Painting Lessons.
Amazing Teachers.

Why Learn to Paint?

Even if you're already jazzed about the idea of creating beautiful pictures and feeling the texture of paint swooshing around on a canvas, there're plenty of additional reasons why learning to paint is beneficial. Mentally, painting calls the mind to focus on the composition at-hand — and nothing else, which is highly relaxing. Focusing on non-stressful subjects, while letting all other thoughts go, reduces stress. This reduced stress also has powerful physical benefits, similar to those associated with medication. These include lower blood pressure, reduced pain, and fewer headaches. 

It should come as no surprise that the highly creative pursuit of painting also improves a person's creative abilities. Painting inspires innovative thinking. It also strengthens a person's ability to communicate outside the box. Visual artists happen to be talented non-verbal communicators. Expressing emotions or events through pictures can provide a therapeutic emotional release. 

The Best Way to Learn How to Paint and What You'll Study in Painting Classes

Sure you can find plenty of free painting lessons and tutorials online. Also, many aspiring artists like to experiment on their own, which is a great way to practice, but you can only learn professional techniques and receive personalized instruction from a private painting teacher. In private classes, you'll receive immediate feedback and overcome challenges fast. 

Plus, every private painting class is different! In private lessons, you'll learn at your own level and pace. For example, painting lessons for children differ in terms of content and teaching methods from painting classes for adults. Your painting tutor will completely customize each class to keep you interested and focused on the types of painting that most inspire you. 

Sample Curriculum for Beginner Painting

If you've never taken a painting class before, then beginner lessons are for you. Even if you've painted some on your own, you'll be introduced to basic painting principles and artistic concepts in beginner lessons that you might not have previously encountered. In beginner lessons, your painting tutor might cover the following topics:

• Color theory
• Creating a gray scale
• Introduction to essential paintbrushes and the palette knife
• Various paint application techniques and brushstrokes

Sample Curriculum for Intermediate Painting

If you're familiar with some basic painting techniques, but want to experiment working with new media or learn to use more complex techniques, then intermediate lessons are right for you. In these classes, you'll challenge yourself to push the boundaries of the type of art you're comfortable creating. Your painting teacher might cover the following topics:

• Become an expert in underpainting
• Creating depth of field
• Understanding light and shadow
• Practicing with different subjects: landscape, still life, and models

Sample Curriculum for Advanced Painting

If you're a wizard with a paint brush, then advanced painting classes are for you. In these lessons, advanced artists have the opportunity to work and train with professionals. You'll have the ability to improve and refine your work with the help of an objective eye. Topics studied in advanced painting depend on each student's interests and goals for lessons, but your teacher might choose to cover the following topics:

• Refining your personal artistic style
• Experimenting with unique substrates and other materials
• Preparing a collection for an art show
• Understanding the art business and working with galleries

How to Find a Painting Teacher Near You

No matter what type of painting interests you, learning with a private teacher will help you improve your skills. TakeLessons makes finding a painting tutor easy! A quick search will lead you to a long list of experienced painting teachers who offer lessons online and in-person. Before choosing your teacher, we recommend reading through several profiles, images of their own artwork, and reviews left by other students to find the right tutor for you. 

The price of painting lessons varies, but most teachers charge rates based on the length and frequency of your lessons. With so many teachers to choose from, you won't have a problem finding someone who fits your budget and your schedule. You'll find that paying for private lessons is well-worth the investment. You'll pick up new skills and techniques quickly and see your paintings improve from the very start!