Joining an art painting course could provide you with the opportunity to learn and progress your talent. Whether you are an absolute beginner or a more experienced artist there is always something new to learn.

What painting courses are available?

With so many different art painting courses on offer, it can be easy to become overwhelmed with the choices. The first decision is whether you are looking for an online or local face-to-face experience.

Online art courses

An online painting course allows you to be more flexible when accessing the course. You can complete your homework in the comfort of your own home or art studio.

Of course the best place to find online art courses is to visit our Holidays and Courses section on Painters Online. You can also simply search for 'online art painting courses' in your search engine.

Face-to-face art courses

A face-to-face painting course offers the chance to be part of an active group of like-minded people. Choosing this type of course will also provide one-to-one immediate feedback from your tutor.

A search online for 'local art painting courses' will generally give you a comprehensive choice of options. It might also be worth checking with your Local Education Authority (LEA) and the Workers Educational Association (WEA).

Bigger organisations, like the LEA and WEA can also offer concessions, grants and even free tuition where relevant.

What level of painting course is best for you?

Painting courses often target artists at specific skill levels, or with a focus on one key media.

Beginners

If you are just starting your painting journey, then a beginner focussed course would be the best option for you. These courses will cater for anyone who has little, or even no, experience. The guidance on technique that a class offers can be far superior to learning solo from a book.

Aspiring artists

For those of you who are already practising and developing your artistic skills, there are plenty of options. You might consider a painting course that explores your preferred medium in a new and exciting way. Perhaps you are wondering what it might be like to paint in a different media and how you would go about making this change?

Accomplished artists

Even accomplished artists can find something new to learn. A new technique or a change of media are great ways to continue developing your artistic skills. Or maybe you just want to indulge in some quality time, exploring your own style and media, with like-minded people.

Mixed skills painting courses

Another alternative is a mixed skills course where everyone learns at their own pace. This type of course can be beneficial for all skill levels. This is a perfect opportunity to learn alongside your more advanced fellow students if you're a beginner. For those more advanced artists a mixed skills art course offers the chance to share your skills and knowledge.

Choosing the best painting course for you

You want to improve your painting skills and would like expert advice delivered in a supportive environment. The course you opt for should be the best fit for you. For some students this may be the only chance you have to paint throughout the week so its all the more important to get the choice right. Here are a few other questions you might ask yourself before making that final decision...

• Art and painting courses vary in duration from a few days to a few months. If you are fairly new to painting it might be better to choose a shorter course first, give it a go and see how you get on. 
• Some courses may be fully studio based, a mixture of studio and plein-air, or totally out of doors. Distance learning art courses on-line, are also an option. 
• It is always best to check accessiblity and location if you have any mobility issues.
• Is there a clear and logical structure to the course?
• Consider the amount of people who might attend the course. This is particularly important with a face-to-face art course. The larger the group the more social the experience, but perhaps with less opportunity for one-to-one advice.
• Does the course focus on a specific media, a certain theme (landscape, portait), or a specific skill level?
• Do some research about the course tutor and their art experience. Consider their style of art and whether you like it, how long have they been teaching art?
• Are there any reviews of the course, or perhaps examples of work from previous students?

Whatever course you decide on most students agree that time spent in a class can be both enjoyable and rewarding. It may be the best decision you make this year.

Looking for more painting workshops and holiday advice? Check out our collection of handy guides with top tips from artist tutors.

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Thanks to Steve Strode for this invaluable advice, who runs workshops for local authorities. You can get more information about his involvement on his website or his blog.