Sketch Classes Online

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Discover the Best Sketching Classes Online

Artists will sketch as a form of observational drawing and as a part of their drawing process. Sketches are freehand drawings that can be worked on and turned into finished polished drawings and paintings, or they may be kept as is. Not only do artists create sketches, but so do designers, scientists, and architects. Sketching and doodling are done by amateurs and kids for fun and can serve as a method for them to develop their drawing style. 

Line drawing is one method of sketching. When line drawing, you sketch with no intention of shading or creating lighting with the medium you’re using. The sketch is simply made up of lines, but that doesn’t mean it lacks dimension, movement, or structure. Shading is another method of sketching that adds the lighting and shading missing from a line drawing. Although there are techniques used to sketch, sketching can be done by anyone, whether they have art experience or not. 

Why You Should Learn Sketching Online

Sketching offers several mental and physical benefits. When you are observationally sketching, you have to pay close attention to both the subject you’re studying and your sketch. As you focus your attention, your brain is further developing its ability to pay close attention to detail and focus for prolonged periods. Sketching also improves hand-eye coordination because your brain must process what it’s observing and what you’re creating. 

Sketching doesn’t require speaking, but it does improve your nonverbal communication. Artists express themselves through their art. When sketching, you want to try to convey emotion and mood into the piece. Doing so will allow you to examine your own emotions and feelings. 

Sketching is relaxing. There are no boundaries to sketching. You can sketch whatever subject you’d like at your own pace. If you’re nervous about your drawing abilities, there’s also no pressure to share your sketches. However, sharing them with a close friend, family member, or an artist can provide you with constructive feedback. 

Virtual Sketching Classes 

If you’re interested in learning sketching techniques from an expert instructor, take an online sketching class. Your instructor will guide you through the fundamentals of sketching as you work on a project or free sketch. They can offer you personalized feedback and critique as well. 

Virtual sketching classes are delivered remotely using an online video platform like Zoom. Although these classes take place online, they are taught by a live instructor, so you’ll have somebody to ask questions of as the class progresses. Remote classes are a great option if you can’t make an in-person class due to your schedule, or if remote sketching classes aren’t taught in your area. 

Because the class takes place online and not in a studio, you’ll be responsible for procuring all necessary materials ahead of the first session. This will likely include several drawing pencils, an eraser, and sketch paper. Your instructor will provide you with a supply list that you can reference. You can find these materials at your local art or hobbyist store. Your instructor might even point you toward online specialty shops that provide the materials as well. 

If you’d like to learn the fundamentals of drawing and painting, Chelsea Drawing & Painting hosts a Zoom workshop where you’ll learn the basics of both. You and your fellow participants will work on a still-life piece under the guidance of your instructor. This interactive class will show you the process of turning a sketch into a drawing and painting. You’ll also learn some art history and art appreciation from your instructor that may come in handy the next time you find yourself at an art museum or gallery. 

For anyone that needs to get over their fear of drawing, The Art Studio NY hosts Fear-Free Beginner’s Drawing 101. Fear of criticism or not being good at drawing prevents many people from even getting started. This class will help you get over that fear through an intimidation-free, non-judgmental space. The class is structured around beginner-level techniques and emphasizes the benefits of sketching and drawing like stress relief and mental clarity. Overall, you can expect a relaxing environment that will allow even the shyest of beginners to unlock their inner artists. 

When sketching, you’ll find that you have several mediums to choose from. Charcoal has been a popular medium since the Renaissance. Pastimes for a Lifetime offers an online introductory class to charcoal drawing. Your instructor will provide you with tips for using charcoal while guiding you through the basics of sketching and illustrating with it. This class is ideal for those who have an interest in the fine arts and commercial or book illustration. 

Many beginning drawers stick to subjects that are familiar to them. This includes botanicals. In the 92nd Street Y’s Botanical Drawing, you’ll work on sketching plants, flowers, or vegetables. Through your sketch, you’ll capture your subject’s color, patterns, and natural designs. All your work will then culminate in a finished drawing. 

Private Online Group Sketching Classes

Are you and a group of friends interested in taking a sketching class? Or is your business or organization looking to book a team-building activity? CourseHorse offers private group sketching classes that can fit a variety of groups’ needs and interests. 

If sketching interests your group, you can book a virtual drawing and sketching class. In this class, an expert instructor will guide you in the creation of a graphite still-life drawing. You’ll learn about drawing fundamentals like creating depth in your drawing and tonal drawing. You won’t be limited to just still-life, as this class allows you to choose between drawing a landscape, botanical, or a face.

CourseHorse also offers a class on cartoon drawing and doodling. This class is welcoming to beginners, so no experience is necessary. You and your group will learn the basics of drawing, develop your drawing styles, and create cartoon characters. 

You can contact CourseHorse through the contact form on their website. There, you can work with them to determine what type of sketching class best suits your group. They’ll let you know about the class sizes they can accommodate, and you can discuss the video platform that the class will be delivered. They can deliver courses using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meets, and WebEx, although they suggest using Zoom. 

CourseHorse does not charge a booking fee and allows you to cancel your class for free up to two weeks before the class is scheduled. If you’d like a demo of a class before booking it, they offer them for a fee of $100. You can also reach out to them about customizing a class for an additional fee.

Online vs. In-Person Sketching Classes

If you’ve decided to take a live sketching class, you should determine if a virtual or in-person class works best for you. Virtual classes can be taken from practically anywhere as long as you have a stable internet connection. In-person classes provide a hands-on learning experience and allow for in-depth demonstrations. However, these classes may not be available in your area. 

When deciding which class delivery works best for you, you should first determine if there are any in-person sketching classes in your area. If there are, you should compare them to the online sketching classes available. Determine which classes appeal to you the most and are at your skill level. You should also check out the supply lists for each class you’re interested in. Some classes may require you to purchase more supplies than others, which can make it more expensive to take.

Can I Learn Sketching for Free Online?

You can start sketching for free. Many people sketch the things they observe. There are free guides online that can teach you about different sketching techniques. However, if you’d like additional instruction from an expert that can answer your classes, in-person sketching classes can provide you with both and help you learn how to improve your sketching quickly and efficiently.