9 of the best websites for artistic training and further education

There are now numerous online resources for developing or refining your creative and artistic skills. However, many online courses require a substantial fee or even high charges. If you take some time to scour the internet for free courses, tutorials , and online platforms, you will eventually find what you're looking for.

To save you time and frustration, we've listed our best finds for you here. Unfortunately, some of these platforms require a solid command of English to unlock their full potential.

Should you come across German sites with similarly good features and content, we would be very happy if you would share them with us in the comments on this post.

Let's go…

Our Top 9

1. drawspace

Drawspace is a large learning platform with numerous free online courses on the art of drawing. It is now visited and used by millions of hobbyists, drawing students, and professional artists worldwide.

Some of the courses are taught by highly renowned and established artists. Currently, more than 380 different lessons are available, and it also offers teachers an exciting opportunity to integrate in-person teaching and e-learning.

2. Ctrl+Paint

Ctrl+Paint is a free learning platform specializing in teaching the fundamentals of digital painting . Each of the detailed tutorial videos focuses on a different concept, allowing viewers to break down complex digital painting techniques and processes into manageable chunks. This makes learning significantly easier.

3. Exposure Guide

On the Exposure Guide , you can browse through an extensive collection of news, trends, tips, tutorials, and guides on photography . Learn the fundamentals and key skills of digital photography and navigate the complex world of features and technology found in professional cameras and lenses.

Furthermore, you can learn stylish effects and professional recording techniques, as well as gain insight into digital image (post-)processing.

4. Cambridge in Colour

Cambridge in Colour is an English-language learning community for photographers with numerous sources of inspiration, useful tools (timing, resolution calculator, macro and close-up photography), detailed tutorials (basics and definitions, equipment and accessories, image and post-processing, color management and printing, shooting techniques and styles) and a lively forum.

5. Khan Academy

The Khan Academy offers free online courses and further education opportunities in various educational disciplines – including art history from the beginnings of cave paintings to contemporary and modern art of our decades.

6. Google Art Project

The Google Art Project consists of extensive collections of famous artworks in a vast online library. It can be filtered by collection, artist, or artwork. Creating your own individual user galleries is also possible.

This project is particularly distinguished by its high-resolution images and photographs of the artworks, which can be zoomed in and out continuously. Thus, no detail remains hidden.

7. The Bastards Book of Photography

The Bastards Book of Photography is a website entirely dedicated to the optimal use of light (sources) in photography . It is freely accessible and offers a wealth of guides and inspiration for stunning lighting effects.

8. ArtGraphica

ArtGraphica offers a wide range of free learning materials for illustrators and painters . Learn how to develop and improve your artistic and creative skills step by step in over 100 easy and engaging lessons.

Various techniques and materials are covered – including graphite, charcoal, watercolors, oil paints, acrylics, and ink. You will learn to depict portraits, people, landscapes, and objects, as well as create surreal and imaginative scenes. There are lessons for beginners as well as advanced students.

9. Enlighten

Enliighten is a learning platform for digital painting using Adobe Photoshop software. The operator and passionate digital painter, known by the pseudonym Darkeen, numerous tutorials, tips, and inspiration for digital painting.

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor, and passionate blogger in the fields of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Graduated with a degree in web design from university (2008). Further developed creative techniques through courses in freehand drawing, expressive painting, and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market gained through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with key players and institutions in the arts and culture sector.

www.kunstplaza.de