As an artist, it can be challenging to keep your skills sharp and continuously improve your craft. Fortunately, online learning platforms like Skillshare offer a vast library of courses taught by expert instructors to help artists develop their skills and expand their knowledge. Skillshare is an excellent resource for artists of all levels, offering a diverse range of courses on a variety of topics, from traditional drawing and painting techniques to digital art and graphic design. With so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start. In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 Skillshare classes that every artist should consider taking.
Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned professional looking to expand your skill set, these classes are sure to offer valuable insights and techniques to help you take your art to the next level. We’ve included a brief description and pros and cons for each class to help you make an informed decision. So let’s dive in and explore the top 5 Skillshare classes for artists!
“Basic Skills / Getting Started with Drawing” by Brent Eviston
This comprehensive course covers all the essential drawing skills, starting from the very basics. That means learning how to use a pencil like an artist, how to draw any shape, and how to analyze and draw any subject by simplifying it into basic shapes. It’s the first course in a series of seven courses that cover everything from measuring, proportions, contouring, and shading, and is a great place to start for any artist who’s just starting out or wants to remind themselves about the core of their practice. This level of instruction is normally reserved for art schools, so take full advantage of its easy availability online! It’s been taken by over 100,000 students and 63% of students said the course exceed their expectations.
Key Takeaways:
- The instructor provides detailed explanations and demonstrations, making it easy to follow along.
- The course is self-paced, allowing you to learn at your own speed.
- The price is very reasonable, especially considering the amount of content included.
- The class is geared toward beginners, so more experienced artists may find some of the material too basic.
“Modern Watercolor Florals: 3 Ways” by Amarilys Henderson
Watercolor is a beautiful and versatile medium that many artists enjoy using. In this class, you’ll get inspiration for your painting, a variety of demos, a deep dive into three different styles, materials to suit each of the three styles, and suggestions on how to tackle issues like composition, shading, and color selection. The instructor will guide you on how to paint a single flower three ways and then she’ll tackle a full arrangement in each style. Through learning these techniques, you’ll be able to develop and refine your own style and build confidence in using watercolor as a medium. This course has been taken by over 17,000 students and 53% have said the course exceeded their expectations.
Key Takeaways:
- The class is well-organized and easy to follow, even if you’re new to watercolor.
- The instructor’s teaching style is engaging and enthusiastic.
- You’ll come away with new skills and a beautiful finished piece.
- This course is specific to painting florals, so if you’re interested in other subjects, you may need to look elsewhere.
“Digital Illustration: Learn to Use Procreate” by Jarom Vogel
Procreate is a popular digital illustration app used by many artists. This class teaches you how to use the app’s various features on an iPad, with key lessons including how to set up your first canvas, using select tools, creating and organizing layers, and adding color/texture/effects. You’ll also gain insight into the instructors favorite shortcuts, tips, and tricks throughout the course, setting you up with everything you need to start your digital art journey on Procreate. This is an incredibly popular class, with over 180,000 students who have taken the class, and 52% have said the course exceeded their expectations.
Key Takeaways:
- Procreate is a powerful tool for digital artists, and this class will help you unlock its full potential.
- The instructor provides clear explanations and demonstrations, and the class is well-structured.
- You get insight into tips and tricks from the instructor, taking the course beyond just a “how-to.”
- Some students have reported that the course is a bit fast-paced.
- Can be a lot of information to take in if you’re a complete beginner to Procreate.
“Hand Lettering for Beginners” by Mary Kate McDevitt
Hand lettering is a popular art form that involves creating stylized letterforms. This course is extremely comprehensive, and covers everything from the first steps of hand lettering to concepting and designing phrases for almost any use. There are 16 videos within the course that will teach you researching and brainstorming, sketching for lettering, styles for lettering, and inking and finalizing. Additionally, the class student project gallery is filled with tons of guidance, examples, and tips for guiding your own lettering project. This class has been taken by over 80,000 students and is a great place to start for anyone interested in learning the art of hand lettering.
Key Takeaways:
- Although positioned for beginners, it’s comprehensive enough to benefit those experienced in hand lettering.
- The class is easy to follow, organized, and clear in its instruction.
- There is a lot of reference material offered.
- It’s beneficial to have at least a small understanding of hand lettering before taking this course to benefit better from what’s taught.
“Drawing and Painting Portraits: A Guide for Artists” by Gabrielle Brickey
Portrait drawing can be a challenging but rewarding skill to master, but in this class you’ll learn everything you need to know to draw and paint the human portrait. The instructor uses an iPad Pro and Procreate, and walks you through her process of making lifelike drawings and paintings. Beyond just seeing her process, you’ll learn how to simplify the head into basic shapes, proportions of the head, tips for creating the facial features, and so much more. This is a great course for anyone interested in learning how to create a portrait, and is even a Skillshare staff pick. It’s been taken by over 18,000 students and 74% have said the course exceeded their expectations.
Key Takeaways:
- The instructor provides a variety of resources and practice worksheets to help perfect your technique.
- Makes technical and advanced information easily understandable to artists of every level.
- Content is presented is a way that is clear and flows well.
- Some of the examples towards the end of the lesson are sped up which can be hard to follow.
Final Thoughts
Skillshare is an excellent resource for artists looking to improve their skills and expand their knowledge. Whether you’re interested in traditional techniques, digital art, or graphic design, Skillshare offers a wide range of classes taught by expert instructors. We’ve highlighted the top 5 Skillshare classes that every artist should consider taking, including classes on portrait drawing, watercolor painting, and digital illustration.
Keep in mind that while these classes are a great starting point, there are many more classes on Skillshare to explore and we’ve also created a list of the best websites to learn about drawing with additional options. With a subscription, you can access unlimited classes and learn at your own pace. So why not take the first step towards improving your skills and sign up for Skillshare today? Happy learning!
FAQ’S
What should I look for when choosing a Skillshare class?
When choosing a Skillshare class, consider your level of experience and the skills you want to learn or improve upon. Look for classes that have positive reviews and ratings, and that have clear and organized lesson plans. It’s also helpful to watch the class trailer and read the instructor’s bio to get a sense of their teaching style and experience.
Are Skillshare classes self-paced?
Yes, Skillshare classes are self-paced, which means you can take as much time as you need to complete the class. You can also pause and rewind lessons if you need to review something or if you want to work at a slower pace. However, keep in mind that Skillshare operates on a subscription-based model, so you will need to maintain an active subscription to access the classes.
Can I interact with the instructor or other students in a Skillshare class?
Yes, Skillshare classes have a community aspect to them, so you can interact with the instructor and other students through comments and discussions. You can ask questions, share your work, and get feedback from other learners. This can be a great way to connect with other artists and get inspired.
What materials do I need for a Skillshare class?
The materials you’ll need for a Skillshare class will depend on the class itself. Many classes will list the required materials in the course description or syllabus. Some classes may require specific art supplies, such as paints or drawing tools, while others may be digital and require access to certain software or hardware. Be sure to check the requirements before starting a class so that you’re prepared.
Can I cancel my Skillshare subscription at any time?
Yes, you can cancel your Skillshare subscription at any time. If you cancel within the first 7 days of signing up, you can receive a full refund. After that, you can still cancel, but you won’t receive a refund for any unused portion of your subscription. Keep in mind that if you cancel your subscription, you will no longer have access to any classes you’ve enrolled in.
