Best Acrylic Painting Classes on YouTube
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About four years ago, I discovered that I love painting with acrylics, thanks to a friend who turned onto online acrylic painting classes during the COVID lock-downs. I learned I have a flair for it, even if I will never be a master of the art form (for which I’m grateful — I need some hobby I won’t monetize!).
But, like most folks these days in this rough economy, I don’t have the ability to pay for tons of acrylic painting classes for honing my techniques as I learn to paint my own scenes. So, like the good little Millennial I am, I turned to YouTube to find the answer.
And now I return to these same fabulous artists’ channels for amazing, free online classes. I choose their classes that paint scenes that I won’t mind having around, while also teaching me new techniques like building structure, sketching, or 3D imaging.
Your Best YouTube Acrylic Painting Classes Are Right Here
I’ve selected my favorite channels or videos (well, some of them!) from the best teaching artists on YouTube. I encourage you to explore each of their catalogue of classes to find the right ones for you.
Each channel I’m sharing offers free classes, but some do have additional paid classes or membership options. If you see a “join” button under the video, they offer these premium add-ons. I have not done any of their premium classes, but I’m sure they’d appreciate anyone’s support who is able!
Jennifer Funnell — Basic Techniques, Landscapes, Animals, and Other Painting Styles
With Jennifer Funnel, you’ll find yourself going along for the ride with 60k other followers who’re working their way through a world of acrylic, oil, and gouache painting techniques, along with sketching methods and tools for painting.
I’d recommend starting with her Basic Acrylic Painting Techniques for Beginners to get things started, before expanding to the rest of her repertoire.
Her channel is great for absolute beginners, advanced beginners (that is Paint ‘n Sippers), and others looking for specific techniques like learning to paint a human nose, sketching a stack of books, shading with graphite, or shading a sphere.
Jennifer’s channel is a bit broader in scope than some of the others, but I highly recommend it for really helping you find your artistic foundation. In fact, I’d recommend starting with some of her technique classes specifically before venturing to other channels.
Jay Lee Painting — Using Household Items to Create Unique Acrylic Paintings
Not only does Jay Lee teach acrylic painting classes, but he uses everyday household items to create unique, simple-to-learn paintings. These videos are primarily designed for folks who have a little knowledge of painting (having done a few Sip ‘n Paint classes is enough)
Be prepared to use anything from hairpins to wadded up aluminum foil and flowers or combs to create your Jay Lee-style paintings. Many of the videos create similar scenes with various twists (great for learning to paint forests, pathways, and figures especially), but there are some unique ones, too, so be sure to scroll through the catalogue before settling on your class.
You’ll also find some watercolor painting classes on the channel. I have not personally done them but based on the teaching techniques used in the acrylic classes, I’m pretty sure that you’ll learn some easy to grow methods and techniques for the artform.
Michelle the Painter – Nature, Buildings, Landscapes, and More
My absolute favorite channel of all the ones I’ve tried has been Michelle the Painter’s channel. She has literally hundreds of free Paint ‘n Sip at Home acrylic painting classes. A particular favorite of mine is the Hummingbird Harmony painting. But you’ll find everything from barns and finger painting gorgeous fireworks to brushwork Steampunk Pandas.
Basically, if you can imagine it, she’s got techniques for you to learn through fun paintings. I personally have used her classes to focus on my animals and buildings, but those sunsets, unique clothing textures, and the finger-painting techniques all add a ton, as well — and I have loved every single class I’ve done.
Other Great Acrylic Painting Classes On YouTube
I haven’t done as much through these other channels, but they’re worth your time, as well, and could be what you’re looking for to learn a bit more in other techniques like spatula painting or using a hairdryer for texture shifts.
- Serena Art (Super Easy, Fun Brush and Spatula Painting)
- Art of John Magne Lisondra (Advanced Beginner Paintings)
- Joni Young Art (Classical, Popular Paint ‘n Sip Style for Beginners)
- Clive5Art (Fine Art Style Painting for Beginners)
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Editor-in-Chief of The MockingOwl Roost, Rita Mock-Pike is the granddaughter of aviatrix, Jerrie Mock, first woman to pilot an airplane solo around the world. Rita has found inspiration from her grandmother’s life and flight and pursued many of her own dreams in theatre, podcasting, novel writing, and cooking up delicious food from around the world. She now writes on food, travel, pets, faith, and the arts. She’s happily married to Matt, and faithfully serves the very fluffy kitten queen, Lady Stardust.
