The 5 Best Online Art Classes for Kids

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Online art classes will unlock creativity and problem-solving for your child. 

If you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to speak to your child’s creativity, you’re going to want to check out our list of online art classes for kids. Whether your little Picasso dreams of becoming the next great artist, or loves to doodle for fun, these classes will be perfect for unleashing their inner artist. 

As an art educator with a specialty in two-dimensional art, I know that in school, art class is where the real magic happens! It’s a chance for your kids to express themselves, experiment with colors and let their imaginations run wild, on top of developing life skills like problem-solving and decision-making. 

The best part of it all? You don’t even have to leave your living room. 

The Best Online Art Classes Available Today

1. Arts & Crafts Club for Creative Little Artists

Age Range: 4-8 years old 

Price: $10 per week 

Duration: Meets weekly for 25 minutes

Format: Live sessions

What we love about it: This class is specifically designed for young kids and doesn’t break the bank. Ms. Sharon is an enthusiastic instructor that holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood to Middle Childhood Education and boasts over 15 years of teaching experience, including online teaching and art instruction. With her expertise, she’s well-equipped to nurture your child’s creativity. 

The upcoming themes, including “Apples in a Basket,” “Tissue Paper Leaf Wreath,” and “Chalk Pastel Trees” promise seasonally relevant projects that young artists will love, coupled with other educational elements like letters and counting. 

What I like about Ms. Sharon is that her teaching approach is interactive and fun, incorporating elements like story time, songs, interactive activities, and crafts through hands-on learning. Each class revolves around exciting themes, such as seasons, holidays and books. Kids get to explore various art forms through personalized creations. Plus, optional activities and material lists are provided for extra opportunities. With a 5-star review, it’s recommended by parents who have experienced it firsthand. 

2. Ongoing Middle School Art Class

Age Range: 11-15 years old

Price: $16 per week 

Duration: Meets weekly for 60 minutes

Format: Live sessions

What we love about it: This class offers comprehensive art instruction through interactive, live lessons. With a small class size of 3 to 10 learners, students receive personalized attention. 

The teaching approach follows a “tell, show, do, feedback” model, something that is similar to what art teachers use in schools. This ensures that students get clear guidance and constructive feedback throughout their artistic journey. Each month, there’s a new theme tied to National Standards for Visual Arts, providing a cohesive learning experience. 

Expect a diverse range of creative projects, from perspective lessons to sewing projects, acrylic painting and more. These allow students to experiment with different materials. The class also incorporates educational elements related to art history and culture, offering a deeper understanding of the context behind their creations. 

3. Foundations of Pencil Drawing for Kids

Age Range: 12-17 (beginners)

Price: Skillshare subscription (about $165 per year) 

Duration: 5 weeks 

Format: Self-Paced

What we love about it: As someone specializing in two-dimensional art, this class speaks to me! Spending 14 years as a teacher as “Mr. Mac,” this artist transitioned to full-time artistry, immersing himself in painting and printmaking, infusing his courses with genuine passion. His commitment to fostering creativity is further evident in his role as a devoted dad, understanding the importance of nurturing young talent. 

Students can anticipate a wide range of creative projects, from exploring facial proportions to experimenting with playful drawing techniques, and even trying their hand at character illustrations like Elsa from “Frozen.”

What sets this class apart is not only his impressive teaching credentials, but also his real-world experience as a practicing artist and passion for unleashing the creative potential in his students. His enthusiasm is infectious, making his art class a top choice for young artists looking to explore their own creativity. 

4. Art Therapy for Kids: Building Confidence and Self Expression

Age Range: ages 8 and up

Price: $18

Duration: N/A

Format: Self-Paced

What we love about it: One of its standout features is the option for children to complete this course independently. While designed for independent study, adult support is available when needed, making it versatile and accommodating to various learning styles and needs. 

I noticed that this course encourages creative expression through a wide array of engaging activities, from drawing to mindful painting, crafts and music. Participants are encouraged to maintain an art journal to show their artistic progress but also visually represent their strengths, talents and potential. 

The course is led by an instructor who brings decades of experience supporting children and families. She combines therapeutic techniques with creative art to empower children, with a dedication to enhance confidence and expression, improving emotional well-being. 

5. Art Adventures

Age Range: 3-8 years old 

Price: $15 per week

Duration: Weekly for 40 minutes 

Format: Live sessions

What we love about it: One of the standout features of this class is the focus on building confidence. This beginner-friendly class encourages children to follow directions while expressing their creativity through art. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary, making it accessible to all. 

The instructor employs a teaching philosophy that is based on play and discovery, promoting cognitive development, memory, concentration, attention, perception and imagination. Holding BS and MS degrees in Education, her goal as a teacher is to instill a love of learning in her students, and her classes are thoughtfully designed to achieve this. 

Why Consider Online Art Classes for Your Kiddo?

So why should you consider enrolling your superstar into art class? Well, besides the fact that it’s just plain fun, there are some pretty awesome benefits to be had: 

• Creativity Takes the Lead: Art class offers a space where your kids can let their imaginations run wild and explore new ideas without fear or hesitation. Whether they’re drawing, painting or sculpting, they’ll learn to think outside the box, providing a resource for other areas of life. 
• Self-Expression Central: Art is a wonderful way for kids to express their thoughts and ideas freely. Plus, it’s a fantastic confidence booster when they can see their own creations coming to life. 
• Fine Motor Skills & Coordination: With an art class, those tiny hands are going to get a workout! Holding pencils, paintbrushes and shaping clay all contribute to improving fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. These skills can be handy for other, everyday tasks  and contribute to your child’s development. 
• Patience & Persistence: Your little artist might need to experiment and try again to get the results they want in an art project. This teaches patience, persistence and the life-long value of refusing to give up. 
• Problem-Solving Prowess: Art encourages kids to think critically and solve problems in new ways. As they face artistic challenges, they’ll learn to find innovative solutions. 

These main reasons about why your kid should be taking an art class are just a few of many others, such as stress relief, mindfulness, and appreciation for beauty. Art isn’t just about pretty pictures; it’s about nurturing skills and qualities that will benefit your child throughout their educational journey and beyond. 

Now, if you don’t want to travel to a studio to give your child art classes, online art classes are an excellent option. They will fit seamlessly into your routine and are cost-effective, allowing the opportunity to learn from a variety of artists worldwide, and explore diverse art forms at your own pace. So, how do you get started? 

Things to Consider When Choosing a Kids Online Art Class

Before you jump into your online art class options, let’s talk about a few things to consider. Not all art classes are created equal, and finding the right fit is going to be extremely important. So, what should you be thinking about when choosing an online art class? 

1. Age & Skill Level: Make sure the class you choose is age-appropriate and matches your child’s skill level. Some classes are tailored for beginners, while others cater to more experienced young artists. 
2. Instructor Credentials: Check out the instructor’s background and qualifications. It’s great to learn from someone who’s both passionate and experienced in the art form your childhood is interested in. 
3. Reviews & Recommendations: Do an online search for reviews or ask fellow parents for recommendations. Hearing about others’ experiences can be super helpful. 
4. Supplies & Costs: Take a peek at the list of supplies and costs that are associated with the class. Ensure they’re readily available and fit your budget. 
5. Interactive vs. Self-Paced: Decide whether your child thrives in interactive settings with live instructors or prefers self-paced lessons with videos and activities they can do at their own speed. 
6. Support & Community: Some online art classes offer forums or communities for students to connect and share their work. This can be a fantastic way for your child to make friends and learn constructive criticism. 
7. Class Duration & Schedule: Some kids may thrive in shorter, frequent sessions, while others prefer long, weekly classes. Consider this aspect for the best possible learning environment. 

By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be on your way to selecting the perfect online art class that will inspire creativity, exploration, and best of all, fun! Now, let’s get into the good stuff.

Final Thoughts

When looking for the best online art classes for kids, there’s a diverse array of options to choose from, each offering its own unique benefits.

Whether you’re a homeschooling parent looking to supplement your child’s education or simply seeking a fun and creative outlet, these classes provide a world of opportunities. 

As your children start on this creative journey, they’ll not only create beautiful artwork, but also develop skills and confidence that will benefit them for years to come. Happy creating! 

You also might be interested in our list of best online drawing classes!