In today’s fast-paced world, carving out time for creativity might feel impossible—especially for adults juggling careers, family, and a social life. But the good news is, you can tap into your artistic side without putting your life on hold. Thanks to flexible, online art courses, you can learn new skills, unwind online art classes for homeschoolers, and express yourself—all on your own schedule.
Here’s a curated list of the best online art courses that cater specifically to busy adults who want to make room for creativity without the stress.
1. Skillshare – Art for Beginners & Beyond
Best for: Variety and flexibility
Cost: Free trial, then subscription ($)
Skillshare offers thousands of short, bite-sized classes in everything from watercolor and digital painting to illustration and sketching. The platform’s project-based structure makes it easy to fit creativity into your life—some classes are under 30 minutes!
Recommended course: “Watercolor in the Woods: A Beginner’s Guide to Painting the Natural World” by Rosalie Haizlett
2. Domestika – High-Quality Artistic Instruction
Best for: Professionally produced courses with creative flair
Cost: Pay-per-course (very affordable)
Domestika features stunningly filmed courses taught by expert artists from around the world. The content is available in various languages (with subtitles), and you can learn everything from comic illustration to embroidery art.
Recommended course: “Expressive Illustration with Gouache and India Ink” by Adolfo Serra
3. Udemy – Affordable and Comprehensive
Best for: Lifetime access and structured learning
Cost: Pay-per-course (frequent discounts)
Udemy is perfect for those who like learning in a linear, step-by-step way. Whether you want to master oil painting, learn digital illustration, or explore art history, there’s something for every interest.
Recommended course: “The Ultimate Drawing Course – Beginner to Advanced”
4. Coursera – University-Quality Courses
Best for: Academic-style learning and credentials
Cost: Free to audit; fee for certification
Want a more formal, education-based art experience? Coursera partners with institutions like MoMA and CalArts to offer courses that dive deep into art fundamentals, theory, and practice.
Recommended course: “Modern Art & Ideas” by The Museum of Modern Art
5. YouTube – Free and Flexible
Best for: Freeform exploration and quick tips
Cost: Free
Sometimes you just want to jump into a tutorial without any commitment. YouTube is a goldmine of creative content. Follow along with pro artists, get inspired, or learn a new technique in under 10 minutes.
Recommended channel: “Proko” – for drawing basics and anatomy made fun
Tips for Making Art Time Work in a Busy Schedule:
- Set a recurring “art date”—even 20 minutes once a week makes a difference.
- Start small with short projects that don’t require big setups or cleanups.
- Use mobile-friendly platforms if you like to learn on the go.
- Combine with self-care—put on relaxing music, sip tea, and let your mind wander.
Final Thoughts
Being busy doesn’t mean putting your creativity on hold. Whether you’re looking to unwind, explore a new hobby, or sharpen your artistic skills, these online art courses make it easier than ever to bring more creativity into your life—on your own terms.