Discover the Best Acrylic Painting Classes Online
Acrylic painting is the process of painting with acrylic paints, which are a combination of pigment and acrylic polymer emulsion. Acrylic paint was developed in the 1930s after a German chemical company invented and then transformed acrylic resin. Acrylic paint became popular very quickly because it was less toxic than other paints being used, it was easier to clean, and it was cheaper than other paints. Acrylics still hold these many benefits today
Acrylic paints became popular among artists in the 1960s, as they realized how well acrylic paint holds color. It’s a diverse medium that allows artists to mimic watercolor and oil paints. Acrylic mimics watercolor when diluted with water, which lets you achieve the transparency that is characteristic of watercolor paints. When you thicken up acrylic paint with other mediums, it develops a similar character to oil paint. Acrylic paint has been used to create some of the most famous pieces in the world, such as Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Can, Roy Lichtenstein’s Drowning Girl, and Helen Frankenthale’s Canyon.
Why You Should Learn Acrylic Painting Online
Acrylic painting is one of the more accessible painting processes, making it a great entry to painting for beginners. Acrylic paints are relatively inexpensive, especially compared to other mediums, and can be used on a variety of materials, like paper, canvas, and even glass.
There are mental health benefits to learning how to paint using acrylics. When you’re painting, you need to brainstorm and plan out your piece. This encourages creative thinking as well as problem-solving skills, which are further enhanced when you encounter a roadblock while working on your piece. Painting as a therapeutic hobby has also been shown to relieve stress and anxiety. As you focus all your attention in one place, you will find yourself becoming more relaxed and in touch with your emotions.
Painting requires the use of the muscles in your hands and wrists. The movement you make when painting is beneficial for improving your fine motor skills. This also helps to strengthen these muscles, which are necessary for day-to-day activities like cooking and typing.
Acrylic painting is a great way to spend time with friends. There are many painting workshops available where you and a group can get together and work on the same piece. This can also make for a fun date with your romantic partner or even a way to work on teamwork and communication with your work team.
Virtual Acrylic Painting Classes
In-person acrylic painting classes are a great way to receive hands-on instruction, but if you can’t make an in-person class, online acrylic painting classes are available on CourseHorse. These virtual classes are taught remotely across the US, allowing you to attend them from the location of your choice.
Virtual classes are taught by an experienced live instructor who will guide you through your session and provide feedback. Online classes require you to supply your own materials, like acrylic paint and brushes, which can be found at your local art or hobby shop. Your instructor will provide you with a supply list ahead of your class. If any materials are difficult to find locally, consider checking out a specialty store online.
The Evanston Art Center hosts a Paint Your Travels class where you have the option of using acrylic or watercolor paints. In this class, you will be painting a personal photo of your choice. Your instructor will guide you through creating a drawing that you will then build up. By the end of this class, you’ll have focused on color, composition, and line when working on a piece based on a photo.
Other acrylic painting classes are available online periodically. Many previous classes have focused on the fundamentals of painting with acrylics like depth and texture. If you’re interested in online acrylic painting classes, be sure to check on CourseHorse regularly for an updated schedule of courses.
Private Online Group Acrylic Painting Classes
Is your business or organization interested in scheduling an acrylic painting class as a team-building event? If so, CourseHorse offers a variety of private acrylic painting classes that they can deliver to you virtually.
CourseHorse offers a Virtual Acrylic Painting class where up to 500 other participants will work on creating the same painting in their own unique style. Subjects can be based on an image provided by CourseHorse or one of your group’s own choosing. This relaxing class is aimed at getting you and your team members to unwind as you learn to work with acrylics.
The online Acrylic Pour Art class will teach you and your group an unconventional method of using acrylic paint: by pouring it onto your canvas, which you will tilt to create effects and details. A professional artist will guide your group through working with a pouring paint set, silicone oil, and painting tools, like a stirring rod. In this class, you’ll be able to create a unique and fun piece that you wouldn’t be able to learn in a traditional acrylic painting class.
All required materials are shipped to participants by CourseHorse ahead of your class, including acrylic paint, brushes, and other tools. If your participants are over the age of 21, you can pay an additional $30 to have a bottle of wine shipped out as well.
If your group is interested in a different acrylic painting or art class, you can reach out to CourseHorse through the contact form on their website. They’ll work with you to figure out what class best fits your group’s needs and interests.
There are no booking fees required when signing up for a group class with CourseHorse. Additionally, cancellations are free up to two weeks before the date of your class. CourseHorse can also accommodate a variety of online video platforms, such as Zoom, Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, and WebEx.
Online vs. In-Person Acrylic Painting Classes
Online and in-person acrylic painting classes both have their advantages. In-person classes are best for anyone looking to receive in-depth instruction from an expert whom they can ask questions of throughout the session. To take an in-person class, however, they need to be offered in your area and you need to factor the commute into your schedule.
If you can’t attend an in-person class but still want to receive instruction from a live teacher, you should consider online acrylic painting classes. Online classes take place remotely, which allows you to attend class from anywhere with a stable internet connection. Online classes also typically are offered in a wider range of subjects and skill levels than in-person classes. You should take location, availability, and commute time into consideration when deciding whether to take an online or in-person class.
Can I Learn Acrylic Painting for Free Online?
If you’re looking to learn acrylic painting for free, there are plenty of online guides and tutorials that can help you get started. These resources will teach you the fundamentals of acrylic painting and can even advise you on what materials are best suited to your project. With dedication and thorough research, you can learn the basics of acrylic painting online. If you’re looking for detailed instruction to guide you through learning how to paint with acrylics, taking a class with an expert instructor is the most efficient way to learn.
