15+ Online Art Classes to Take Your Creativity to New Heights This Week

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This week, why not learn something new? Research shows that gaining a new skill helps to keep your brain sharp. In fact, in a study about memory, a group of 200 older people made the biggest leap in memory improvement when they learned digital photography and Photoshop.

Of course, that’s not the only reason to try a new activity. Above all, it’s fun—especially creative online learning. Through sites like Craftsy and CreativeLive, you'll become acquainted with a myriad of new techniques in art, photography, and crafts. They'll help you hone your skills and take your creative endeavors into exciting directions. It's an inexpensive way to invest in yourself.

So, if you’re an artist, photographer, maker, or simply an aspiring enthusiast, check out some of the best online creative classes to take this week. And, if you’re still scrambling to get your mom something for Mother’s Day on May 14, these courses are all available as gifts. In fact, CreativeLive is having a Mother’s Day photography sale with up to 40% off classes. What could be easier than that?

Photography

Composition Basics, CreativeLive: Understand compositions and framing to make a great print.

DIY Photography: Lens Attachments, Filters & Creative Effects, CreativeLive: Explore DIY hacks that'll help you achieve different effects in your photography—without buying every lens or filter on the market.

Create Art Through Photography, CreativeLive: Learn to turn your photography into a powerful art from.

Photographing Challenging Features, CreativeLive: Flatter every subject in front of your lens—no matter who it is.

Editing Techniques for Night Photography, Craftsy: Want to snap photos at night? Develop your night photography editing skills to capture the glittering stars in the sky.

Creative Landscape Photography, Craftsy: Take eye-catching photos of the outdoors with limited gear.

Layers & Masks Demystified, Craftsy: Learn how to use Photoshop tools to make changes to your photographs, including light retouches and image composites.

Pet Photography, Craftsy: Capture your furry friend in a personality-filled portrait.

Art

Drawing Basics, CreativeLive: Anyone can be an artist with these beginner-friendly drawing techniques.

Your Inner Critic is a Big Jerk, CreativeLive: Don’t get discouraged by the voice in your head—learn to work with it.

Greeting Cards in Photoshop, CreativeLive: Create a homemade card that your friends and family will cherish.

Colored Pencil Techniques for Wild Animals, Craftsy: Recreate your favorite creatures using colored pencil.

Get Started Watercolor: Fresh Florals, Craftsy: Watch your abilities “bloom” by learning essential watercolor techniques.

Sketching Interiors: Structure, Detail & Play, Craftsy: Learn how to sketch on location to build “narrative-rich scenes.”

Paper Flowers, Brit + Co

Craft

Get Started Stenciling, Craftsy: Transform everyday items into works of art using stencils.

Fauxligraphy: Pen Calligraphy, Brit + Co: Create an elegant calligraphic look with just a Sharpie. (No nibs or ink needed.)

Paper Flowers, Brit + Co: Learn to make paper flower bouquets, garland, and a photo backdrop.