Autumn mountain lake oil painting made by an adult beginner in an online art class

Online art classes

Online Art Classes for Beginners

A calm, creative way to learn at home. Follow relaxing oil painting lessons at your own pace, starting with a free lesson from instructor Mark Terrell.

In short: these online art classes teach adult beginners how to paint a complete oil landscape at home. They're calm, step-by-step and made for people who've never painted before. Your first lesson is free, and a monthly membership is coming soon.

Art classes you can do at home

Plenty of people tell me they've always wanted to paint but never felt they were "artistic" enough. That's exactly who these classes are for. You don't need talent or a studio. You watch each step, paint along on your own canvas, and pause whenever you want. Most people find it's one of the most relaxing hours of their week.

Why wet-on-wet painting suits online learning

  • You finish a painting. Wet-on-wet is a one-sitting method, so you get a complete picture to hang up, not a half-finished study.
  • Mistakes are easy to fix. While the paint is wet you can scrape it back and go again. See my guide to the wet-on-wet technique.
  • Easy to follow on video. The brush, the knife and the colour mixing are all shown close up.
  • Calming. The slow, gentle pace is popular with people who want to unwind. I also run wellbeing painting days in person.

How to get started

  1. Try the free lesson. No card needed.
  2. Choose a video tutorial from £10, or buy all nine for £50.
  3. Join the membership list. A new lesson every month, with the first 100 members paying £7.99 a month for life.
  4. Add coaching if you want it. One-to-one video calls with me start at £23.

Online art classes or a day in the studio?

Online classes give you flexibility and a low cost. If you'd like to try painting in person, my one-day classes in Whitstable include all materials for £65, and you'll go home with a finished painting. A class also makes a good present: see the gift vouchers. Not sure which suits you? Read what to expect at your first oil painting class.

More online learning

Ready for the full lessons? See the Bob Ross online course, or read about our online painting classes for beginners to see how the lessons work.

Online art class FAQs

What are the best online art classes for beginners?

The best classes are the ones you will actually finish. Wet-on-wet oil painting is a good choice for beginners, because you can complete a whole painting in a single sitting and the lessons are easy to follow on video.

Are online art classes good for adults?

Yes. Many adults come to painting for relaxation or as a new hobby, and online lessons let you fit it around work and family, in your own home.

Do I need any art experience?

No. The lessons assume you have never painted before and begin with the basics of the brush, the paint and the Liquid White base coat.

Are there free online art classes?

Yes. You can watch a free Bob Ross style video lesson, over an hour long, by entering your name and email on the free lesson page.

What does the membership include?

The monthly membership is coming soon: all of Mark's lessons in one place, with a new lesson each month. The first 100 members pay £7.99 a month for life, then the price rises to £9.99.

Can I do art classes online and in person?

Yes. Many people start online and then book a one-day class in Whitstable, Kent, where all materials are provided and Mark helps you at your easel.