Photo: Brooke Lark
It’s an exciting time for many kids as they head back to school, but for working adults, it’s just the start of fall. If you’re a grown-up who wishes that they too could be in the classroom, we’ve got good news. Learning a new subject is easier than ever with online classes and workshops. But don’t worry about applying to college; with sites like Craftsy, CreativeLive, and Creativebug, you can enroll in single subjects that are completed at your own pace.
From photography to fine art to craft to career development, we’ve found classes that are sure to pique your interest. In photography, you can learn how to (legally) operate a drone and shoot incredible aerial images, or understand the tricks to successfully photographing adorable puppies. For arts and crafts, try experimenting with acrylic stain painting or carving your own stamps from potatoes. Regardless of what you choose, one thing is for certain—the possibilities for your creativity are endless.
So, what will you try first? Check out our picks below and visit our classes category to see what else we’ve picked in the past.
Try creative online classes today! Scroll down to see our picks.
Photo: JESHOOTS.COM
Photography
iPhone-ography: Photos, Videos & More, Craftsy: Do you have an iPhone X? Learn how to take better “share-worthy” photos in this class.
Beginner Drone Photography, CreativeLive: If you’re itching to try out your new drone, this course will explain how to register your drone, operate it legally, and capture incredible aerial photos.
Street Photography: Capturing Unique Images, CreativeLive: Renowned New York street photographer Steve Sweatpants will teach you his top five tips for shooting compelling pictures of humanity.
Posing for Puppies, CreativeLive: Puppies are so cute! Learn to capture them in all their adorable glory when you take this class.
Storytelling Portraiture, CreativeLive: Photographer Kelly Brown delves into how she captures her subject’s individual story and translates it into unique imagery.
Travel Photography, CreativeLive: Travel photography can seem overwhelming—especially when you’re headed someplace new. With the help of instructor John Greengo, he’ll give you to tools to plan and prioritize your shooting so that you come home with great photographs.
Photo: Nature in Watercolor
Art & Crafts
Nature in Watercolor, Craftsy: Learn to recreate the beauty of nature in watercolor paints. This class will instruct you on how to create three nature-inspired artworks.
Acrylic Ink Stain Painting, Craftsy: Understand the basics of acrylic stain painting, which includes layering techniques using mediums including fluid, gel, and more.
Watercolor Still Life, Craftsy: Build your watercolor skills as you paint a floral still life. Under the instruction of Mary P. Murphy, you’ll practice essential techniques to create something you’re truly proud of.
The New Embroidery: Simple Geometry, Beautiful Stitches, Craftsy: Embroiderers, are you struggling to keep an even, consistent stitch? Natalie Chanin will help you practice by creating a stitch sampler reference binder.
Embroidering Texture & Dimension by Hand, Craftsy: Instructor Sue Spargo will show you how to layer, stitch, and embellish your textural works of art using fabric, ribbon, and layered appliqué.
Veggie Stamp Picnic Blanket, Creativebug: Root vegetables are an unlikely way to make stamps. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to select the proper foods, carve them, and apply them to a canvas.
30 Coloring Pages: Get Creative with Watercolor Pencils, Creativebug: Explore watercolor pencils as you create beautiful hues across coloring pages.
Andy Warhol Inspired Monoprints, Creativebug: Did you know that before Andy Warhol created his iconic Campbell’s Soup or Marilyn Monroe prints, he was an illustrator? Lear about his monoprinting technique in this class taught by Courtney Cerruti.
Photo: rawpixel
Creative Careers
So You Want to Be a Professional Artist? A 15-Day Guide to Professional Practices, Creativebug: In this four-hour course, instructor Lisa Soloman teaches you how to “present yourself as an artist in the world.” This is the type of class you’d find in a college—better known as “Professional Practices.”
Treasure Hunt Your Style, Creativebug: In this 10-day course taught by Lilla Rogers, you’ll learn how to find your artistic style with many exercises that encourage you to tune into what “makes your heart beat faster.”
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