Key Takeaways
- Art is an integral part of our lives, and various clinical studies attested to its benefits to mental health;
- An affordable option to learn drawing is Skillshare drawing courses catered to both novices and more experienced artists;
- There are different art forms like illustrations, digital art, and more, so it's important to know which art form you'd like to try and choose a Skillshare course accordingly.
Art and drawing have been with us since the beginning of human civilization. From ancient cave paintings to the great masters of the Renaissance and modern pop art trends, many marvel at what can be created by humans. And those who wish to become the next Da Vinci can try these hand-picked Skillshare drawing courses, where anyone can learn to create their own masterpiece in no time.
You might be surprised how many different drawing techniques there are. Each comes with its own nuances and tricks that make every creation unique. With that in mind, there are thousands of Skillshare drawing courses to choose from that give you all the building blocks you might need to start creating.
Out of their wide repertoire, I selected seven Skillshare drawing classes that can help elevate your artistic skills to new heights:
- Become A Better Artist: Drawing Essentials
- Pen and Ink Illustration: The Basics for Creating Magical Drawings
- Color Theory for Illustrators: A Fun Beginner’s Guide to Creative Color
- Mastering Illustration: Sketching, Inking & Color Essentials
- Drawing Made Easy: Observational Drawing and Watercolor Exercises for Everyone
- Digital Illustration for All: Discover, Cultivate and Share Your Unique Personal Style
- Drawing as Self-Discovery: 5 Ways to Start
Before jumping into all of these Skillshare art classes, let’s take a moment to learn more about why you should consider taking up art as a hobby and why you should start with Skillshare.
Table of Contents
- 1. Why Should You Take a Skillshare Drawing Class?
- 2. Best Skillshare Drawing Courses
- 2.1. Become A Better Artist: Drawing Essentials (Enroll Here)
- 2.2. Pen and Ink Illustration: The Basics for Creating Magical Drawings (Enroll Here)
- 2.3. Color Theory for Illustrators: A Fun Beginner’s Guide to Creative Color (Enroll Here)
- 2.4. Mastering Illustration: Sketching, Inking & Color Essentials (Enroll Here)
- 2.5. Drawing Made Easy: Observational Drawing and Watercolor Exercises for Everyone (Enroll Here)
- 2.6. Digital Illustration for All: Discover, Cultivate and Share Your Unique Personal Style (Enroll Here)
- 2.7. Drawing as Self-Discovery: 5 Ways to Start (Enroll Here)
- 3. Conclusions
Why Should You Take a Skillshare Drawing Class?
We are constantly surrounded by art. Whether it's in memories of us finger-painting a portrait of a beloved family pet or enjoying works of art in galleries and museums, art and drawings are a source of positivity and inspiration. If you'd like to create such inspiring pieces, Skillshare drawing classes can get you right on track!
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That being said, it’s self-explanatory that drawing can be incredibly beneficial in our daily lives as well. Multiple studies have shown that art therapy can help those suffering from both physical and mental illnesses.
According to Harvard, drawing and creative expression can reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression.[1] Not only that, but art therapy can also aid dementia and Alzheimer's patients regain their memories and connection with relatives.
With so many benefits, it’s easy to wonder why drawing isn't a more common hobby among adolescents and adults. Tanner Christensen, an independent developer and published author, thinks this can be linked with people settling into routines and jobs in non-creative environments that simply don’t leave any time for art.
This drift away from art and creative expression often feels discouraging, even if we wish to start drawing again. That’s where Skillshare art classes come in.
Since being founded in 2010, the online learning platform offers more than 5 thousand drawing classes for users to choose from. Hosted by skilled professional artists, these Skillshare drawing courses can teach you everything from the basic tools and drawing techniques to advanced tricks you can use to let your creativity flourish.
Best Skillshare Drawing Courses
With Skillshare, drawing for beginners is no longer a daunting unknown territory. By following detailed video content and easy-to-understand tutorials, you can rest assured that Skillshare drawing courses are some of the best out there. So, let’s get started by reviewing some of the best Skillshare art classes!
Become A Better Artist: Drawing Essentials (Enroll Here)
Just like every drawing starts with a single idea, every great artist who has their work immortalized in the Louvre started as a beginner. And every great artist started with the same basic principles that can help you build your creations from a few lines to a whole masterpiece. Moreover, you can start learning today by utilizing Skillshare drawing classes that take place online!
Become A Better Artist: Drawing Essentials is a Skillshare drawing course designed specifically to give you the basic knowledge you might need to start experimenting with art and drawing. From introducing you to the most essential tools like the all-mighty graphite pencil to walking you through your first drawing project, this course is where artists are born.
Because drawing can’t really be learned by just reading books on how to hold pencils and what basic shapes can be used, this Skillshare illustration class focuses on actual drawing exercises that allow students to practice their new skills. Drawing fundamentals are taught in a step-by-step manner, leading up to the final task – a peaceful life.
This Skillshare drawing course consists of 8 videos, each one covering a different part of creating your first piece. This easy-to-follow tutorial focuses on pencil drawing only and is perfect for beginners who are looking for a simple drawing basics class to follow along with.
If you are worried that you don't have enough time to take an art course, this Skillshare drawing class is less than an hour long as you'll take only 48 minutes! Also, you can watch one video at a time, making this Skillshare drawing for beginners class an ideal choice, even for those with the busiest schedules.
Notably, most Skillshare art classes – those mentioned in this article and beyond – are usually around 2 hours long or even shorter. Because of this, you can cross the worry of not having enough time for art right off of your list!
When it comes to pricing, Skillshare offers the best value for its price point. The platform offers a premium membership for as little as $14 per month, which grants you unlimited access to all available courses.
Moreover, it gets even better. Your first month is completely free, during which you can cancel your subscription at any time.
Also, Skillshare has many courses available for free so that you can try the platform out without any commitment. While this specific Skillshare drawing class isn't one of them, you can enroll for free during the first 14 days of your premium membership and cancel at any time.
Those eager to begin their journey as an artist can start today, as this Skillshare drawing course is one of the best places to kick it off! You'll cover the basics and get inspired to unleash your inner artist, so check it out. Start the course now!
Pen and Ink Illustration: The Basics for Creating Magical Drawings (Enroll Here)
When we hear the word “drawing”, many different visuals come to mind – some imagine simple pencil sketches, others see watercolor landscapes, and some see intricate black-and-white ink illustrations. Even though ink drawings might seem to be some of the easier ones to create, the truth is that it takes practice. But don’t worry – anyone can learn to draw with ink, thanks to Skillshare drawing classes!
Pen and Ink Illustration: The Basics for Creating Magical Drawings is one of the best Skillshare illustration classes that focus on the ins and outs of using simple black lines to create detailed and mesmerizing illustrations. From getting to know your tools to manipulating the marks on the paper, this course is the place to start.
Like most Skillshare illustration classes, this program focuses on hands-on tasks that help students hone their artistic skills one class at a time. This course contains both mini-projects, focusing on different inking techniques, and a final project that brings everything you’ve learned together. Needless to say, by the end of the course, you'll know everything there is about ink illustration.
This Skillshare drawing class consists of 9 lessons, each one covering a different aspect of pen and ink illustration. Because the program is created with beginners in mind, each topic is covered separately, starting with brushes and pens and ending with texture and pattern exercises.
Out of all the programs mentioned in this article, this course is the shortest one. You'll learn all of the basic building blocks you might need in your future ink illustration endeavors in only 29 minutes.
Skillshare offers hundreds of free courses that anyone can try whenever they like. Unfortunately, this Skillshare drawing class isn't one of them as you'll need to pay for it. However, you can still access it free of charge during the first month of your premium membership and continue learning more for only $14 per month.
Those taking the course will be going over the fundamentals of pen and ink illustration and will learn:
- What supplies you might need and how to use them while drawing;
- The difference between various lines, shading techniques, and how you can use them to depict texture and depth;
- Tips and tricks that will help you take your art to the next level.
If you are curious about the intricacies of the simple yet sophisticated art of ink illustrations, check out this program as it's one of the best Skillshare illustration classes on the platform. Start the course now.
Color Theory for Illustrators: A Fun Beginner’s Guide to Creative Color (Enroll Here)
Art and color often go hand in hand. However, many artists struggle when it comes to incorporating color into their drawings out of fear of ruining the piece. Time to leave those fears behind and start a Skillshare drawing course!
Color Theory for Illustrators: A Fun Beginner’s Guide to Creative Color is one of the best Skillshare illustration classes. It's designed to teach you how to masterfully use color in your art with confidence.
This Skillshare drawing for beginners course covers everything you need to know about color theory and how to use it in your drawings to bring them to life. You'll start with the basics, such as tone and hue, and move on to more complex subjects, like how to create your own color palettes. Thus, this Skillshare drawing course is suited for both beginners and more experienced artists.
As color theory is a very broad topic, this Skillshare art course consists of 16 lessons. That being said, completing the course will only take you 57 minutes, making it a program packed full of useful information.
Even though the learning material is densely packed into less than an hour-long course, you should not worry about not being able to keep up with the pace of the lessons. As with any other Skillshare drawing program, the material is taught one topic at a time, making it easy to take on board at your own speed.
If you are interested in taking this online art class for free, you can enjoy it and many more during the first month of your premium membership, after which you would only need to pay less than $14 per month. And if you are looking for more free courses, Skillshare has many options for you to choose from.
If you decide to dive into the vibrant depths of color theory while taking this course, you will learn:
- Why some colors work together and how to pair them in your artwork;
- How to overcome the most common stumbling blocks when it comes to incorporating color into your drawings;
- How color can be used for shading, setting the mood for a scene, and much more.
Those who are looking to bring their art to life with color can explore this Skillshare drawing course. You'll get the chance to learn the basics of color theory and ignite your artistic spark in less than an hour! Start the course now.
Mastering Illustration: Sketching, Inking & Color Essentials (Enroll Here)
Sometimes, while looking at a drawing, we can't help but wonder how did the artist do it. We're curious to know the many stages a piece of art goes through before it shows up as a finished project for us to marvel at. So, if you wish to learn the skills necessary to turn an idea into a piece of art, you can start by exploring Skillshare drawing classes and begin your journey there!
Mastering Illustration: Sketching, Inking & Color Essentials is a Skillshare drawing program designed to teach you the A to Z of creating incredible artwork. This art course is designed to cover all stages of drawing, from brainstorming your ideas to refining the final result with subtle color nuances.
Focused on practice over polish, it's one of the best Skillshare art classes! It offers a balanced mix of basic art knowledge and unique tips that can be used by beginners and more seasoned artists alike.
On top of that, the program encourages students to draw with meaning, think about the inspiration, emotion, and message behind their work, and share their thoughts and experiences with the group. It's safe to say that this course builds a community, as well as art skills.
This Skillshare drawing class is, admittedly, one of the most in-depth courses covered in this article. Consisting of 15 lessons in total, the program focuses on every step of drawing, with several videos covering each phase of the creative process. Those taking this course are guaranteed to find the material to be of excellent quality and easy to understand.
Because this program covers enough material for several mini-classes, it’s understandably going to be longer. But don’t worry – you won’t need to stay up late sketching, inking, and coloring. The course is only 2 hours and 11 minutes long, making it one of the most convenient boot camps out there that anyone can find time for.
Those worried about the cost of such an extensive course can rest assured, as this program is priced the same as most Skillshare illustration classes. The classes can be taken an unlimited number of times for free during the first month of your premium membership, which will only come out to be less than $14 per month after the two-week free trial is over.
Those enrolled in this Skillshare drawing course will be learning many skills that will be useful in all future art endeavors, including:
- Brainstorming and getting your mind running even when you feel like you’re stuck;
- Sketching to refine the ideas you would like to bring to life;
- Inking and bringing depth and contrast to your work;
- Elevating your artwork with the use of color.
If you would like to become an artist in only a few hours, you should check out this Skillshare art class! Start the course now and get ready to embark on an artistic journey today.
Drawing Made Easy: Observational Drawing and Watercolor Exercises for Everyone (Enroll Here)
Watercolor is one of those mediums that is widely misunderstood. Associated with childhood and school projects, these paints are rarely recognized as the sophisticated art tool that they are. With layering and a little bit of patience, watercolor can be used to create anything from simple illustrations to more intricate landscape paintings.
Drawing Made Easy: Observational Drawing and Watercolor Exercises for Everyone is a unique Skillshare drawing course that brings watercolor outside of the studio and encourages students to face the often intimidating drawing of realistic scenes.
This art course is unique in its goal to teach students to draw without fear of making the finished piece perfect. The learning material is designed to encourage creative expression and working in unusual environments without any inhibitions. Those who have ever doubted their artistic abilities and avoided live scene sketching should definitely consider taking this Skillshare illustration class.
Composed of 13 lessons, the course covers every step of bringing art outside, from learning to see the different angles that surround us to translating depth and contrast onto a piece of paper with just watercolor and a paintbrush.
The end goal of the course is to provide you with all the necessary skills and knowledge to create your own urban sketch. This Skillshare drawing program is only 1 hour and 32 minutes long, making it the perfect course to do when you're in a local park for an art session.
As with all other Skillshare illustration classes mentioned in this article, you can enroll in this course free of charge during the first month of a premium membership subscription. Afterward, it'll only cost you $14 per month once the free trial is over. And, like all Skillshare courses available, you can revisit it as many times as you want.
The students who decide to beat their fears of urban sketching and enroll in the program will learn:
- The nuances of drawing real scenes, not from a photograph;
- How to draw even the details that you can’t see;
- How to layer watercolor to bring realism and life to a simple sketch.
So, check out this Skillshare drawing class and show your art to the world! Start the course now and foster your creativity.
Digital Illustration for All: Discover, Cultivate and Share Your Unique Personal Style (Enroll Here)
As our world evolves and new technologies are being developed, it’s no surprise that art is slowly turning digital, too. Digital art is convenient and exciting, with every possible tool and color available at your fingertips at all times. That's why Skillshare drawing classes cover various art forms, including digital art.
However, with so many people sharing their digital creations online, it’s easy for your own art style to seem like something you’ve seen many times before. So, how do you develop your own art style? The answer is simple – by taking this specific Skillshare art course!
Digital Illustration for All: Discover, Cultivate and Share Your Unique Personal Style is a Skillshare drawing class emphasizing creative digital expression and the development of an individual style. You can explore your uniqueness and discover your personal art style!
By focusing on different sources of inspiration and ways of experimenting with various pre-existing styles, this program is designed to teach students to incorporate their own personalities and views of the world into their art. The material touches not only the creative process of digital art but also different techniques you can use to create unique visuals with a personal twist.
With 15 lessons of helpful advice and interesting learning content, this Skillshare art class walks you through developing your style with the help of photo references. Afterward, you'll be able to share your unique artwork with everyone in your class.
The program aims to promote individuality and the courage to publicly be unique, which makes it a worthwhile course for everyone. Being one of the more advanced Skillshare art classes, the course consists of 1 hour and 44 minutes of in-depth content, including a quick guide on how to set up Adobe Illustrator, your main tool, for learning.
Just like other programs discussed in this article, Digital Illustration for All can be accessed by those with premium membership for less than $14 per month. If you enroll within the first month of your subscription, the course will be completely free!
Those who decide to develop their own art style with this course will learn:
- How to develop your freehand skills by using photos as references;
- How color palettes are made and how to create your own to give your work a personal touch;
- How to use the many different sources of inspiration that are around you.
Let your personal style flourish and inspire others by taking this Skillshare drawing program! Start the course now.
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Drawing as Self-Discovery: 5 Ways to Start (Enroll Here)
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, art and drawing can be much more than just a creative pastime. Many scientific studies have shown that drawing can be successfully used as a form of therapy[2] as it allows patients to express subconscious thoughts and emotions more easily than words. The best part is that Skillshare drawing classes can be an affordable alternative!
Unfortunately, art therapy isn't easily accessible to everyone who'd like to delve deeper into themselves due to costs, time constraints, and more. While drawing therapy can be a lengthy process, I'm positive that Skillshare is one of the best places to start your journey.
Drawing as Self-Discovery: 5 Ways to Start, an extraordinary Skillshare drawing course, is designed to give students all the necessary tools to begin their journey of healing and growth. This program stands out from the rest because of its unique content joining art and holistic healing.
Each one of the 10 classes introduces a new exercise meant to unlock a mental door that might be stopping you from discovering yourself and your needs. The material isn't focused on the fundamental techniques and perfecting drawing skills. Instead, the goal of this Skillshare drawing class is to teach students how to channel their emotions into art in a constructive and creative way.
With the material taking only 40 minutes to cover, it's one of the best Skillshare art classes for those who want to find a simple way to relax after a busy day and relieve some of that pent-up stress. Moreover, it can inspire you to look at your emotions from different angles and utilize the power of art therapy to overcome any challenges.
If you're wondering how much this Skillshare course will cost you, you don't need to worry about spending a fortune. Even though you'll need to pay for the class, you can still take it during the first month of your premium membership for absolutely free and have unlimited access to the material for only $14 per month afterward!
If you decide to enroll in this program, you will learn:
- Ways to connect your emotions with your artwork and creative expression;
- What can be targeted during art therapy, and how can you use basic knowledge in the future;
- Simple drawing techniques and exercises that will build your confidence for future endeavors.
It's a great opportunity if you want to enhance your empathy and self-love while drawing. This is one of the best Skillshare drawing courses for those looking to create art with meaning! Start the course now.
Did you know?
Have you ever wondered which online learning platforms are the best for your career?
Conclusions
After reading this article, you might be wondering – would I recommend Skillshare drawing classes to start your venture into the world of art? Yes, I absolutely would!
All of the Skillshare art classes mentioned are great for building essential drawing skills that can help you take your work and creativity to the next level. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have already dabbled in art before, Skillshare is here to help your creativity shine.
Now, if you're worried that you don’t have enough experience to try these courses out, you have nothing to fear. Even if you’ve never picked up a pencil before, drawing for beginners can be as easy as ever with Skillshare.
Of course, you might not have found the perfect course for you on this list. In that case, you can always check out other online learning platforms, such as DataCamp or edX, that offer some of the best art classes on the market.
Thank you for reading this article on the best Skillshare drawing courses, and I wish you the best of luck in your future artistic endeavors!
Scientific References
1. Harvard Health Publishing: 'The healing power of art';
2. S., Buchalter: 'Art therapy techniques and applications'.