A Guide for Aspiring Artists: Top Websites for Free Painting Lessons

Have you ever envisaged painting your own unique work of art, yet felt unsure of where to begin? I can certainly relate! Here is a compilation of my favorite free online resources, which helped shape me into the independent artist I am today.

Life-Changing YouTube Channels

Being a treasure trove of information, YouTube should be the go-to platform for budding artists. Below are some channels that serve as a personal art mentor, available round-the-clock:

• Proko
• Art Sherpa
• James Gurney
• Marco Bucci
• Lachri Fine Art

And the best part? Totally free!

Essential Websites for Artists

When I was initially starting out, I found the following websites to be incredibly useful:

• Ctrl+Paint (great for digital art beginners)
• Quickposes.com (ideal for figure sketching)
• ArtStation (a generator of endless inspiration)
• DeviantArt (a community of supportive artists)
• Pinterest (a treasure-trove of reference images)

No-Cost Online Art Classes

Yes, that's correct- absolutely free! Have a look at:

• The arts section on Coursera
• Art history module at Khan Academy
• Skillshare (offers a free trial)
• Google Arts & Culture

Art Communities on Social Media

Remember we're all in this journey together! Take part in these communities:

• Challenges for artists on Instagram
• r/ArtFundamentals on Reddit
• Various art groups on Facebook
• Art-specific servers on Discord

Digital Tools for Beginners

Artwork need not always demand expensive paraphernalia. Consider using:

• Krita (a free substitute for Photoshop)
• GIMP (a free image editing software)
• Inkscape (a software for vector graphics)
• MediBang Paint (beginner-centric)

Effective Practice Techniques

Here are useful tips that have enabled me to improve:

• Sketch daily, even if for a brief 15 minutes
• Participate in monthly challenges
• Maintain an art journal
• Regularly share your progress online

Pitfalls to Steer Clear Of

Having been there, I assure you these are some missteps that can be avoided:

• Comparing your work to that of seasoned professionals
• Neglecting the fundamentals
• Irregular practice
• Fear of making errors

It's crucial to remember that every accomplished artist was once a beginner. Thanks to the internet, it's now feasible to learn how to paint without bearing the substantial cost of formal art schooling. So, gather your materials, select a helpful resource, and commence your artistic journey.

Best of luck and enjoy exploring your creative side! 🎨

*Have a treasured free art resource? Please share in the comments below!