that all of the materials are included in the class and the teacher will pass out the materials on the first day. If you’ve never tried learning art before, it might be good to start with a basic class that doesn’t require a lot of materials — such as a drawing class or a watercolor workshop.
Is it Difficult to Learn Art?
Learning art is a unique experience. While some might immediately get the hang of it, others may need additional courses and instructions. Learning art is a rewarding and worthwhile goal, whether you want to learn to paint, draw, arrange flowers, or mold clay. Each offers a unique experience and will help you to learn a practical life skill.
Although some art mediums are difficult, you can get easy and guided instruction by taking an art class. Teachers and instructors will walk the students through and provide ample directions and demonstrations. If you’re struggling with a certain aspect of art, your instructor will give you 1-on-1 help.
