Have you ever been mesmerized by the flowing strokes of a portrait master like Da Vinci? Or been stopped in your tracks by the emotional pull of a graphic novel scene? For centuries, drawing has ignited our imagination and connected us through visual storytelling.
If the recent pivot to remote living has stoked your creative spirit, you’re not alone. 2020 saw a 66% spike in online art class enrollment as people pursued passions from the comfort of home.
But here’s a secret: drawing transcends basic hobby territory. Mastering illustration craft, whether via pencil or digital tools, builds cognitive dexterity through the unique combo of awakening right brain creativity while sharpening left brain focus.
The scientific basis is clear: drawing unlocks healthier brain benefits like mood boosting, stress relief and memory improvement.
So whether pure personal enrichment or professional aspiration drives your interest, FORMALLY developing artistic abilities is a worthy endeavor.
That brings us to the golden question – where does an aspiring artist start?
Why Online Drawing Courses Help
Modern learners are increasingly turning to online education platforms for arts instruction. These destinations promise effective teaching, community support and flexible access to build skills over time.
I should know. As a lifelong creative with design and illustration credit spanning worldwide brands, I’ve both taught and learned through premier online channels.
Trust me, structured online drawing courses accelerate success compared to the frustrating trial-and-error of YouTube hopping. But with HUNDREDS of options today, finding the RIGHT fit can get overwhelming.
That’s where I come in!
In this guide, we will uncover the 6 leading platforms for illuminating online art courses guaranteed to ignite your inner Da Vinci. Gear up as we dive in!
Overview of Top Online Drawing Course Platforms
| Platform | Course Levels | Subjects Covered | Pricing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skillshare | Beginner – Advanced | Fundamentals, Digital Media | $9/month (annual sub) | Comprehensive core skills |
| Udemy | Beginner – Intermediate | Drawing theory, Manga, Animation | $12/course (frequent sales) | À la carte topic exploration |
| LinkedIn Learning | Beginner – Intermediate | Software programs, Career prep | $30/month membership | Professional development |
| Domestika | Intermediate – Advanced | Contemporary illustration | $12/month membership | Portfolio development |
| Prosperous | Beginner | Art Therapy, Mindfulness | $15/month membership | Hobbyists / Therapeutic value |
| Canvas Network | Beginner – Intermediate | Traditional mediums, Composition | Free | Budget-friendly fundamentals |
Drawing Course Subjects Across Skill Levels
[insert infographic summarizing drawing course topics available from fundamentals to advanced techniques]The creative industry is thriving, with illustrators projected to grow 3% over the next decade. That equals roughly 900 annual job openings on average for those hoping to monetize artistic talent!
Clearly, ample possibility exists to transform passion into profession with deliberate skills development.
Now let’s explore the unique superpowers of our 6 favorite platforms for sculpting drawing mastery online!
In-Depth Reviews of Top Online Drawing Course Platforms
Trusted by over 8 million members, Skillshare packs a portfolio workshop’s worth of drawing instruction. With over 1000 courses and growing, the site goes mile-wide and inch-deep across every illustration style imaginable.
The secret sauce is the practicing teacher-artists that produce each class. Take Thomas Blu, a working Los Angeles illustrator. His beautiful “Illustration: Expressive Ink Drawing” course reveals tools and techniques for dramatic digital works.
Beyond the quality content, Skillshare wins users over with simplicity. One affordable monthly fee unlocks unlimited streaming. You can even download lessons for off-grid study.
Members praise the platform’s curation features for discovery. Outside instructor videos, suggested learning paths make easy work of honing fundamentals. For whole-picture development, Skillshare soars.
“I love having structured courses that let me take my art hobby to the next level on a schedule that works for me. Skillshare has allowed me to fit learning around life in a way rigid in-person lessons can’t.” – Carla, Skillshare Member
2. Udemy: Pick From Thousands of Specialized Drawing Courses
Boasting 183K online courses, Udemy offers an artistic smorgasbord with its immersive consumer experience. The site makes choosing a niche course focus friendly.
Filters allow drilling down offerings by difficulty, course duration, student rating and more. Love fantasy art? 16 courses stand ready to equip your talent. Lean towards still life drawing? 73 class options aim to elevate composition mastery.
While selection breadth impresses, Udemy instructors themselves raise the bar. Take Will Terrell, veteran art educator and author of “Drawing Ambience & Mood” guide. His Udemy class on emotive illustration techniques transforms static images into cinematic scenes brimming with mood.
For learners craving targeted lessons from credible teachers in a given genre, Udemy delivers. Frequent site-wide sales making classes just $12.99 seals the deal.
"I‘ve taken over a dozen classes now around prop design, background illustrations and more. My skills have grown in leaps and bounds thanks to Udemy‘s focused courses." – Jordan, Animation Student
3. LinkedIn Learning: Strengthen Artistic Chops for Professional Goals
While known for skill-building across business, software and creative spheres, LinkedIn Learning houses a formidable drawing course arsenal. Over 75 classes range from ancillary abilities like graphic design to deep specialties like figure drawing.
The platform truly exceeds with career-centrict instruction for aspiring pros. For example, Angela Koi’s “Drawing for Impact” transforms technical hand illustration for those eyeing fields like architecture and industrial design.
For added industry edge, many LinkedIn Learning teachers boast existing roles animators, designers and the like. Their hard-won perspective proves a boon for job-minded students.
Access runs $30 a month which admittedly exceeds casual hobbyists. But anyone focused on monetizing artistic talents will extract immense value from these career-focused lessons.
"I‘ve recently started doing freelance fashion illustration work for a major retailer thanks to the portfolio of work I built taking garment design and textiles courses on LinkedIn Learning."
4. Domestika: Take Your Illustrations to the Next Level
For intermediate to advanced artists set on refining style and technique for modern mediums, Domestika hits the spot with over 400 specialized drawing courses. Live online lessons let you watch as instructors demonstrate complex methods in real time.
The result? Jaw-dropping illustrations crossing abstract, graphic, manga and other genres. Students consistently rave over the quality of curricula.
Take Samuel Medina’s course unlocking secrets of ink and brush. Through21 video lessons, the Madrid fine artist conveys nuanced approaches for infusing minimalist drawings with depth and intrigue.
While pricing falls on the premium end, hovering around $12/month, members gain both community and career perks. You can participate in student showcases, engage networking groups and apply for internal job boards.
For artists focused on next-level contemporary skills applied to real-world gigs, Domestika is a potent choice.
“I‘ve been able to get freelance editorial illustration work using techniques like isometric perspective drawing I learned in my Domestika courses." – Payam, Dubai-based Designer
5. Additional Notable Online Drawing Course Platforms
While our top four picks each offer stellar options for unlocking and upgrading illustration abilities, check out these alternative destinations too:
Prosperous – Centered on mindfulness and meditative creative practices like Zentangle, great for therapeutic value
Canvas Network – Hundreds of free fundamentals classes from accredited schools like SAIC and SCAD
Masterclass – Access elite artists like documentary animator Gabriela Valdivia
Creative Live – Known for high production quality and big name artists like fashion illustrator Jason Seiler
Thinkific – Check out multi-faceted drawing careers like botanical and tattoo art
No matter your preferred platform, awesome illustration inspiration awaits!
What You’ll Learn Across Online Drawing Course Curricula
Earlier we outlined common course subjects across beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. But what specific skills and knowledge areas will you build taking structured online art classes? Here‘s an overview:
Drawing Fundamentals Crash Course
- Elements like line, shape, texture and color
- Core principles like balance, contrast and movement
- Key techniques: mark-making, crosshatching, blending mediums properly
- Art vocab to accurately describe and discuss compositions
- Basics of color theory, light physics and human proportion
Intermediate Techniques
- Expanding tools from basic pencils to inks, pastels and mixed media
- Specialized methods like rapid drawing, continuous line contour
- Composition mastery around focal points, movement and depth
- Style development bridging realism, cartoons and abstract
- Refining human, animal and still life observational skills
Advanced Methods
- Mastery of specialized mediums like airbrush, digital painting
- Complex subjects like landscapes, architecture and portraiture
- Concept art skills for gaming, film and entertainment
- Developing signature style applied to comics, tattoo art etc
- Business side: branding, marketing art, licensing deals
As outlined above, expect to cover an exciting spectrum of abilities to take works to the next level!
Tips and Tricks for Online Drawing Course Success
Ready to enroll but need extra pointers to optimize the home learning experience? Take these tips from my decades as an art instructor:
Set Aside Sacred Illustration Time
Consistency aids retention. Beyond class times, designate daily drawing practice for an hour upon waking or during lunch breaks.
Invest in Quality Tools
From premium paper to digital accessories that enhance tablet precision, quality gear removes friction. Shop student deals through platforms like Udemy.
Soak Up Freebie Art Tutorial Channels
Never stop learning! From Proko to Draw with Jazza on YouTube, be a sponge for top free instruction.
Engage In Artist Communities
Connect with fellow creatives for inspiration, project feedback and accountability. Every platform profile offers ways to interact.
Try Cross Training Creative Skills
Consider complementary abilities like graphic design. They strengthen overall visual toolkit. Or explore writing for narrative illustration.
Remember: Progress Over Perfection
Creativity requires patience with ourselves and the process. Focus on growth through consistency, not compare finished products.
Ready to Unlock Your Inner Da Vinci?
Hopefully you now see why online drawing education brings such value for both hobbyists and career-oriented artists alike. With unique course libraries, creds-backed teachers and flexible access, today‘s elearning platforms remove all barriers to finally nurturing natural talents.
The truth? Regardless of ultimate goals or current abilities, structured illustration instruction pays creative dividends. And abundant online options means beginners through advanced students can find ideal fits.
As your resident drawing devotee, I hope this guide sparked some ideas and illuminated pathways for burgeoning artists ready to commit developing their illustrative abilities.
So what feels like the right next step for you after all we’ve covered? Let me know in the comments!
