Painting is one of the most rewarding forms of creative expression, offering a way to capture emotions, explore different styles, and develop technical skills. Whether you’re interested in watercolors, acrylics, or oils, learning to paint can be an enjoyable hobby or even the start of a career in the arts. But when it comes to learning, a common question arises: Are painting classes worth it, or can you teach yourself for free?
With the wealth of free tutorials, YouTube videos, and online resources available, many people assume that taking a structured class isn’t necessary. However, while self-teaching can be valuable, a well-structured painting class provides expert guidance, hands-on practice, and a faster learning curve. Investing in a class may be one of the best ways to elevate your craft if you’re serious about improving your painting skills—whether for personal enjoyment or professional development.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of painting, the variety of classes available, the cost of taking a class, and how structured learning compares to teaching yourself. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether a painting class is the right investment for your artistic journey.
Types of Painting: Finding the Right Style for You
Before deciding whether a painting class is worth it, it’s important to consider which type of painting you want to learn. Different painting mediums require different skills, tools, and techniques.
Watercolor Painting
Watercolors are fluid, delicate, and expressive, making them ideal for landscapes, portraits, and botanical illustrations. They require a good understanding of water control and layering techniques. Many beginners find watercolors difficult to master because mistakes can be hard to correct, making expert guidance especially useful.
Acrylic Painting
Acrylics are versatile, quick-drying, and beginner-friendly. They work well for bold, vibrant paintings, abstract designs, and mixed-media art. Acrylic painting classes often focus on color blending, brush techniques, and composition to help students create polished, professional-looking pieces.
Oil Painting
Oil painting is rich in texture, depth, and color blending. Unlike acrylics and watercolors, oils take longer to dry, allowing for extended blending and detailed work. Because oil paints have specific layering and drying rules, formal instruction can help students learn proper techniques and avoid common mistakes.
Illustration & Mixed Media
Some artists combine painting with drawing, digital art, and other media. Learning illustration techniques alongside painting can lead to careers in book illustration, graphic design, and concept art.
Choosing the right type of painting for you will determine which kind of class best suits your needs.
Types of Painting Classes
Painting classes come in various formats, each catering to different learning styles, schedules, and budgets.
In-Person Painting Classes
In-person classes offer hands-on learning, instructor feedback, and direct interaction with other students. These classes are ideal for:
- Beginners who need structured guidance and real-time corrections.
- People who prefer a social and collaborative learning environment.
- Artists looking to use professional materials and studio space.
In-person classes can be found at community art centers, universities, private studios, and even specialty workshops. Some classes are short-term (one-day workshops), while others are longer, more intensive programs.
On-Demand Pre-Recorded Online Classes
On-demand courses provide pre-recorded video lessons that can be accessed anytime. These are perfect for people who:
- Prefer to learn at their own pace.
- Want to revisit lessons multiple times.
- Have a busy schedule and need flexibility.
Platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, Domestika, and MasterClass offer structured lessons on watercolors, acrylics, and oil painting. While these courses provide excellent information, they lack real-time feedback, making them better suited for self-motivated learners.
Live Online Painting Classes
Live virtual classes combine the convenience of online learning with real-time instruction. These classes are typically conducted via Zoom or other video conferencing platforms, allowing students to interact with instructors, get immediate feedback, and ask questions.
Live online classes are great for:
- Students who want instructor guidance without commuting to an in-person class.
- Those who benefit from scheduled lessons and accountability.
- People looking for interactive discussions with peers and mentors.
Many professional artists and art schools offer live virtual painting workshops, which focus on specific techniques like brush control, color mixing, or composition.
Each class type has unique advantages, and the best choice depends on your learning style, schedule, and budget.
How Much Do Painting Classes Cost?
The cost of painting classes varies widely based on format, location, and instructor expertise.
In-Person Classes
- Community art centers and local workshops: $50–$150 per session.
- Private art studios and university courses: $200–$1,500 for multi-week programs.
- Professional fine art classes: $1,000–$5,000 for extended training.
On-Demand Online Courses
- Skillshare, Udemy, Domestika, and similar platforms: $15–$50 per month or $50–$300 per course.
Live Online Classes
- Group virtual painting lessons: $30–$100 per session.
- Private virtual lessons: $75–$250 per session.
While on-demand courses are the most budget-friendly, in-person and live classes provide personalized instruction that speeds up learning and prevents costly mistakes.
Advantages of Taking a Class Vs. Teaching Yourself for Free
Many aspiring artists wonder if they should invest in a class or try to learn on their own using free resources. While YouTube tutorials and self-teaching can be valuable, structured classes offer distinct benefits that free resources often lack.
Faster Learning Curve
One of the biggest advantages of taking a class is that it accelerates learning. Instead of spending months or years figuring out techniques through trial and error, structured lessons provide a clear learning path, expert instruction, and practical exercises.
Personalized Feedback
Painting classes offer direct feedback from instructors, helping students correct mistakes and refine their skills. Free tutorials lack real-time critique, making identifyingerrors and improving techniques more difficult.
Structured Progression
Most free resources jump between topics without a structured curriculum. In contrast, a professional painting class guides students through fundamental concepts before introducing advanced techniques.
Community and Accountability
In-person and live online classes foster a sense of community, allowing students to share their work, get encouragement, and stay motivated. Self-teaching can feel isolating, making it easier to lose motivation.
While free resources are a great starting point, structured classes provide expert guidance, feedback, and motivation, making them a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about improving their skills.
Conclusion
Depending on your goals and learning preferences, painting classes can be an excellent investment. In-person classes provide hands-on training, expert feedback, and social engagement, making them ideal for beginners and serious learners.
On-demand courses offer affordable, flexible learning, making them great for self-motivated students who don’t need real-time feedback. Live online classes provide interactive learning, real-time guidance, and instructor critiques with the option to take class from home, making them an attractive option.
While teaching yourself with free resources is possible, structured classes speed up the learning process, prevent mistakes, and provide a clear path to mastery. If you’re serious about improving your painting skills, investing in a class can help you unlock your full artistic potential.