22 Online Acrylic Painting Courses to Get Started in 2024
Tap into the true potential of acrylic painting with these online courses taught by experts, covering landscapes, illustration, product design, and clothing
There’s more to acrylic painting than meets the eye. Though often associated with classrooms and student work, this material is actually the perfect medium for a variety of professional styles.
These eighteen courses prove just how versatile acrylics are. From botanical masterpieces to a new pair of shoes, go on an adventure with acrylic to build and improve your skills with these online painting classes
The advantages of acrylic paint
Acrylic paints use a quick-dry plasticized material, made of pigments contained in an acrylic polymer emulsion. Although they are soluble in water, once dry they are water-resistant.
One exciting point for artists is that, depending on how you prepare the paints (diluting, mixing, etc), you can produce just about any finish. The result could resemble watercolor, oils, or unique effects only acrylic can achieve.
Ready to start? Find inspiration in the twelve courses below, which are divided into illustrative painting, nature painting, and product or fashion painting techniques.
Painting and illustration courses to tell a story
1. Acrylic Techniques for Creative Illustration, a course by Jon Berkeley
They say “don’t judge a book by its cover”, but readers do react to impactful illustration so publishers need strong visual communicators at the helm! Jon Berkeley (@jon) has been illustrating covers for thirty years, with clients including L’Express and The Economist.
Illuminating the message of a complex story is key, and with this course on creative illustration you’ll craft striking, professional work using acrylics and Jon’s unique creative methodology.
2. Hand-Drawn Illustration with Layers, Colors, and Shapes, a course by Pirecco
Dense visual narratives brimming with emotion and intricacy—these are the defining characteristics of Ricardo Pirecco's (@pirecco) work, for brands like Havaianas, Renner, and Itaú.
In his hand-drawn illustration course, Ricardo helps you create your own narratives using drawing and painting. Discover techniques for layering as well as combining colors, shapes, and other elements.
3. Character Illustration with Acrylic, a course by Ariel Olivetti
Who better to learn expressive character illustration from than someone who has worked with comic titans Marvel and DC? Ariel Olivetti (@arielolivetti) has collaborated on major superhero projects for over twenty-five years.
Using acrylic allows him to fill every brushstroke with texture: perfect for the exaggerated look of comic characters. In his course on character illustration with acrylic paints, you’ll learn how to give power, realism, volume, and color to your characters.
4. Illustration with Paint and Mixed Technique, a course by Jesús Benítez
Acrylic needn’t be your only material. Experienced artist Jesús Benítez (@jesus_benitez) explores illustration techniques based on classical paintings, combining mixed media to add dynamism and mood.
In his course on painting with mixed media, you’ll learn color theory, experiment with materials, and create a figure drawing. He will show you how to work with perspective, light, and color, using acrylic, oil, gouache, ink, and pencils.
5. Color and Lighting Techniques with Acrylic Paint, course by Sole Otero
Intense colors and lighting can spark emotions, and Sole Otero (@sole_otero) — illustrator and author of several internationally successful graphics novels and children's books — uses acrylics to create intense moods in her work.
In this course on color and lighting with acrylics, learn how to work with color harmoniously and create a balanced atmosphere. You’ll use volume, light, shadows, and texture to infuse your work with meaning.
Nature painting courses to capture the natural world
6. Introduction to Acrylic Landscape Painting, a course by Florencia Fraschina
Are you drawn to painting breathtaking landscapes? Award-winning visual artist Florencia Fraschina (@espacio_craig) has had work displayed in museums and art galleries internationally, and her focus is on capturing nature in all its beauty.
Here, Florencia teaches you to paint landscapes using acrylics. She guides you through a series of theories to lay the foundations for your final project: a landscape painting inspired by a memory, an idea, or a photo.
7. Introduction to Floral Illustration with Acrylic, a course by Maya Hanisch
Chilean artist Maya Hanisch (@mayahanisch) uses acrylic for boldly expressive pieces inspired by folk art. She has published several picture books and exhibited paintings and collages internationally.
In her acrylic floral illustration course, Maya teaches you how to paint flowers with a vivid technique that builds up layers of flat color. You’ll learn to manage highlights, shadows, and volumes to give an enchanting folk character to your work.
8. Botanical Painting with Acrylic, a course by Lucila Domínguez
Lucila Domínguez (@lucilismo) draws inspiration from the shapes of nature and vintage illustration to create richly detailed work, from small scales all the way up to a huge mural in Buenos Aires’ Botanical Garden.
In her course on acrylic botanical painting, you’ll experiment with pencils to sketch leaves, and study how plants change as they grow and wither. Then, you’ll work on a poster-sized work depicting your favorite plant.
9. Drawing with Acrylic Markers: Capture Your Favorite Scene, a course by Angela Pan
Have you ever considered putting down the brush and trying acrylic markers? Angela Pan (@angelapanart) specializes in travel illustration, capturing the unique colors and perspectives she experiences. She has collaborated with several brands, creating products like art books, prints, and art kits.
In this course on drawing with acrylic markers, she teaches the principles of perspective, composition, lighting, and color, helping you work from your sketchbook up to a finished travel illustration.
Painting courses for lifestyle, product, and fashion design
10. Acrylic Illustration for Products, a course by Ana Blooms
Want to transform everyday objects into vibrant artwork? Brighten up the world around you alongside Ana Blooms (@anablooms), illustrator and textile designer specialized in creating colorful, one-of-a-kind patterns for brands like JanSports and Pixar.
In her course on product illustration with acrylics, she teaches you how to develop your own design concept to apply on hard surfaces—from pottery to canvas to shoes!
11. Flower Composition with Acrylic Paint and Embroidery, a course by Josefina Jiménez
We return to the experimentation of mixed media with visual artist Jo Jiménez (@jojimenez). Her style is characterized by the mix of paints, such as watercolor and acrylic, which she fuses with embroidery in striking floral motifs.
Combine two very different media in this course on floral compositions with paint and embroidery, and finish with a beautiful 3D textured artwork!
12. Sneaker Restoration and Customization, a course by Juan Pablo Bello
A pair of shoes is a canvas of infinite possibilities. Juan Pablo Bello (@mysneakerscl) is the founder of MYSNKRS Customs, a sneaker customization brand that has worked with Adidas and singer Luis Fonsi.
In his course on sneaker restoration and customization, you’ll learn to restore that old pair of sneakers left in your closet and give it a personalized touch. Understand the materials, care, and processes you’ll need to achieve long-lasting, unique shoe designs!
13. Acrylic Painting Step by Step, a course by Maru Godas
Maru Godas (@marugodas) is a visual artist who has worked for important clients such as RBA or La Vanguardia.
In her course Acrylic Painting Step by Step, you will learn acrylic painting techniques focused on landscapes. Training covers everything from inspiration from nature to the creation and completion of a work on canvas. Start your painting journey today!
14. Experimental Portraiture: Fusing Oil, Acrylic, and Spray Paint, a course by Nikolas Antoniou
Nicolas Antoniou is a painter who has worked with top galleries like Modern galleries in the Netherlands. He believes in expressing emotions through textures and brushstrokes, capturing both the human form and spirit.
In his course about Experimental Portraiture, you will learn how to convey emotions through portrait painting. Explore oil and experiment with techniques to create a unique portrait that reflects feelings.
15. Acrylic Illustration: Create a Magical Universe, a course by Adolfo Serra
Adolfo Serra is an illustrator who sees himself as an explorer of blank pages. Although he works mainly in the publishing world for prominent clients, he brings his creativity to any project that requires illustration.
In his course about Acrylic Illustration, you will learn how to illustrate using acrylic paint. The final project will be a series of major arcana of the tarot.
16. Stylized Acrylic Painting, a course by Hannah Webb
Hannah Webb is an acclaimed acrylic painter with her artworks displayed in galleries globally. Her distinct style, characterized by sharp-edged marks, is achieved by meticulously mixing acrylic colors.
In her course about Stylized Acrylic Painting, you will delve into visual interpretation, focusing on color and shape. By the end of the lessons, you will gain enhanced painting confidence.
17. Painting Life Moments with Acrylic Paint, a course by Lossapardo
Lossapardo is a renowned painter who has illustrated for publications like the New Yorker and the New York Times. He employs acrylics in layered techniques to achieve smooth transitions, emphasizing aesthetics to convey a scene's mood.
In this Lossapado's course about Acrylic Paint, you will transform a photo into an acrylic painting, capturing a significant life moment. Don't miss this opportunity and learn how to effectively use light in your artwork.
18. Narrative Landscape Illustration with Stencils and Acrylics, a course by Tom Haugomat
Tom Haugomat is an illustrator and animator, deeply influenced by vast landscapes and mountains, which he perceives as both awe-inspiring and menacing. His work, emphasizing the scale and human-environment interaction, has been featured in esteemed publications like The New Yorker or The Washington Post.
In this course about narrative landscape illustration, you will enhance their composition and storytelling skills using stencils and acrylic paint. By the end of it, you will navigate technical drawing challenges with a renewed illustrative approach.
19. Expressive Floral Painting with Acrylic Paint, a course by Sonal Nathwani
Explore the vibrant world of acrylic painting in our online course led by Sonal Nathwani. Discover the flexibility of acrylics and gain a comprehensive set of skills, from color blending to texture crafting. Sonal guides you through creative exploration, pushing artistic boundaries with diverse materials. No prior experience? No problem. Join us to unleash your creativity and elevate your painting skills.
20. Acrylic Painting: Create Colorful Tropical Art, a course by Mariela Gabriela Andrade
Dive into the tropical world of acrylic painting with Maria Gabriela, a master in vibrant, nature-inspired art. This course offers a deep dive into acrylic techniques, from color blending to texture creation.
Embrace the freedom of creative exploration and learn to apply your skills on various surfaces, crafting your own tropical-themed masterpieces. Ready to brighten your canvas with amazing colours? Don't miss this acrylic painting course.
[h]21. Freehand Sketching with Acrylic and Watercolor, a course by Mokshini/h]
Transform everyday moments into vibrant art with Mokshini's acrylic painting course. Dive into a world where color, light, and texture bring stories to life. Whether you're sketching the bustling streets or capturing a quiet café scene, our expert-led course empowers you to master acrylics and watercolors, turning observations into expressive paintings.
Join this course and unleash the storyteller within through the rich palette of acrylic painting. Your canvas awaits!
[h]22. Realistic Figure Painting with Acrylic and Oil, a course by Aidan Barker-Hill/h]
Elevate your art with Aidan Barker Hill in his online course, where acrylic meets oil in a dance of color and texture. Under Aiden's expert guidance, you'll unlock the secrets of creating depth and luminosity, blending traditional techniques with modern flair. This course is your canvas to bold exploration and mastering the art of realism. Ready to transform your skills and challenge artistic norms? Dive into a world where color, form, and creativity converge.
Unlock your painting potential with these resources
1. Don’t forget to explore our wide range of online acrylic painting courses to get even more inspiration for your journey.
2. Overcome the fear of the blank page (or canvas) with these sketchbooking tips for creative block.
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