10 Best Sketching Courses, Certifications & Training Programs Online In 2023
Unleash your inner artist in 2023 with our comprehensive guide featuring the top 10 online sketching courses, certifications, and training programs backed by extensive research, ratings, and reviews from millions of enrolled students.
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Are you eager to master the art of sketching but not sure where to begin? Look no further! We have meticulously researched 1130 popular sketching courses from various providers, analyzed the feedback of 6,775,055 enrolled students who left 326,965 ratings and reviews, and handpicked the 10 best online sketching courses, certifications, and training programs to cater to your artistic aspirations. Our evaluation method includes assessing the courses based on their ratings, reviews, enrollment numbers, learner opinions, quality of content, comprehensive curriculum, release date, affordability, and our personal expertise in the field of drawing.
Throughout this article, you'll find a diverse array of courses tailored to different aspects of sketching, such as urban landscapes, UX design, basic and advanced techniques, accuracy, and even drawing portraits. Regardless of your skill level or area of interest, our curated list guarantees a rewarding learning experience as well as a significant improvement in your sketching abilities. Delve into our top recommendations and discover the perfect course to unleash your inner artist!
The Drawing Foundations: Urban Sketching course offers a unique opportunity to develop your artistic skills while exploring the captivating beauty of urban landscapes. Guided by the expertise of Will Kemp, founder of the Will Kemp Art School, participants will learn how to capture the essence of city life through sketching techniques including freehand vertical lines, perspective, and tonal blocks. By engaging with their surroundings and observing the dynamics of everyday life, artists will strengthen their ability to draw structures, street scenes, cafés, and people, which are intrinsic to the urban environment.
In this comprehensive course, learners will progress from sketching static buildings and monuments to illustrating the movement and energy of individuals and crowds within a cityscape. Artists gain knowledge and confidence in creating urban sketches using pencils, pens, or watercolors, depending on their preferred medium or the tools they have available. With a focus on honing one's observational skills and adopting a methodical approach to sketching, this course provides an enriching learning experience for individuals seeking to master the art of capturing the vibrant essence of urban settings.
Best for:
This course is ideal for individuals seeking to master the art of urban sketching, emphasizing honing observational skills and exploring various techniques to capture the captivating beauty of urban landscapes using pencils, pens, or watercolors.
Master the art of sketching, the backbone of every 3D model in SOLIDWORKS, with this comprehensive course that delves deep into essential tools and functions for sketching in this powerful 3D CAD software. Enhance your understanding and improve your designs as the instructor, David Antanavige, starts by reviewing basic sketch entities such as circles and splines, and gradually moves on to more advanced topics. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also contribute to your overall productivity while working on your projects.
Throughout this course, you will explore various sketching aspects including sketch tools, sketch settings, spline tools, dimensions, and 3D sketching. Each topic is meticulously crafted to ensure that you gain a solid understanding and can confidently apply the acquired knowledge in your designs. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user looking to sharpen your sketching skills, this course is designed to cater to your needs and help you excel in creating precise and intricate 3D models using SOLIDWORKS.
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This course is best for mastering essential tools and functions in sketching 3D models using SOLIDWORKS, covering a range of topics from basic sketch entities to more advanced techniques.
Explore the exciting world of urban sketching and discover a fresh approach to capturing the world around you. This course will teach you essential techniques for sketching and drawing what you see in various locations, from bustling city streets to peaceful parks. The lessons combine practical insights with creative inspiration, providing guidance on how to simplify complex scenes, identify vanishing points for accurate perspective, and convey movement in your drawings. Along the way, you'll develop a newfound appreciation for the stories that unfold in everyday spaces, sharpening your observational skills and honing your artistic instincts.
Throughout the course, you'll have the opportunity to follow along and practice your sketching abilities using the provided resources and photo references. In addition to learning about compositions, you'll delve into capturing architectural details and framing scenes in a way that best suits your personal artistic style. By the end of your journey, you'll be well-equipped to confidently create urban sketches that reflect a unique sense of life and energy, adding a vibrant new dimension to your artistic portfolio.
Best for:
This course is ideal for individuals looking to enhance their urban sketching abilities and capture the essence of everyday spaces in their drawings, while also improving their observational and artistic skills.
Developing expertise in sketching can greatly improve your abilities as a UX designer by allowing you to visualize and communicate complex ideas more effectively. The course, Sketching for UX Designers, aims to help individuals harness the power of sketching in their design process, regardless of their artistic abilities. Under the guidance of UX designer Matt Corrall, participants will be introduced to fundamental sketching techniques, understand the rationale behind them, and learn when to best apply them in their work. The course also includes design and sketching exercises that enable learners to practice and refine their newfound skills.
Sketching not only generates creative and engaging design solutions but also encourages collaboration and fuels inspiration. By offering an exploration of various methods and approaches, this course empowers UX designers to integrate sketching into their workflow seamlessly. With a focus on practical skills and real-world applications, learners will emerge from the course with an enhanced ability to drive impactful UX design projects, making them more valuable professionals in a competitive industry. Don't miss the opportunity to hone this essential skill, and take your UX design prowess to the next level through sketching.
Best for:
This course is excellent for enhancing your abilities as a UX designer by effectively learning to visualize and communicate complex ideas through sketching techniques and practical exercises.
This comprehensive drawing course covers a wide range of techniques and mediums, including sketching, pencil drawing, illustration, pen drawing, and watercolor. By exploring both artistic and technical drawing concepts, students can develop a well-rounded understanding of various drawing styles and approaches. From portrait drawing and landscape drawing, to architectural and perspective drawing, the course encourages a multi-disciplinary approach to mastering the art of drawing. Furthermore, the course draws from an extensive array of sources and expertise, with content curated from years of teaching experience and recommendations from renowned artists and authors.
The course is designed for artists, designers, architects, and anyone involved in the creative industries who wants to improve their drawing skills and enhance their ability to communicate ideas through visual language. With over 76,900 students from 120 countries participating in the course, the Drawing Academy has gained a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, accessible, and engaging content. Moreover, five of the instructor's previous courses have been recognized as Best Sellers, offering further proof of the quality learning experience that this comprehensive course on creative drawing, illustration, and sketching provides.
User review:
Thank you very much teacher ! I am the beginner and this course is very useful to me. It helps me synthesize knowledge and save my time when searching for information sources on the internet. I especially like the way that teacher presents, it's complete, clearly and also very detailed.[1]... Read More
Andres Carrillo
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This course is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to various drawing styles and approaches. It covers both artistic and technical concepts, and targets artists, designers, architects, and anyone involved in the creative industries looking to enhance their drawing skills and visual communication abilities.
This comprehensive course is designed to help beginners rapidly acquire the essential skills of drawing and sketching. The course focuses on the fundamental building blocks of drawing and sketching, including basic lines and shapes, drawing tool recommendations, 3D shapes, the five visual elements of art, compositional elements of an image, perspective, and dimension. With clear instructional support and practical demonstrations, you'll quickly see improvements in your ability to draw and sketch, whether you're pursuing it as a hobby or aspiring to become a professional artist.
In addition to teaching the core principles of drawing and sketching, this course will also impact your painting skills, as strong drawing capabilities are paramount for success in painting. The course's material on five visual elements of art is presented in a clear and in-depth manner, with printable worksheets for you to follow along. You'll also gain access to exclusive video lessons, a downloadable workbook, instructor feedback, and a supportive student community. The timeless nature of the skills you'll acquire means that the lessons learned here will have enduring relevance for your artistic pursuits! Explore the relationship between drawing and painting and master the foundational elements of sketching through enriching and easy-to-follow lessons.
User review:
He disfrutado mucho el curso. En un inicio lo sentí un poco desordenado, pero eso pronto cambio. Me agrada todo el contenido y enseña cosas básicas que deberían enseñar en las escuelas, pero no lo hacen.[2]... Read More
Katia Alcántara Sánchez
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This course is perfect for those who want to rapidly acquire essential sketching skills and improve their artistic abilities by mastering the fundamental building blocks of drawing and sketching.
Unlock your artistic potential with this self-paced, beginner-friendly course focused on sketching and drawing techniques. With easy-to-follow videos and exercises, you can learn the foundation skills needed for sketching regardless of whether you are new to this art form, looking to rebuild your skills, or wanting to refine your visual note-taking abilities. Through this course, you will delve into the basics, such as understanding the essential tools, learning the best ways to hold pencils, and discovering how to create different types of marks that will breathe life into your work.
Instead of relying on fancy equipment or digital software, this course emphasizes the use of traditional materials, specifically pencil and paper. You will explore how a single 2B pencil and regular printer paper can be a cost-effective way to develop your drawing capabilities. Each exercise is designed to help you develop your own personal sketching language and learn how to effectively communicate through simple illustrations. By building upon each module and applying the practical exercises provided, you can create a clear path to follow and enhance your drawing skills. With over three hours of video content segmented into 25+ modules, this course is the perfect opportunity for anyone wanting to begin their journey in the world of sketching and drawing.
User review:
Thanks Robin for putting up this course: I enjoyed it and learnt a lot! I recommend it.
I started as a complete beginner and really enjoyed how you covered the different techniques of drawing and how it's easily possible to follow your drawing just by watching the videos.
I personally find it hard to listen to your explanations and draw at the same time so I've had to do quite a lot of reviewing, but that's OK.
I noticed that 2 or 3 videos had a really bad quality. You mention at some point that they will be reshot, but that hasn't happened yet... Something to consider.
Also, when I read the description of the course, my understanding is you would show us techniques and programs to draw on a Tablet/Ipad. At the end of the course, it appears this is a separate course.... So I find that misleading if my understanding is right.
But overall I am satisfied and the most important for me is that I now enjoy sketching as a hobby and will for sure keep sharpening this skill!
Many thanks, cheers!
Antoine [3]... Read More
Antoine Dutauziet
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This course is ideal for individuals aiming to learn foundational sketching techniques and building their artistic skills using traditional pencil and paper.
The Introduction to Design Sketching course offers an opportunity for learners to develop their drawing skills and bring their imaginative ideas to life using proven Industrial Design techniques. This course is designed for individuals who want to quickly and clearly visualize their concepts, regardless of previous drawing experience. Starting from the basics and gradually progressing to more complex shapes, participants will engage in numerous exercises designed to build muscle memory, train technique, and enhance comfort levels with sketching.
Throughout the course, learners will gain a solid foundation in drawing fundamentals, including perspective, planes, ellipses, constructing primitives, and box deformations. Additionally, the course covers a variety of useful topics such as drawing cast shadows and creating a comprehensive sketching toolbox. As a result, students will acquire a valuable skill set used by professional Industrial Designers and will be able to confidently sketch and communicate their ideas effectively. This course is perfect for anyone eager to learn and master the art of design sketching.
User review:
First off, Chris has the ideal personality for teaching this type of course. His tone is friendly and encouraging, and his pacing, while seeming effortless, is well calibrated to easing these dense concepts through to a beginner's grasp. I can honestly say that during this course I've begun to synthesize some skill components that have eluded me for years. Very cool. The last half-star is left off for the difficulty in seeing some of the construction lines on paper. But Chris does explain the technical reason for that. Still it made it challenging to follow along sometimes. Chris, Im hoping you'll do some rendering and marker stuff. I'll definitely sign up. Thanks! [4]... Read More
Frank Feliciano
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This course is ideal for individuals looking to improve their drawing skills using proven Industrial Design techniques, allowing them to effectively visualize and communicate their concepts, while building a strong foundation in drawing fundamentals.
Unlock your artistic potential with this beginner-friendly drawing course focused on developing the essential skills needed for accurate sketching. Starting with the fundamentals of pencil control, you will learn the optimal way to hold and manipulate your drawing instrument for better line quality and precision. By mastering this crucial element, you will pave the way for steady progress and improvement in your drawing abilities.
As you advance through the course, engage in stimulating exercises accompanied by printable worksheets that build your hand dexterity and teach you valuable measuring techniques. These essential skills will enable you to capture angles and proportions accurately, bringing greater realism to your drawings. Progress from simple 2D shapes to complex 3D objects with step-by-step guidance, gaining confidence and proficiency along the way. Designed with the total novice in mind, this course offers a solid foundation for anyone eager to start their artistic journey on the right foot.
User review:
The format of this course is laser focused on the title, basic skills and sketching accurately. Most art courses I've completed bounce around too much or waste time reviewing the difference between 2B and 4B pencils. The exercises provided were great and well explained. If you're experienced at drawing, this might be too easy but if you're beginner to intermediate level then it's definitely worth it. [5]... Read More
James Staton
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This course is perfect for beginners looking to develop essential pencil control and sketching accuracy, paving the way for steady progress and improvement in drawing abilities while mastering fundamental measuring techniques.
This class on sketching the features of the face focuses on helping you accurately draw eyes, noses, and mouths. Faces are among the most intriguing and difficult subjects to draw due to our preconceived ideas of what they should look like. The course aims to help you cut through these ideas by enabling you to see exactly what you are looking at in terms of line and tone. The course provides thorough instruction, starting with drawing a set of eyes from start to finish and offering direction and tips throughout, followed by similar processes for sketching noses and mouths.
Participants are encouraged to download the free image sheets of eyes, noses, and mouths provided in the project resources section and draw along with the first video of each facial feature. This practice helps you notice the elements discussed in the class and apply them to your own drawings, reinforcing the concepts shown in the quick subsequent videos. The class is designed for intermediate-level artists who have an understanding of basic drawing techniques, including sketching and shading. If more practice is needed in these areas, instructors recommend checking out classes on line quality and shading. Feel free to ask questions through the discussion tab, and remember, practice makes better than no practice!
Best for:
This course is excellent for artists looking to improve their ability to accurately draw facial features like eyes, noses, and mouths, offering in-depth instruction and practice materials to enhance their overall portrait sketching skills.
Choosing the best sketching course can be a challenging task, especially with the vast array of courses available covering various aspects of sketching. In order to select the most appropriate course that caters to your individual needs and objectives, it is essential to consider some specific factors during the selection process. Pay attention to the course content, reviews, instructor expertise, and relevance to your goals.
Outline your primary intentions – be it to improve your skills, learn the basics, or prepare for a job that requires sketching proficiency.
Determine the sketching specialty you're interested in – such as UX design, portraits, urban landscapes, SOLIDWORKS, or design sketching.
Examine the course structure and content to ensure it aligns with your desired learning outcomes.
Scrutinize the instructor's qualifications and experience in the field, since this can greatly impact the quality of the course.
Read course reviews and testimonials from other learners to gauge the effectiveness and satisfaction associated with the course.
Keeping these pointers in mind will significantly increase your chances of selecting a sketching course that best fits your requirements and contributes to your growth as an artist.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pursuing a quality sketching course from our curated list can greatly enhance your artistic abilities and equip you with the right skillset to take on various projects. With detailed, targeted courses on a range of topics, such as urban sketching, portraits, design sketching, and UX design, you'll be well-prepared to meet the demands of any career that involves sketching and drawing competencies.
So, whatever your motivation for improving your craft - whether it's passion, professional requirement, or pure curiosity - the resources shared in this article will undoubtedly contribute to your growth as an artist. Don't hesitate to invest in yourself and your skills - your creativity and sense of accomplishment are bound to flourish as you embark on these exciting learning experiences. Happy sketching!
How much does a sketching course cost?
The cost of a sketching course varies depending on the platform and the course itself. For instance, platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Skillshare offer a 1-month free trial followed by subscription plans at $19.99/m annually or $39.99/m monthly and $165 per year, respectively. Udemy has individual course pricing, which can range from $15.99 to $89.99 per course.
How long do sketching courses take?
The duration of sketching courses varies depending on the course content and the platform. Course durations can range from 1 hour and 35 minutes to 8 hours and 2 minutes, with some courses taking a few hours to complete while others may require several days or even weeks to finish, depending on the learner's pace and available time.
What skills can I expect to learn in a sketching course?
In a sketching course, you can expect to learn various skills such as the fundamentals of drawing, understanding proportions and perspectives, urban sketching techniques, drawing basic shapes and forms, sketching faces and facial features, and design sketching. Some courses may also focus on specific applications, like sketching for UX design or using software like SOLIDWORKS for creating 3D sketches.
