Exploring Different Art Mediums in Online Art Classes
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Exploring Different Art Mediums in Online Classes: A Beginner’s Guide
If you’ve ever thought about taking an online art class, you might have wondered which medium is best for you. One of the joys of learning art online is that you can explore a wide variety of materials without leaving home. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced creative looking to try something new, online classes offer a flexible and inspiring way to discover your favourite art mediums.
In this post, I’ll walk you through some popular mediums that I use in my own art classes, explain what makes them special, and give tips on how to get started at home.
I will tell you about
Watercolours
Charcoal & graphite
Colour pencils & Pastels
In most of my classes I have you different options of materials to use - you can join in using what you already have and you don't need to invest in loads of materials up front!
Watercolours: Gentle, Flowing, and Relaxing
Watercolour is one of the most popular mediums for online art classes. Its soft, transparent colours allow for fluid, expressive painting. It is easy to find in a range of price classes and therefore a great place to start your art practice.
Why try watercolours?
You can create beautiful washes and subtle gradients.
Mistakes are easy to embrace and often enhance the artwork.
Quick results give a sense of accomplishment, perfect for beginners.
Tips for beginners:
Start with a limited palette of 3–5 colours.
Experiment with layering washes and letting colours blend naturally.
you can layer almost any other art material op top!
Don’t worry about perfection—watercolour is as much about enjoying the process as the result.
Make sure you use the right paper, it makes a world of difference!
Charcoal and Graphite: Classic Drawing Mediums
Charcoal and graphite pencils are ideal for sketching, shading, and exploring light and shadow. Online drawing classes often begin with simple exercises to build confidence in proportion and perspective.
Why try charcoal and Graphite pencils?
Charcoal creates bold, dramatic effects.
Pencils allow fine, detailed work.
Both are forgiving and easy to correct.
Tips for beginners:
Use a sketchbook or heavyweight paper to avoid smudging.
Practice shading simple shapes to understand light and shadow.
Experiment with blending tools like stumps or tissues.
make sure you have a good eraser - I love the Tombow Mono Eraser.
Colour Pencils and Pastels: Vibrant and Versatile
Coloured pencils and soft pastels give you the richness of colour combined with the control of drawing. Online classes often teach layering, blending, and colour mixing techniques.
Why try coloured pencils and pastels?
Perfect for nature studies, flowers, and wildlife art.
Minimal setup—great for home use.
Encourages experimentation with colour and texture.
Tips for beginners:
Start with a small set of colours and build gradually.
Layer colours lightly to achieve depth.
Use a fixative spray for pastels to prevent smudging.
Mixed Media: Creative Freedom
Mixed media is all about combining materials—collage, inks, watercolours, pencils, and more. Online mixed media classes encourage playful experimentation, helping you find your own artistic style.
Why try mixed media?
Endless creative possibilities.
Ideal for personal expression and abstract work.
Helps break creative blocks by encouraging experimentation.
Tips for beginners:
Don’t be afraid to mix unexpected materials.
Focus on the process, not the end product.
Keep a sketchbook to test combinations and ideas.
Why Online Art Classes Are Perfect for Exploring Mediums
Online art classes are flexible, supportive, and accessible. You can:
Learn at your own pace and revisit lessons whenever needed.
Try multiple mediums without pressure.
Connect with other artists and share your progress in a supportive environment.
Receive guidance from experienced instructors in a structured way.
Extra tip: Choose a class that allows you to experiment rather than one that is strictly structured. This will help you discover which mediums you enjoy most.
Getting Started: Small Steps Make a Big Difference
If you are new to online art classes, start with one medium that sparks your curiosity. Buy a small set of materials and dedicate a few hours a week to experimenting. Over time, you’ll find the mediums that feel natural and bring you joy.
Remember, art is not about perfection—it’s about expression, creativity, and enjoyment. Online art classes make it easy to explore, learn, and grow, all from the comfort of home.
