Photo: Amaury Salas
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Learning is fun–especially when you do it sitting in your pajamas. Getting to this point of engaged relaxation is easier than you think with online art and photography classes. Through subscription sites like Bluprint, Creativebug, and CreativeLive, you can take thousands of classes all from the comfort of your own home and on your own time.
Don’t keep this knowledge all to yourself—share it with others! Do you know who might like creative classes? Your mom. If you’re still scrambling to think of a Mother’s Day gift, you’re in luck. There are gift subscriptions that can be sent instantly so that you’re not only covered with a cool present, but you’ve given the special woman access to an unconventional continuing education. It’s also a way for your loved one to keep their brain sharp, even as they age.
Ready to get started? Check out a selection of online creative classes to try, below.
Get your creative juices flowing with online art classes. Scroll down to see our creative classes picks.
Photo: Kevin Grieve
Photography & Video
Documentary Photography: Creating a Life in Storytelling, CreativeLive — Documentary photography affords you the opportunity to tell a visual story and give an insider’s look into moments both public and private. In this course, former Official White House Photographer Amanda Lucidon shares how beginner picture takers can build their audience and career.
iPhone Filmmaking: From Shoot Through Edit, CreativeLive — Videos are really popular on the web, and you don’t need fancy equipment to make high-quality films—your iPhone will do just fine! This class walks you through pre-production and apps that will help you edit.
The Art of Photographing Birds, CreativeLive — Nature photographer Frans Lanting shares how to capture the colorful plumage of our feathered friends with a start-to-finish look at bird photography. The course shares his wisdom through a series of on-site shooting and in-class lectures.
Guide To Simple Photo Backdrops, CreativeLive — The backdrop of your photo can have a huge effect on the quality of the image. Instructor Mike Hagen shows how to choose the right background for you and make it part of your creative workflow.
Posing For Puppies, CreativeLive — If you’re partial to puppies and want to photograph them, then this is the class for you. Photographers Kelly Brown and Jade Schofield offer tips and tricks for how to create a clean and safe atmosphere, handle any potential problems, and more.
How to Use Photoshop Blend Modes Like a Pro, CreativeLive — Blend Modes in Photoshop can help you create incredible images. Learn how to utilize these features with the help of Jesús Ramirez, a graphics expert specializing in Adobe Photoshop.
Photo: GoaShape
Art & Crafts
Get Unstuck: 30 Days of Overcoming Your Creative Block, Creativebug — When you're experiencing a creative block, you might think that you'll never escape its clutches. Danielle Krysa, aka The Jealous Curator, shares techniques that will help you get “unstuck.”
Doodling on an iPad, Creativebug — A pen and paper aren’t your only options when it comes to doodling. Instructor Pam Garrison shows how she uses her iPad and Apple Pencil to help inspire her creative process.
Upcycling: Transform Your Wardrobe with Dye, Creativebug — Don’t throw out those old clothes—upcycle them instead. Marisa Lunch shares her knowledge of dyeing clothes, whether they are made with natural or synthetic fibers, that will make old garments look like new.
Make a Classic Macramé Plant Hanger, Creativebug — Macramé is back in a big way. One of the most iconic uses of the technique is in plant hangers. In this class, Emily Katz demonstrates how to create one out of cotton rope.
Drawing Essentials: Composition and Perspective, Creativebug — Composition and perspective are two of the basics you need to know if you want to improve your drawing skills. Illustrator Molly Hatch teaches the rules for dynamic compositions as well as how to bring “rhythm and balance” to your artwork.
3D Embroidery: The Modern Cameo, Bluprint — Stitch a modern cameo with the help of instructor Jessica Long. You’ll learn simple techniques and be introduced to the more advanced approach of three-dimensional stumpwork.
Paper Flower Workshop: Basics for Blooms & Beyond, Bluprint — Create beautiful blooms that will never wilt in this class by Kate Alarcón. She shows you how to make five paper flowers including a wild rose, floribunda rose, Icelandic poppy, peony and ranunculus, and an air plant.
Stock Photos from ArthurStock/Shutterstock
Creative Entrepreneurship
So You Want to Be a Professional Artist? A 15-Day Guide to Professional Practices, Creativebug — Author, artist, and educator Lisa Solomon teaches you how to be your best professional self in this four-hour class. Through 15 lessons, she shares how to make a portfolio, make connections, apply for shows, market yourself, and beyond.
Understanding Viral Content, CreativeLive — Going viral is the “Holy Grail for anyone active on social media.” But, how do you make it happen? In this class with Daysha Veronica (Edewi), you’ll learn how to understand audience behavior, differentiate between social media platforms, and more.
Build a Stand-Out Business, CreativeLive — According to instructor Tara Gentile, “your business should be a beacon for the right people.” But how do you do that? Through her instruction, Gentile will help you stand out from the crowd.
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