Looking to master drawing and painting without breaking the bank? YouTube is a goldmine of free, high-quality art courses that cater to beginners and seasoned artists alike. In 2025, the platform continues to thrive with channels offering step-by-step tutorials, expert tips, and inspiring lessons focused on sketching, shading, painting techniques, and more. Whether you’re picking up a pencil for the first time or refining your brushstrokes, this article highlights the 10 best YouTube art courses for drawing and painting—perfect for anyone searching for the best free drawing and painting courses.
Why Learn Drawing and Painting on YouTube?
YouTube’s accessibility makes it an ideal starting point for artists. With no enrollment fees and the ability to learn at your own pace, these courses bring professional instruction right to your screen. From foundational drawing skills to advanced painting methods, these channels offer diverse lessons taught by talented artists—many with years of industry experience. Let’s explore the top 10 YouTube art courses that stand out in 2025 for their focus on drawing and painting. Click on their names below to visit their channels:
1. Proko – Stan Prokopenko
- Focus: Drawing (Anatomy, Figure Drawing, Portraits)
- Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Standout Feature: Comprehensive figure drawing tutorials
Stan Prokopenko’s Proko channel is a cornerstone for artists learning to draw the human form. With clear, engaging lessons on anatomy, gesture, and portraiture, Proko breaks down complex concepts into digestible steps. Videos like “How to Draw the Head from Any Angle” are must-watches for beginners, while advanced learners can dive into detailed shading techniques. It’s a top pick for “best drawing tutorials on YouTube.”
Why It’s Great: High-quality production and a structured approach to mastering drawing fundamentals.
2. The Art Sherpa – Cinnamon Cooney
- Focus: Painting (Acrylics)
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Standout Feature: Step-by-step acrylic painting guides
Cinnamon Cooney’s The Art Sherpa offers over 1,000 acrylic painting tutorials, perfect for beginners eager to create vibrant artworks. Her “Beginner Acrylic Painting” series walks you through landscapes, florals, and more with a friendly, encouraging style. Search “acrylic painting for beginners” and her channel consistently ranks high.
Why It’s Great: Detailed, follow-along lessons that make painting approachable and fun.
3. Draw with Jazza – Josiah Brooks
- Focus: Drawing and Painting (Traditional and Digital)
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Standout Feature: Creative challenges and mixed media tutorials
Draw with Jazza blends entertainment with education, offering tutorials on drawing characters, painting with watercolors, and experimenting with digital tools. Josiah Brooks’ “How to Draw Basics” series is ideal for novices, while his painting challenges inspire creativity. It’s a go-to for “fun drawing lessons online.”
Why It’s Great: Energetic teaching that keeps you motivated to draw and paint.
4. Sinix Design – Robert Stacy
- Focus: Painting (Digital Painting, Character Design)
- Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Standout Feature: In-depth digital painting techniques
Robert Stacy’s Sinix Design excels in digital painting, with tutorials like “Painting Skin Tones” and “Brushwork Basics” that also apply to traditional media. His focus on color theory and light makes this channel a gem for painters looking to level up. Search “digital painting tutorials” and Sinix often tops the list.
Why It’s Great: Expert insights for refining painting skills, traditional or digital.
5. Marco Bucci
- Focus: Drawing and Painting (Color Theory, Stylization)
- Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Standout Feature: Color and value mastery lessons
Marco Bucci’s channel is a treasure trove for artists interested in painting with purpose. His “10 Minutes to Better Painting” series simplifies color theory and brush techniques, while drawing tutorials cover perspective and form. It’s perfect for “color theory for artists” searches.
Why It’s Great: Quick, impactful lessons that enhance both drawing and painting.
6. Art for Kids Hub – Rob Jensen
- Focus: Drawing (Cartoon and Character Drawing)
- Skill Level: Beginner (Kid-Friendly)
- Standout Feature: Family-oriented drawing lessons
Art for Kids Hub is a fantastic starting point for beginners of all ages. Rob Jensen and his family guide you through drawing cartoons, animals, and holiday-themed art with simple steps. While painting isn’t the main focus, occasional watercolor lessons add variety. Ideal for “easy drawing tutorials for kids.”
Why It’s Great: Fun, accessible lessons that build confidence in drawing.
7. Watercolor by Shibasaki
- Focus: Painting (Watercolor Techniques)
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Standout Feature: Gentle, beginner-friendly watercolor guides
Watercolor by Shibasaki brings a calming approach to watercolor painting. Shibasaki’s tutorials, like “How to Paint a Simple Landscape,” teach brush control, blending, and wet-on-wet techniques. It’s a top result for “watercolor painting for beginners.”
Why It’s Great: Soothing instruction that makes watercolor approachable and enjoyable.
8. Alphonso Dunn
- Focus: Drawing (Pen and Ink, Sketching)
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Standout Feature: Detailed pen-and-ink techniques
Alphonso Dunn’s channel is a masterclass in drawing with pen and ink. His “How to Draw Trees” and “Shading Techniques” videos offer practical skills for sketching, with occasional watercolor tips. Search “pen and ink drawing tutorials” and Dunn shines.
Why It’s Great: Clear, concise lessons for mastering line work and texture.
9. Kevin Oil Painting – Kevin Hill
- Focus: Painting (Oil Painting)
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Standout Feature: Step-by-step oil painting landscapes
Kevin Oil Painting is perfect for aspiring oil painters. Kevin Hill’s tutorials, like “Paint a Mountain Landscape,” guide you through layering, blending, and creating depth. It’s a top choice for “oil painting tutorials free.”
Why It’s Great: Hands-on lessons that demystify oil painting for beginners.
10. Chommang Drawing
- Focus: Drawing (Figure Drawing, Anatomy)
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Standout Feature: Relaxing draw-along sessions
Chommang Drawing offers minimalist, effective tutorials on figure drawing and anatomy. Videos like “Drawing a Pose in 10 Minutes” encourage practice with a soothing vibe. It’s great for “figure drawing practice online.”
Why It’s Great: Perfect for artists who love drawing along in real time.
How to Pick the Right YouTube Art Course for You
With so many options, consider your goals:
- Beginners: Start with Art for Kids Hub or The Art Sherpa for easy, encouraging lessons.
- Drawing Focused: Proko, Alphonso Dunn, or Chommang Drawing offer strong foundations.
- Painting Enthusiasts: Watercolor by Shibasaki, Kevin Oil Painting, or Sinix Design dive deep into techniques.
These channels rank high for terms like “best free art courses 2025” due to their quality and variety.
Final Thoughts: Start Creating Today
YouTube in 2025 is bursting with free art courses that rival paid programs, especially for drawing and painting. From Proko’s anatomy lessons to The Art Sherpa’s acrylic guides, these 10 channels offer everything you need to grow as an artist. Grab your sketchbook or canvas, hit play, and start your creative journey today!
