Unleash Your Inner Artist: Discover the Best Online Art Classes and Inspiring Instructors
Photo by Ashe Walker on Unsplash
Have you ever felt that gentle tug, that quiet yearning within you to explore the vibrant world of creativity? Perhaps you've even dreamt of finally starting your art journey, picking up a brush, a pencil, or even your digital stylus to translate the captivating visions in your mind onto a tangible surface.
Trust me, I understand that feeling intimately. I remember standing at the very same crossroads, gazing at a blank canvas or screen, a mixture of excitement and a touch of apprehension swirling within me, wondering where to even begin to learn and grow as an artist.
The sheer volume of information and resources available in today's digital landscape can indeed feel overwhelming, but within that vastness lies an incredible and empowering opportunity.
The true beauty of our interconnected digital age is the unprecedented and readily available access we now have to exceptionally talented instructors and deeply inspiring lessons, all conveniently accessible with just a simple click.
Unlock Your Creative Potential: The Rise of Online Art Education
That's precisely why I felt so compelled to share some of the most inspiring artists and illustrators I've personally discovered who are now generously sharing their profound knowledge and unwavering passion through truly remarkable online learning platforms.
Seriously, the advent and widespread accessibility of online education have been an absolute game-changer for aspiring and seasoned artists alike, democratizing the learning process in ways previously unimaginable!
It has made it remarkably easy for absolutely anyone – and yes, that definitively includes you, regardless of your prior experience or perceived skill level! – to learn how to become a better artist, all from the unparalleled comfort and convenience of your very own home. Just imagine the boundless possibilities!
You could be unlocking your hidden creative potential during a quiet moment in your busy workday, during those peaceful evenings after the day's hustle and bustle, or even on a cozy weekend afternoon curled up with your favorite art supplies and a steaming cup of tea.
The sheer flexibility and adaptability that online art classes offer are truly remarkable, empowering you to tailor your artistic development to seamlessly integrate into your unique lifestyle and individual schedule, making learning both accessible and enjoyable.
Finding Your Artistic Voice: The Role of Inspiring Art Teachers
Exceptionally talented artists, who have dedicated countless hours to honing their unique crafts and developing their distinctive artistic voices, have been such a profound source of guidance and a constant wellspring of inspiration for me as I've navigated the often-winding paths of my own personal artistic journey.
Their insightful teachings and captivating artwork have played a significant role in helping me to truly understand my own inherent artistic style, the unique and personal way I perceive and interpret the world through an artistic lens, and to confidently discover and cultivate my own authentic artistic voice.
Honestly, I genuinely believe that you're going to connect with their unique teaching styles, their insightful perspectives, and the sheer beauty and expressiveness of their art just as much as I do! Their deep-seated passion for their chosen mediums and their unwavering dedication to sharing their hard-earned knowledge and artistic wisdom are truly infectious, and their remarkable ability to break down seemingly complex artistic concepts and intricate techniques into clear, manageable, and easy-to-understand steps makes the entire learning process not only highly effective but also genuinely enjoyable and deeply rewarding for students of all skill levels.
The Journey of Artistic Discovery: Embracing Lifelong Learning in Art
Photo by Andrii Solok 🇺🇦 on Unsplash
Even though I actually have a formal educational background in the arts, having diligently earned a fine arts degree, I am always the first to humbly admit that I definitely don't possess all the answers or know everything there is to know about the endlessly fascinating and multifaceted world of making art. It is, after all, a continuous and lifelong journey of exploration, experimentation, and discovery, and there is always an abundance of new horizons to explore, countless innovative techniques to master, and a vast spectrum of diverse artistic perspectives to appreciate and learn from! Embracing a mindset of perpetual learning and remaining perpetually open to new ideas, techniques, and artistic approaches are, I firmly believe, absolutely key to sustained artistic growth, ongoing personal fulfillment, and the continuous evolution of one's creative practice. Thankfully, whenever I find myself feeling that familiar spark of curiosity about how to try a new technique, delve into an unfamiliar artistic medium, or simply deepen my understanding of a particular art form, I've found it surprisingly easy and incredibly enjoyable to dig around and discover the truly fantastic array of high-quality resources that are readily available online. The sheer wealth of knowledge and the supportive and encouraging communities you can find within the vast and ever-expanding realm of online art education are truly invaluable assets for any aspiring or established artist seeking to expand their skills and connect with like-minded individuals.
Learn more about me here.
My Top Picks: Must-Try Online Art Classes and Teachers
So, with all of that in mind and with a genuine desire to share the resources that have personally enriched my own artistic journey, I wanted to take a moment to share a few of my absolute favorite online art classes that I've had the distinct pleasure of stumbling upon and from which I have personally learned and grown so much along the way.
These dedicated and gifted teachers possess a remarkable knack for demystifying often-intricate artistic concepts and breaking them down into easily digestible and manageable steps, making the entire learning process not only highly effective and intellectually stimulating but also genuinely enjoyable, deeply engaging, and ultimately incredibly rewarding for students of all backgrounds and skill levels.
They cultivate a welcoming, inclusive, and encouraging learning environment, making even seemingly challenging and technically demanding techniques feel surprisingly accessible and well within reach for artists of all levels, from absolute beginners bravely taking their very first tentative steps into the world of art to more experienced and accomplished artists looking to further expand their creative horizons and refine their existing skill sets.
Joyful, Expressive Art with Amanda Evanston – Embracing Color and Creativity Through Loose Florals
Amanda Evanston (@amandaevanston) is a vibrant and inspiring artist whose work overflows with color, energy, and personality. Known for her signature loose floral style, Amanda makes expressive painting approachable and fun—especially for those who feel they aren’t “real artists.”
Her classes are filled with warmth, humor, and permission to play. Amanda encourages students to let go of perfection, trust their instincts, and reconnect with the joy of creating. Her intuitive painting techniques are perfect for beginners and seasoned creatives alike—inviting freedom, bold color choices, and a sense of artistic adventure.
Her style blends abstract botanicals with playful movement, textured layers, and fearless mark-making. Each lesson feels like a conversation with a creative friend—one who cheers you on while helping you discover what lights you up.
Recommended Online Art Class: Lotus & Lilypad with Amanda Evanston – a colorful, soulful experience where every step feels like creative play. You’ll explore intuitive layers, joyful brushwork, and the calming rhythm of watching a garden bloom on canvas.
Want even more? Amanda offers a monthly membership called the Insider’s Studio, where you’ll find weekly video lessons, community support, and a treasure trove of tutorials to keep your creativity flowing all year long. Learn more here: https://www.amandaevanstonlearning.com/insiders-studio
See examples of artwork inspired by her teachings in my portfolio.
Exploring the Beauty of Gouache: Learning with August Wren (Jennifer Orkin Lewis)
August Wren (Jennifer Orkin Lewis) - Exploring Loose Intuitive Gouache Painting Online
August Wren (@augustwren), known in her everyday life as Jennifer Orkin Lewis, is an amazing artist specializing in gouache painting. Her work is filled with a whimsical charm and a deep connection to the natural world.
Her gentle spirit encourages students to go with the flow in her thoughtfully crafted online art lessons. She emphasizes intuition and playfulness in the creative process, making learning feel less like a task and more like an exploration.
Her style is described as beautifully loose and expressive gouache, full of vibrant colors and delightful details. She has a unique way of capturing the essence of her subjects with a sense of freedom and joy.
Recommended Online Art Class: 30 Things to Paint with August Wren – a truly fantastic and inspiring way to learn gouache techniques online and build your confidence in handling this versatile medium. This class encourages daily practice and helps you develop a more intuitive approach to painting.
Unleashing Your Abstract Potential: Discovering Lisa Congdon's Creative Approach
Lisa Congdon - Cultivating Creative Courage Through Bold Abstract Painting, Dynamic Drawing, and Inspiring Pattern Design Online
Lisa Congdon (@lisacongdon) is another absolutely brilliant artist whose work I deeply admire. She has a really distinctive and captivating abstract painting style that often features bold, bright colors and wonderfully crisp lines. Her artistic practice extends beyond painting to include drawing and vibrant pattern design.
Her online art courses emphasize embracing the so-called "imperfections" in handmade art. She beautifully teaches that learning to love those "wonky" or "wiggly" lines that naturally occur are not mistakes, but rather the unique elements that make your art truly yours and give it its individual character. This perspective is incredibly freeing for artists of all levels.
She teaches that learning to love those "wonky" lines makes your art unique, fostering a sense of individuality and authenticity in your creative expression.
Recommended Online Art Class: 31 Days of Drawing and Painting with Ink – a fantastic resource to learn ink drawing and painting online and develop a consistent creative practice. This class is structured to encourage daily exploration and experimentation with ink as a versatile medium.
Finding Flow in Watercolor: The Gentle Guidance of Yao Cheng
Yao Cheng - Embracing the Subtle Imperfections of Watercolor Painting: Finding Flow and Beauty in Watercolor Painting Online
Yao Cheng (@yaochengdesign) is a beautifully talented watercolor artist whose work exudes a sense of tranquility and grace. Her delicate washes and vibrant hues capture the beauty of the natural world with exquisite detail.
She has such a calm and gentle teaching style in her thoughtfully structured online watercolor classes. Yao truly encourages you to relax, trust the process, and allow the water and pigments to interact in their own way, emphasizing the importance of avoiding overthinking your brushstrokes. This approach fosters a sense of fluidity and spontaneity in your watercolor work.
Her teaching helps you discover the beauty of loose watercolor techniques online, creating wonderfully fluid and expressive paintings that capture the inherent luminosity of the medium.
Recommended Online Art Class: 31 Flowers to Paint with Yao Cheng – absolutely perfect for anyone wanting to learn floral watercolor painting online and capture the beauty of nature through this luminous medium. This class breaks down the process of painting various flowers into approachable steps.
The Convenience of CreativeBug: Your One-Stop Shop for Online Art Learning
The truly awesome and incredibly convenient thing is that all three of these absolutely fantastic online art classes are hosted on the wonderful platform of CreativeBug! It's such a great online learning platform for art – and honestly, it's a treasure trove of resources for almost anything creative and crafty you might be interested in exploring.
From knitting and sewing to calligraphy and jewelry making, CreativeBug offers a diverse range of high-quality classes taught by experienced instructors.
What's even better is that all of their courses are pre-recorded, which means you can totally learn at your own pace, fitting your creative exploration into your schedule whenever it works best for you. Whether you have a few minutes during your commute or a whole afternoon to dedicate to your artistic pursuits, CreativeBug's on-demand format makes learning incredibly accessible. It takes away all the pressure of live classes and just leaves you with the pure joy of learning and creating! As the inspiring folks at CreativeBug so perfectly put it: "You're more creative than you think!"
Join the Conversation: Share Your Favorite Artists and Teachers
I would absolutely love to hear about your favorite artist or online art teacher! Please feel free to share your recommendations and insights in the comments section below. Your experiences and suggestions can be incredibly valuable to others who are also embarking on their own creative journeys.
Connect and Create: Join My Online Art Community
And I'd also really love to connect with you over on Instagram! You can find me at @byerinbeth. Please follow me and join my growing online art community as we all continue to walk this incredibly rewarding creative journey together, supporting and inspiring one another. Sharing our progress and connecting with fellow artists can be such a powerful motivator and a source of encouragement.
Your Creative Journey Awaits: Embrace the World of Online Art Education
Until next time, keep exploring the wonderful and ever-expanding world of online art education as you continue to build and joyfully expand your own unique art practice! Remember that every stroke, every line, every attempt is a step forward on your artistic path.
Happy creating, friends!