💻 How to choose the right online art class?

Here are the three most important points that you need to remember while selecting your online art classes: In your art class section, you need to consider your current skill level – beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Not all classes will be relevant to your level. You should also check, who is teaching the course, and what their credentials are. It is always worth checking out the reviews and testimonials on their site. You also need to understand that different art classes require different media. So should check what materials you will need, which could affect the overall cost of taking the course. It is also worth seeing whether videos are downloadable, whether coursework is provided or not.

10 Best FREE Drawing Courses with Certificate (2025)

For learning drawing and painting, self-teaching is a great method. It is a skill you can master at any age, and no real resources are needed to do that. You will find various subject matters from basic beginner level drawing classes in drawing to more specialized ones such as life drawing, figure drawing, human sketching, digital art, sketching, cartoon drawing, oil painting, and much more. Taking a drawing class online is a very cost-effective way of becoming proficient in the chosen art field.

Having explored 40+ courses with over 100 hours of research, I have crafted the best free drawing courses with certificates. This professional and unbiased guide dives into features, pros and cons, and pricing to deliver credible and well-researched recommendations. This may help you find the perfect fit for your artistic ambitions. Read the complete article for must-see insights. Read more…

Best Drawing Courses with Certificates Online (Free/Paid)

Course Name	Provider	Duration	Key Topics	Link
Character Art School	Udemy	28 hours of on-demand video	Character Drawing	Enroll for Free
Ink Drawing Techniques	Skillshare	Self-paced	Ink Drawing	Enroll for Free
How to Draw and Sketch for Absolute Beginners	Udemy	13 hours of on-demand video	Sketch	Enroll for Free
The Art & Science of Drawing	Udemy	4.5 hours of on-demand video	Drawing Basics	Enroll for Free
Anatomy for Figure Drawing	Udemy	65 hours	Figure Drawing	Enroll for Free

1) Character Art School: Complete Character Drawing Course (Udemy)

Specs: Rating: 4.6 | Duration: 26.5 hours of on-demand video | Certificate: Yes | Level: Both for absolute beginners and intermediate level artists

Character Art School is a full course where I evaluated video lessons. You also learn how to draw professional characters for books, games, animation, comics, and more. This may help you enhance your drawing skills.

This digital art class teaches you all the core fundamentals and advanced techniques for drawing and sketching characters well. This course is suited for both beginner and intermediate levels. This drawing course offers a comprehensive 10 module guided video course.

Character Art School is a comprehensive course designed to help you master character design and illustration. It offers 18 articles, 25 downloadable resources, and lifetime access to learning materials. You can access the course on mobile and TV. Supported in English and French, it ensures global accessibility for learners.

What will You Learn?

How to Draw 3D and Characters Well: You will learn the essential techniques to create lifelike 3D art and characters using depth, light, and proportions effectively.
Learn to Draw Characters for Films, Games, and Animation: I believe this is a great way to design imaginative characters tailored for storytelling in entertainment mediums like movies and games.
Learn to Draw Faces, Bodies, and Hands: You will master detailed anatomy skills, which help you create expressive and anatomically correct faces, hands, and bodies in your artwork.
Manga, Comics, and More: This may help you explore various drawing styles like manga and comics, offering creative versatility in your artistic journey.
Draw with Pencils and Paper: A great option to practice foundational drawing skills using traditional tools, perfect for sketching and refining your concepts.

Pricing:

$29.99

How to Enroll in the Character Art School: Complete Character Drawing Course?

Step 1: Visit the Character Art School: Complete the Character Drawing Course on Udemy.
Step 2: Click the “Enroll Now” button and log in to your Udemy account, or create one using your email if you don’t already have an account.
Step 3: Complete the payment process or use any applicable discounts to purchase the course.
Step 4: Begin your learning journey by accessing the course materials and completing the video lessons and assignments.

Enroll Now >>

2) Ink Drawing Techniques: Brush, Nib, and Pen Style (Skillshare)

Specs: Duration: self-paced | Fee: Free | Level: Beginner | Certificate: Yes

Ink drawing technique course is a full course where I reviewed video lessons. You also learn all the skills needed to learn the art of drawing. The Japanese drawing instructor Yuko Shimizu offers an exquisite, detailed guide to essential inking and drawing techniques!

This free illustration class is ideal for beginner artists. The established articles also benefit from this all-access, on-location, 90-minute class.

Ink Drawing Techniques is a comprehensive course that teaches the art of ink drawing. Students explore various inking tools and learn techniques like shading, line work, and texture creation. Practical projects reinforce learning, and expert guidance ensures professional growth. Flexible online learning and community access provide support and feedback.

What will You Learn?

Basic Brush, Nib, and Ink Techniques: I aim to help you master techniques to control brushes, nibs, and ink for smooth and dynamic artistic creations.
Bonus Video: Da Vinci Artist Supply: A great option for discovering high-quality art supplies that help you create professional results with ease.
Asian vs. Watercolor Brushes: You will learn to distinguish brush types and select the best one for achieving your intended textures and details.
Brush Stroke and Nib Techniques: Consider focusing on detailed guidance for smooth brush strokes and precision nib techniques to refine your drawing skills.
Learn About Textures in Two Parts: One of the best ways to add depth and variety to your artwork is through understanding and applying textures.
Sketching and Scanning Essentials: This may help you improve your basic sketching skills and effectively digitize your art for editing and sharing.

Pricing:

Free to Enroll

How to Enroll in the Ink Drawing Techniques: Brush, Nib, and Pen Style Course?

Step 1: Visit the Ink Drawing Techniques: Brush, Nib, and Pen Style course on Skillshare.
Step 2: Click the “Join” or “Start for Free” button to create an account using your email or social login options.
Step 3: Activate any available free trial or subscription to access the course content.
Step 4: Begin your learning journey by engaging with the video lessons and practicing the techniques shared in the course.

Enroll Now >>

3) How to Draw and Sketch for Absolute Beginners (Udemy)

Specs: Rating: 4.6 | Duration: 13 hours of on-demand video | Certificate: Yes | Level: Beginner | Prerequisites: There is absolutely no prior experience required to take this course.

How to Draw and Sketch for Absolute Beginners is a course where I analyzed all you need to learn drawing with pencil and paper. The Japanese drawing instructor Yuko Shimizu offers an exquisite, detailed guide to essential inking and drawing techniques!

This best online drawing class teaches how you can make lines, shapes, and volumes. You will also learn observational skills and draw what you see. To learn this course, you do not need any device, only a pencil is enough.

How to Draw and Sketch for Absolute Beginners is an ideal starting point for anyone learning art. The course features 3 downloadable resources to practice techniques. With lifetime access, students can learn without time constraints. It is compatible with mobile and TV, making it convenient for on-the-go learning.

What will You Learn?

How to Draw, See, and Observe: This may help me focus on observation techniques that allow you to replicate scenes and details with accuracy in your drawings.
Draw Basic Lines and Shapes: It is a good idea to start with basic shapes and lines, as they are required for building structured compositions.
Basics of Light, Volume, and Shadow: One of the best ways to improve artwork is by learning the interplay of light and shadow to enhance visual appeal.
Everything is Made of Basic Shapes: Consider this approach to simplify complex objects into manageable shapes, making it easier to achieve precision and detail.

Pricing:

$24.99

How to Enroll in the Drawing and Sketching for Beginners Course on Udemy?

Step 1: Head over to the Drawing and Sketching for Beginners course on Udemy.
Step 2: Tap the “Enroll Now” button and log in to your Udemy account, or create one using your email if you don’t already have an account.
Step 3: Complete the payment process or apply any discounts to purchase the course.
Step 4: Dive into the course content and start your journey to mastering drawing and sketching techniques for beginners.

Enroll Now >>

4) The Art & Science of Drawing / Basic Skills (Udemy)

Specs: Rating: 4.8 | Duration: 4.5 hours on-demand videos | Certificate: Yes | Level: Both for absolute beginners and intermediate level artists | Prerequisites: Ideal for anyone who wants to learn how to draw

The Art & Science of Drawing is a key program that I suggest to teach you to draw day by day. This certification course is simple and an ideal way to learn new skills. You can watch one video each day that shows a key drawing skill, then do the recommended practice.

This beginner’s art class is full of powerful insights into the drawing process. It offers some of the most accessible drawing instructions.

The tool and techniques you will learn in these digital art classes are rarely seen outside of private art academies. This one of the best online drawing courses is highly recommended for anyone interested in painting. The skills you will learn in this online drawing class will dramatically improve your art & design no matter what medium you work in.

The Art & Science of Drawing is a transformative course for artists of all levels. It includes 2 downloadable resources to reinforce learning and offers full lifetime access for continuous growth. Students can access the course on mobile and TV and earn a certificate of completion to showcase their achievements.

What will You Learn?

How to Observe and Analyze: I aspire to teach you observation techniques that help analyze subjects thoroughly to enhance drawing accuracy and detail.
Draw Basic Shapes First: One of the best ways to create detailed drawings is by starting with basic shapes before adding refined lines.
Light Lines and Foundations: It might be helpful to use light lines and shapes as the foundation, which allows you to refine your final drawing effectively.
Correct Pencil Holding Method: A great way to improve control and precision in your sketches is by learning the correct and most effective pencil grip.

Pricing:

$22.99

How to Enroll in The Art and Science of Drawing Course on Udemy?

Step 1: Visit the The Art and Science of Drawing course on Udemy.
Step 2: Click on the “Enroll Now” button and log in to your Udemy account, or create one using your email if you’re new to Udemy.
Step 3: Complete the payment process or use any available discounts to purchase the course.
Step 4: Begin your learning experience by accessing the course materials and practicing the techniques taught in the lessons.

Enroll Now >>

5) Anatomy for Figure Drawing: Mastering the Human Figure (Udemy)

Specs: Rating: 4.5 | Duration: 65 hours of on-demand video | Certificate: Yes | Level: Beginner to advanced

Anatomy for Figure Drawing: Mastering the Human Figure is an online drawing course in which I particularly appreciate the basics of proportions and how to simplify the skeleton. It is the most effective way to gain key skills for drawing the skeleton and muscles. This course helps you learn a simple muscle map, mannequin, and extra aids.

You will learn how muscles change when in different poses. You will also learn how you can draw different body types.

Anatomy for Figure Drawing equips artists with the tools to create realistic figures. It includes 2 informative articles and 1 downloadable resource. The course provides lifetime access, enabling flexible learning. Mobile and TV accessibility ensures convenience for mastering artistic anatomy techniques.

What will You Learn?

Human Anatomy: I suggest learning comprehensive human anatomy to understand body structures, which is essential for accurate figure drawing.
Muscle Attachments: Learn the muscles and their attachment points, allowing you to draw figures with enhanced imagination and precision.
Skin and Fat Depiction: Understand how to depict skin and fat, identifying areas where fat typically builds up for realistic drawings.
Dynamic Body Drawing: Master techniques to draw body parts in motion, capturing the fluidity and movement of the human form effectively.
Detailed Body Parts: Gain skills to draw detailed heads, hands, faces, and feet, ensuring each part is proportionate and lifelike.

Pricing:

$16.99

How to Enroll in the Anatomy for Figure Drawing and Comics Course on Udemy?

Step 1: Visit the Anatomy for Figure Drawing and Comics course on Udemy.
Step 2: Click on the “Enroll Now” button and log in to your Udemy account, or create one using your email if you don’t already have an account.
Step 3: Complete the payment process or apply any available discounts to purchase the course.
Step 4: Start learning by exploring the course materials, which include lectures, demonstrations, and exercises to master figure drawing and anatomy for comics.

Enroll Now >>

6) The Ultimate Drawing Masterclass: Start Drawing Better Today (Udemy)

Specs: Rating: 4.4 | Duration: 26.5 hours on-demand video | Certificate: Yes | Level: Beginner to Advanced

The Ultimate Drawing Masterclass is a course where I recommend all you need to create advanced art that stands as professional work. This drawing course is a top-rated way to go from little experience to creating advanced art and understanding drawing basics. The course starts with the basics. Then you will learn about the fundamentals of drawing, which is an essential part of creating professional art.

Next, you will learn how perspective works and how you can incorporate that into your art. Lastly, you will be able to learn how you can draw animation styled characters step by step.

The Ultimate Drawing Masterclass is a structured course that builds strong artistic foundations. It includes 7 articles and 1 downloadable resource for thorough learning. Lifetime access allows you to revisit content anytime. The course is accessible on mobile and TV and supports English and French for global accessibility.

What will You Learn?

Art from Imagination: I will guide you on how to draw different art from your imagination, fostering your ability to create original and inspiring works.
Drawing Essentials: Grasp the fundamentals and concepts of drawing like a professional, providing the most effective foundation for your artwork.
Shapes & Depth: Learn to draw shapes and add perspective to your artwork, which is a helpful way to achieve depth and realism in your drawings.
Shading Techniques: Apply shading and light techniques to enhance your art, making your drawings more dynamic and visually appealing.
Realistic Gestures: Understand how to draw gestures that look natural and realistic, perfect for bringing your characters to life.

Pricing:

$24.99

How to Enroll in the Drawing Masterclass Course on Udemy?

Step 1: Head over to the Drawing Masterclass course on Udemy.
Step 2: Tap the “Enroll Now” button and log in to your Udemy account, or create one using your email if you are new to the platform.
Step 3: Complete the payment process or take advantage of any available discounts to purchase the course.
Step 4: Begin your learning journey by exploring the step-by-step tutorials and project-based lessons included in the course.

Enroll Now >>

7) Basic Skills / Getting Started with Drawing (Skillshare)

Specs: Duration: self-placed | Fee: Free | Certificate: Yes| Level: Beginner

Basic SKILLS is a drawing course offered by Skillshare, where I checked the drawing process and delivered some of the clearest drawing instructions. This course is a helpful way to develop your skills. In these online illustration courses, you will learn many techniques in one of the best drawing courses that are rarely taught outside of private art schools.

This is one of the best online drawing course that teaches some basic to advanced techniques like perspective drawing and shading.

Basic SKILLS is a comprehensive drawing course designed for beginners. It teaches foundational techniques such as shading and perspective through step-by-step lessons. Students can practice with hands-on exercises and gain confidence under the guidance of an experienced instructor. Flexible learning and community interaction make it an enriching experience.

What will You Learn?

Creative Expression: I aim to teach you drawing with Expression and creativity, providing the tools needed to bring your imaginative ideas to life artistically.
3D Drawing Skills: Gain expertise in 3D drawing and perspective, a great way to add depth and realism to your artwork through accurate spatial techniques.
Accurate Precision: Learn drawing with accuracy and precision, essential for creating detailed and high-quality artworks that stand out professionally.
Dynamic 3D Figures: Master the art of dynamic, 3D figure drawing, allowing you to create animated and lifelike human forms with confidence.
Contours & Foreshortening: Understand how to draw compelling contours and foreshortening, enhancing the dimensionality and dramatic appeal of your figures.
Light & Shadow Techniques: Learn to draw figures in dramatic light and shadow, which is one of the best ways to add depth and emotion to your artwork.

Pricing:

Free to Enroll

How to Enroll in the Basic Skills: Getting Started with Drawing Course?

Step 1: Head over to the Basic Skills: Getting Started with Drawing course on Skillshare.
Step 2: Click the “Join” or “Start for Free” button to create an account using your email or social login options.
Step 3: Activate any available free trial or subscription to access the course materials.
Step 4: Dive into the course lessons to begin building your foundational drawing skills and creativity.

Enroll Now >>

8) Portrait Drawing: Art of Drawing and Sketching (Udemy)

Specs: Rating: 4.5 | Duration: 7 hours on-demand video | Certificate: Yes | Level: Intermediate | Prerequisites: Anyone who wants to learn to draw beauty portrait with pencils and brushes

Art of Drawing and sketching is a course where I suggest all you need to draw facial parts like eyes, eyebrows, nose, and lips. It also shows you how to draw portrait hair with these methods. This is a superior choice for aspiring artists.

You will learn art lessons for adults like how to cover the skin, shading, and volume making of hands and dark and light clothes. You will also learn how you can draw beauty portraits with your pencils and brushes.

Art of Drawing and Sketching is the perfect course for learning foundational techniques. It includes 1 article designed to enhance your skills and offers lifetime access to ongoing learning. Accessible on mobile and TV, the course provides a certificate of completion to recognize your progress and expertise.

What will You Learn?

Facial Features Drawing: I believe it helps you draw facial components like eyes, noses, and eyebrows, enabling you to create expressive and accurate faces in your portraits.
Hair Drawing Techniques: Learn to draw the hair of the model, a great option for adding realistic texture and movement to your artwork effectively.
Hands & Dresses Illustration: Understand how to draw the hands and dresses of the model, essential for creating graceful and lifelike figures in your portraits.
Portrait Artistry: Master drawing beautiful portraits with pencils and brushes is one of the easiest ways to achieve professional and captivating artwork.

Pricing:

$15.99

How to Enroll in the Portrait Drawing: How to Draw a Beauty Portrait with Pencils Course?

Step 1: Head over to the Portrait Drawing: How to Draw a Beauty Portrait with Pencils course on Udemy.
Step 2: Tap the “Enroll Now” button and log in to your Udemy account, or create one using your email if you don’t already have an account.
Step 3: Complete the payment process or apply any discounts to purchase the course.
Step 4: Begin your journey by accessing the course materials and following the step-by-step lessons to master beauty portrait drawing techniques.

Enroll Now >>

9) Learn to Draw: Daily Practices to Improve Your Drawing Skills (Skillshare)

Specs: Duration: Self-placed | Fee: Free | Certificate: Yes | Level: Beginner | Prerequisites: There is absolutely no prior experience required to take this course.

Learn to draw is a course where I found that all you need to improve your basics and build your drawing skills. In this drawing course, you will also learn how to view your subjects and place them on your paper. This is a helpful way to enhance your drawing abilities.

This course also gives you some measuring tricks that will help you draw accurately, exercises that enhance your drawing creativity.

The illustrator also provides five project ideas that help you to practice the techniques learned in class. This drawing course also allows you to know how you can apply these techniques in each example.

Learn to Draw is a dynamic course offering structured exercises and project-based learning to build foundational skills. Explore a variety of drawing topics under the guidance of experienced instructors. Flexible online access and active participation in Skillshare’s creative community ensure a supportive and enriching learning experience.

What will You Learn?

Breaking into Shapes: I consider it teaches you to break things down into shapes, simplifying complex subjects for more accurate and manageable drawings.
Measurement Techniques: Learn how to measure techniques, ensuring your artwork has precise proportions and realistic dimensions effectively.
Form Drawing: Understand drawing and sharing forms, enabling you to present your work clearly and engage with a community of artists.
Material Trials: Experiment with materials, a great way to discover new tools and mediums that can enhance your artistic expression.
Reference Drawing: Learn drawing from photos, copying the masters, and quick sketches, providing versatile methods to refine your drawing skills.
Imaginative Art: Discover how to draw from your imagination, allowing you to create unique and original artwork with confidence and creativity.

Pricing:

Free to Enroll

How to Enroll in the Learn to Draw: Daily Practices to Improve Your Drawing Skills Course?

Step 1: Head over to the Learn to Draw: Daily Practices to Improve Your Drawing Skills course on Skillshare.
Step 2: Click the “Join” or “Start for Free” button to create an account using your email or social login options.
Step 3: Activate any available free trial or subscription to access the course materials.
Step 4: Begin the course by engaging with daily practices and lessons to improve your drawing skills consistently.

Enroll Now >>

10) Character Illustration: Drawing Faces, Figures & Clothing (Skillshare)

Specs: Duration: Self-paced | Certificate: Yes | Skill: Intermediate level | Prerequisites: Prior knowledge about drawing is advisable but not necessary.

Character Illustration is a course where I tested all you need to sketch fluid poses and master facial expressions. You will also learn how to draw characters. These art lessons are ideal for new artists because instructor Gabriel’s thoughtful methods help you create compelling characters on paper or screen.

After taking this best online drawing class, you will know how to create your characters, helping you communicate story, emotion, and movement with ease.

Character Illustration delivers a complete learning experience for mastering character art. Explore facial expressions, body proportions, and clothing design through structured lessons. Hands-on projects allow you to apply skills, while expert feedback elevates your work. The course’s flexible online format fits seamlessly into your schedule, supporting growth at every step.

What will You Learn?

Pose Illustration: I will guide you in drawing your character’s pose, allowing me to create dynamic and lifelike figures with ease.
Facial Expression Techniques: Learn the four core expressions, enabling you to effectively communicate emotions through your characters’ faces.
Gender-Specific Faces: Understand how to draw female versus male faces, improving the accuracy and diversity of your character artwork.
Stylish Coloring: Discover how to add color with an eye for contrast and style, making your drawings more vibrant and appealing.
Exuding Personality: Master creating a character that exudes personality, ensuring your designs are both engaging and memorable.

Pricing:

Free to Enroll

How to Enroll in the Character Illustration: Drawing Faces, Figures & Clothing Course?

Step 1: Head over to the Character Illustration: Drawing Faces, Figures & Clothing course on Skillshare.
Step 2: Click the “Join” or “Start for Free” button to create an account using your email or social login options.
Step 3: Activate any available free trial or subscription to access the course materials.
Step 4: Start exploring the lessons on character illustration, focusing on drawing faces, figures, and clothing to enhance your artistic skills.

Enroll Now >>

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How Did We Choose Best FREE Drawing Courses with Certificate?

At Guru99, we aim to provide credible and objective information through rigorous content creation and review. After analyzing over 40 courses with 100+ hours of research, this guide presents the best free drawing courses with certificates. It covers features, pros and cons, and pricing to help you choose a course tailored to your artistic goals. Finding the right course is a great way to enhance your skills at no cost. Check out the important factors below, such as matching the course to your experience level and specific needs, to make an informed decision for your creative journey.

Skill Level: Consider whether the course is suitable for beginners, intermediate, or advanced learners.
Instructor Credentials: Pay attention to who is teaching the course and their expertise in the field.
Reviews: Check testimonials and feedback from other participants to evaluate the course quality.
Required Materials: Make sure you know the materials needed, as they may impact your experience and cost.
Additional Features: See if videos are downloadable and if coursework is provided for deeper learning.
Course Content: See if the course includes downloadable videos and provides coursework for practice.

Do I get a Printable Certificate?

Yes, you will get a printable certificate in many courses. Some course providers will ship a hard copy of the certificate to your desired address.

What eligibility is required to join a Drawing courses?

For most of the courses:

No previous drawing experience is necessary!
A basic understanding of the drawing software of your choice.
Motivation to learn!

What if I miss a class?

All the classes are recorded and can be replayed later.

What if I do not like a Drawing course I purchased?

Most courses come with a 30 day return policy or have a 7 day free trial.

How can I ask my doubts or questions?

Most courses have a forum that allows you to raise questions that are frequently answered by course authors.

Verdict

When I evaluated the top-rated drawing courses, it was clear how essential they are for enhancing skills. I believe combining practical guidance with creative freedom ensures the most growth. Check my verdict to see which course might be the ideal match for your aspirations and artistic needs.

Character Art School: A comprehensive guide for creating professional-level characters, complete with advanced techniques for both beginners and intermediates.
Ink Drawing Techniques: An impressive course with insights into essential inking practices and tools, ideal for learning textures and scanning.
How to Draw and Sketch for Absolute Beginners: A user-friendly course teaching foundational concepts such as shapes, volumes, and observational skills.

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