Whether you’re a budding artist or an experienced creative looking to hone your skills, the internet is teeming with excellent resources. Here is a curated list of the top ten websites offering high-quality art education across various mediums and skill levels.
1. Proko
https://www.proko.com
Proko specialises in figure drawing, anatomy, and character art. Led by artist Stan Prokopenko, the site offers a range of free and premium video tutorials with a strong focus on classical drawing techniques.
2. Domestika
https://www.domestika.org
This platform provides beautifully produced courses in illustration, design, and traditional art forms. Many classes are subtitled in English and taught by professional artists from around the world.
3. Schoolism
https://www.schoolism.com
Founded by top professionals in the animation and concept art industries, Schoolism offers in-depth courses with options for personal feedback. Best suited for intermediate to advanced learners.
4. New Masters Academy
https://www.nma.art
Known for its academic approach, New Masters Academy covers traditional fine art skills including figure drawing, painting, and sculpture. A go-to resource for those seeking structured, classical training.
5. Drawspace
https://www.drawspace.com
Perfect for beginners, Drawspace offers free and paid lessons in pencil drawing, shading, and basic composition. Its step-by-step tutorials are easy to follow and informative.
6. Ctrl+Paint
https://www.ctrlpaint.com
A free video library focusing on digital painting fundamentals. It is particularly useful for artists transitioning from traditional to digital mediums.
7. The Virtual Instructor
https://thevirtualinstructor.com
Offers comprehensive lessons in graphite, coloured pencil, pastel, acrylic, and more. Includes video tutorials, critiques, and live sessions for a well-rounded learning experience.
8. YouTube (Various Channels)
Several channels offer top-tier art instruction:
- Marco Bucci – Colour theory and painting techniques
- Ahmed Aldoori – Sketching and anatomy
- James Gurney – Traditional media and plein air painting
Free and wide-ranging, YouTube is excellent for bite-sized, accessible content.
9. Skillshare
https://www.skillshare.com
Skillshare hosts thousands of short art classes covering illustration, watercolour, design, and more. While quality varies by instructor, the variety and accessibility are notable.
10. ArtStation Learning
https://www.artstation.com/learning
This platform focuses on digital art, especially in concept art, 3D modelling, and game design. Courses are led by industry professionals and free with an ArtStation account.
Whether your interests lie in traditional watercolours or cutting-edge digital art, these platforms provide valuable guidance and insight. Happy learning!
