Top 7 Classes Every Beginner Artist Should Take to Learn to Draw (Even If You've Never Held a Pencil Before!)
- PINKI
- 5 days ago
- 16 min read
Top 7 Classes Every Beginner Artist Should Take to Learn to Draw (Even If You've Never Held a Pencil Before!)— A personal guide with all course links for dreamers ready to draw
I’ve shared my story a thousand times on YouTube and Instagram — how Bottle Brush Art began, and how I left everything behind to become a full-time artist. But what I haven’t shared often are the practical steps I took once I made that decision.
After I committed to this path, reality hit hard:
Was my art even good enough?
Could I really call myself a professional?
What skills was I lacking as a self-taught artist?
These were tough questions. And the answers weren’t always clear.
I began by honestly evaluating my art and pinpointing the areas where I needed serious growth. That’s when a friend recommended Skillshare. I still remember watching my first drawing class on a quiet afternoon in my bedroom — just me, a pencil, and a sketchbook.
That moment didn’t look like much from the outside. But inside? Everything changed.
I started small, learning to draw with confidence. Over the past four years, I’ve watched countless videos across the internet to improve my drawing — and Skillshare has been one of my most consistent and helpful tools.
So today, I’m finally sharing the first classes I watched, the ones I truly believe every beginner should start with. These courses helped me build a strong foundation in drawing — and they can help you too.
Whether you're a complete beginner or someone rediscovering your love for art, here are 7 incredible Skillshare classes that will gently guide you into the world of drawing. They’re encouraging, beginner-friendly, and full of practical magic.
And yes — you can access them all with a free 1-month Skillshare trial using my affiliate link here.
🌱 The Challenge I Faced as a Beginner Artist
When I officially began my art career in 2021, I had one simple wish: to paint beautifully.
I imagined myself creating breathtaking artwork, full of emotion and life. But when I picked up the brush, I quickly realized something was missing. My paintings didn’t feel “right.” The colors were off, the shapes didn’t make sense, and the depth I craved just wasn’t there.
What I didn’t realize at the time was this: You can’t skip the fundamentals.
I was so focused on making “finished” art that I forgot to build the foundation first. As a self-taught artist, this was one of the most important— and humbling —lessons I learned.
That’s when I paused and asked myself honestly:
“Do I truly understand the basics — or am I just guessing?”
The answer? I was guessing — and it showed. So I decided to take a step back and learn the fundamentals properly. That’s when I turned to Skillshare, which a friend had recommended.
The Elements of Art Every Beginner Should Master
Before you can paint magical things, you need to understand the invisible structure behind them — the Elements of Art. These are the building blocks of every artwork, and learning them was a complete game-changer for me.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the elements I focused on:
Line: The foundation of all drawings. Lines guide the viewer’s eye and give direction and energy to your work.
Shape: The two-dimensional outlines that create structure — whether it's a flower, a face, or a tree.
Form: This is where your drawings go from flat to dimensional — adding volume, curves, and realism.
Color: Understanding how color works, how it affects mood, and how to mix it properly is essential.
Texture: The feel or appearance of surfaces — soft fur, rough bark, smooth glass — and how to show that visually.
Value: The lightness or darkness of colors, which creates contrast, drama, and realism.
Learning these transformed how I saw and created art.
So, How Can You Learn These Too?
Honestly, I know how overwhelming it can be to try learning all this on your own. That’s why I’ve created a carefully curated list of Skillshare classes that helped me the most. Each of these is beginner-friendly and focuses on teaching the elements of art step by step, with exercises that actually improve your skills.
Whether you’re drawing with pencils or painting with colors, these classes are the perfect place to start.
➤ You can access all of them with a free 1-month Skillshare trial using my affiliate link here.
Let’s dive into the list together! 👇
Drawing as Self-Discovery: 5 Ways to Start
Instructor: Mari Andrew
This isn’t your typical drawing class — it’s about drawing from the heart, not the hand.
Mari Andrew invites you to use art as a way to process life’s messy, beautiful emotions. Whether you’re navigating change, feeling stuck, or just need a gentle nudge to reconnect with yourself, this class is a warm, soulful place to begin.
Through expressive doodling and journaling-style exercises, you’ll explore:
What creativity truly means to you
Letting go of perfection and embracing honesty
Drawing as a tool for healing, clarity, and personal growth
Five creative prompts to start exploring your inner world through art
Why You’ll Love This Class:
Mari's thoughtful, tender teaching style is like a deep breath for the soul. She reminds us that you don’t need to be “good” at art to be moved by it — or to move others. This class helped me stop overthinking and start drawing what I feel, not just what I see.
Perfect For:
Deep feelers and overthinkers
Journalers and creatives going through life transitions
Anyone who wants to make art that’s emotionally honest
Beginners looking for a gentle, encouraging entry point
Meet Your Instructor:
Mari Andrew is a beloved writer, illustrator, and author of Am I There Yet? Her art and essays about healing, creativity, and personal growth have touched hundreds of thousands. A flamenco enthusiast and creative soul based in New York, Mari uses writing and drawing to explore life’s big questions — and helps others do the same.
Her class is a cozy, nurturing space for anyone longing to feel more connected to themselves and their creativity. This is one of the top Classes Every Beginner Artist Should Take to Learn the art.
👉 Ready to rediscover yourself through art?
Start Mari’s class on Skillshare with a free 1-month trial. It’s more than a class — it’s a gentle path back to yourself.
Drawing and Illustration for Beginners: How to Draw 5 Cute Animals
Instructor: Nina Rycroft
What if I told you that your messy sketches and wobbly lines could turn into adorable, personality-filled animal characters — even if you think you're not “good” at drawing?
That’s exactly what award-winning picture book illustrator Nina Rycroft teaches in this magical Skillshare class. Whether you're dreaming of illustrating children’s books or just want to infuse more joy and storytelling into your art, this course is your creative playground.
Why I Want You to Take This Class:
Because I know how it feels to doubt your own art — to feel stuck, to compare yourself, or to think you're not “ready.” Nina’s class changed that for me. Her kind, thoughtful approach helped me stop overthinking and start exploring.
You’ll not only learn how to draw animals, but how to give them a soul, a story, and a spark. By the end, you’ll be creating expressive characters with charm, personality, and movement — no “perfect drawing skills” are required.
What You'll Learn:
How to turn your pet (or favorite animal) into a lovable character
Caricature techniques that make your animals more expressive
Fun drawing exercises that loosen you up and build confidence
How to sketch from observation and create your own designs
Adding texture, color, and narrative to bring your characters to life
From blind drawing warmups to thumbnail sketching and final illustrations, Nina guides you every step of the way — like a friendly art mentor cheering you on.
Who It’s Perfect For:
Beginner to intermediate artists
Picture book lovers or aspiring illustrators
Animal lovers who want to draw their pets
Anyone looking for playful, stress-free ways to improve their drawing
Whether you want to illustrate your own children’s book, design cute animal merch, or just fall in love with drawing again — this class is a beautiful starting point. This is one of the top Classes Every Beginner Artist Should Take to Learn the art.
👉 Start Nina’s class for FREE with a 1-month Skillshare trial using my link here.
You’ll walk away with a sketchbook full of sweet, expressive characters — and most importantly, a big creative smile on your face. 🧡
Learn to Draw: A Comprehensive Introduction to Drawing Foundations & Style
Instructor: Mimi Chao (Mimochai)
Want to Get Better at Drawing — and Actually Enjoy the Process?
If you’ve ever felt stuck with your art or unsure how to really improve, this course is exactly what you need:"Learn to Draw: A Comprehensive Introduction to Drawing Foundations & Style" — a beautiful, mindful, and practical course designed to help you build essential drawing skills without burning out.
I’m sharing this class with you because I genuinely believe it can transform the way you approach your art — especially if you're someone like me who wants to understand what you're doing, not just copy what you see.
Why This Class is Different (And Why You’ll Love It)
Most beginner art classes feel either overwhelming or boring. But this course takes a balanced, joyful, and artistic approach to teaching the fundamentals.
You’ll learn the most important skills — line, value, color, form, perspective, and composition — using fun exercises and real-time demos with both digital and traditional tools. And it all leads toward a gorgeous “Drawing Explorer” illustration project where you apply what you’ve learned.
It’s perfect for:
Beginner artists who want to build strong foundations
Intermediate artists who want to clean up their fundamentals
Digital or traditional artists — the lessons apply to both
Anyone who wants to improve their creative confidence and personal style
What You’ll Learn (The 80/20 Way)
This class focuses on the 20% of drawing skills that give you 80% of the results:
Lines & Shapes – Learn to see like an artist and construct more accurately
Value & Form – Finally understand light, shadow, and 3D form
Color & Light – Use color intuitively and effectively, even as a beginner
Portraits – A simplified way to draw expressive faces and hands
Depth & Composition – How to use perspective and design to tell stories
Every lesson builds toward your final project, so you always feel like you’re making progress — and learning with purpose.
Why I Want You to Take This Course
Because I know how frustrating it is to want to draw well but not know where to start — or how to stay consistent. This class makes learning feel doable, enjoyable, and deeply rewarding.
You don’t need fancy tools or years of experience. What you need is a guide who can show you how drawing really works and how to practice mindfully — so your art grows with you.
Bonus: Downloadable Workbook + Resources
This class comes with a 30+ page workbook that includes lesson summaries, practice sheets, and references — so you can stay focused, stay organized, and make the most of every lesson.
Let’s Build a Beautiful Foundation for Your Art
Whether you're just starting out or returning to art after a break, this class is a supportive and inspiring place to grow. You’ll gain tools that will serve you across all styles and mediums — while also learning how to find your style in the process.
👉 Start the class today with my 1-month free Skillshare trial using my referral link here
Trust me — this isn’t just a class. It’s a doorway to the artist you want to become. This is one of the top Classes Every Beginner Artist Should Take to Learn the art.
Fundamentals of Drawing: Light, Shadow & Form
Instructor: Brent Eviston
Have you ever looked at your drawings and thought, “Why does this feel flat?” or “How do artists make their work look so realistic and full of depth?”This course is the answer.
Brent Eviston’s Shading Fundamentals is the sixth course in his renowned Art & Science of Drawing series — and it’s a must-take if you’re serious about improving your drawing skills.
Why I Want You to Take This Course:
Because every artist — no matter what medium you work in — needs to understand light and shadow to bring their work to life.
If you're a painter, illustrator, designer, or hobbyist who wants to create more realistic, three-dimensional drawings, this course will completely change how you approach your work. Brent doesn’t just show you how to shade — he teaches you why shading works the way it does, and how to see like an artist.
I truly believe that this class can help unlock the next level in your art journey. It did for me.
What You’ll Learn:
How to draw basic forms (sphere, cube, cylinder) using dramatic lighting
The secrets of light and shadow behaviour on any object
How to identify and draw core shadows, highlights, reflected light and cast shadows
How to use value effectively to create the illusion of form
A daily structure that helps you learn consistently, one step at a time
Who This Course is For:
Beginners ready to move beyond outlines and into realistic shading
Intermediate artists who want to strengthen their fundamental understanding of light
Painters, illustrators, and digital artists who struggle with depth and dimension
Anyone preparing to dive into figure drawing or painting (this is the perfect prerequisite!)
Whether you draw portraits, still life, characters, or fantasy art — shading is the bridge between a flat sketch and something that feels real.
Why Brent Eviston is the Best Guide:
Brent isn’t just a teacher — he’s an art educator with over 20 years of experience in schools, studios, and museums. His approach is clear, structured, and rooted in traditional training that’s usually reserved for private art academies.
Brent’s teaching feels like having a mentor who truly wants you to understand what you’re doing — not just copy a drawing.
What You’ll Gain:
Confidence in shading anything — from a simple cube to a complex scene
A stronger grasp of values, contrast, and realistic light effects
Tools that will serve you in any art style, from realism to stylized illustration
A new way of seeing the world as an artist
And the best part? You don’t need fancy tools — just a pencil, paper, and a willingness to learn.
👉 Start learning today with a 1-month free Skillshare trial using my affiliate link here.
Once you understand light and shadow, your entire drawing process transforms.
Trust me, this is the kind of course that stays with you forever. This is one of the top Classes Every Beginner Artist Should Take to Learn the art.
Fall in Love with Color: A Class That Will Transform Your Art!
Instructor: Brooke Glaser
Have you ever finished a drawing or painting and felt like something was off — but couldn’t quite tell what? Chances are, it’s the colors. Even the most well-drawn piece can fall flat without the right color palette. That’s exactly why I want you to take this class: “Color
Theory for Artists: How to Choose Colors That Work” by Brooke Glaser.
I took this class myself and it completely changed the way I approach color. It gave me the confidence to choose colors that feel right — ones that pop, guide the viewer’s eye, and create exactly the mood I’m going for. Whether you're working digitally or with traditional media, this class is a must-have in your creative toolkit.
Why I Recommend This Course
Color theory can feel overwhelming at first, but Brooke makes it incredibly simple, fun, and practical. You’ll learn:
How to shade with color instead of just black or grey
How to make your colors pop and create visual impact
What to do when your colors “just don’t feel right”
How to pair colors that work beautifully together
The emotional power behind colors and how to use it
What to know when printing or scanning your art
This Class is Perfect For:
Beginners who want a solid color foundation
Artists who feel stuck or unsure when picking palettes
Digital artists using tools like Procreate
Traditional artists who want more confidence in color
Anyone who wants their art to express more emotion and mood
Why You’ll Love Brooke as a Teacher
Brooke is not only a skilled illustrator, she’s an amazing educator. She breaks down color theory into easy-to-digest lessons that are fun, encouraging, and totally approachable — no intimidating jargon, just real tools you can use immediately. Her art is joyful, and her teaching is full of clarity and encouragement.
Ready to Bring New Life to Your Art?
Whether you’re creating for fun or building your career, color matters — and this class will help you master it. You’ll finish with palettes that work, artwork that stands out, and the confidence to experiment with color like never before.
👉 Start learning today with a 1-month free Skillshare trial using my affiliate link here!
Trust me — you’ll be amazed at how much better your art feels when your colors finally start working for you, not against you. This is one of the top Classes Every Beginner Artist Should Take to Learn the art.
Learn to Draw with Confidence — One Line at a Time
Instructor: Gabrielle Brickey
Have you ever wanted to learn how to draw but didn’t know where to start? Or maybe you’ve tried before, but got overwhelmed or frustrated? That’s exactly why I want you to take this class: “Drawing Basics: 5 Exercises to Master Line and Shape” by Gabrielle Brickey.
I know how intimidating it can feel to start drawing — especially when you think everyone else “just gets it.” But drawing is a skill, not a talent. With the right foundation, anyone can learn to draw. And this class is the perfect place to begin.
Why This Class is So Powerful
This isn’t a long, complicated course. It’s short, practical, and incredibly effective. You’ll go through 5 simple exercises that:
Help you draw smoother, more confident lines
Teach you how to break down subjects into basic shapes
Improve your hand-eye coordination
Train your brain to see like an artist
Get you into a relaxed, daily drawing habit
It’s the kind of class that helps you feel calm while learning — like creative self-care. Some days we just want to draw without the pressure to be perfect, and Gabrielle’s soothing voice and gentle guidance make that possible.
Why I Want You to Take This Course
Whether you're just starting or want to sharpen your basics, this course builds a foundation that will support everything else you create — portraits, characters, realistic drawings, or even your own stylized artwork.
I recommend this class because it helped me get back to basics and feel good about drawing again. And I think it can do the same for you.
Why Learn from Gabrielle Brickey?
Gabrielle has taught over 100,000 students and is known for making drawing feel fun, not frustrating. She breaks down each concept clearly and calmly, guiding you through exercises that actually work.
In this class, you’ll also learn:
How to see negative space
Tricks for measuring and placing subjects accurately
How to simplify what you see into rhythms and angles
How to practice with projects like master studies, still life, and more
This Class is For You If:
You’re a complete beginner and feel unsure where to start
You’ve taken breaks from drawing and want to ease back in
You want to improve your line control and observation skills
You enjoy teachers who are calm, kind, and encouraging
Start Small, Grow Fast
Even just 20 minutes a day with these exercises can make a noticeable difference in your drawings. It’s a stress-free, rewarding way to grow your artistic confidence — one stroke at a time.
👉 Ready to start? Take Gabrielle’s class with a 1-month free Skillshare trial using my referral link here!
I can’t wait for you to feel the joy of drawing again — and this class is the perfect way to begin. This is one of the top Classes Every Beginner Artist Should Take to Learn the art.
Feel Like Your Drawings Are Missing Something? It Might Be Perspective.
Instructor: Ethan Nguyen
Ever finish a drawing and feel like it’s just… flat? Even when the details are right, something feels off. That “something” is usually perspective — the key to making your drawings feel real, dynamic, and full of life.
That’s exactly why I want you to take this course: “Perspective Drawing for Beginners” by Ethan Nguyen.
Whether you're drawing a simple room, an epic fantasy scene, or just trying to make your characters stand naturally in space — this class gives you the foundational tools to bring your art to life.
Why This Class is So Valuable
Ethan takes a complex topic-like perspective and makes it feel approachable, logical, and even fun. This course is part of his Drawing Fundamentals Made Simple series, which is built to help self-taught and beginner artists build a solid structure in their work.
In this class, you’ll learn:
The essentials of 1-point, 2-point, and 3-point perspective
How to use vanishing points, horizon lines, and line convergence
How to draw 3D boxes, cylinders, and spheres — then turn them into real objects
How to visualize and build scenes and forms from your imagination
This isn’t just for people who love architecture — any kind of artist can benefit. Perspective is just as important for drawing animals, characters, objects, and fantasy environments as it is for buildings.
Why I Recommend This Course
I want you to take this class because learning perspective will change the way you draw forever. It helps your work feel structured and believable — even when you’re inventing things from your imagination.
Plus, Ethan is a fantastic teacher. He explains each concept clearly, builds your confidence with step-by-step exercises, and never makes you feel overwhelmed. You’ll walk away feeling like “I can totally do this.”
This Class is Perfect For:
Total beginners who feel lost with 3D forms
Artists struggling with flat-looking drawings
Intermediate self-taught artists who want to improve their fundamentals
Creatives who want to draw more accurately — from life or imagination
What You’ll Practice:
Drawing simple boxes in 1- and 2-point perspective
Turning those boxes into believable objects
Creating cylinders and curves with proper ellipse perspective
Combining shapes to draw complex forms like mugs, chairs, and heads
Drawing spheres and learning how light and shadow affect rounded forms
Visualizing depth so your drawings “pop” instead of falling flat
Why Perspective Matters
You don’t have to be drawing skyscrapers to need perspective. The moment you understand how space works, your entire drawing style levels up. Whether you’re designing characters, sketching animals, or crafting worlds from scratch, this course gives you the tools to draw anything — with depth and clarity.
👉 Ready to see your drawings come alive?
Start Ethan Nguyen’s class now with a 1-month free Skillshare trial using my referral link here!
You’ll be amazed how powerful your art becomes once you learn to draw in 3D.
Trust me — this one’s a game-changer. This is one of the top Classes Every Beginner Artist Should Take to Learn the art.
🎁 Ready to Begin?
I know how overwhelming the art journey can feel — especially when you're self-taught. But with the right teachers and the right tools, you’ll be amazed at how much progress you can make in just a few months.
👉 Start your learning journey today with a free 1-month trial of Skillshare using my affiliate link.
Let me know in the comments which class you're starting with! 💬 I’d love to cheer you on.
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