Discover the Best Painting Classes in Chicago
Do you live in Chicago? Are you looking for a new hobby that will allow you to express yourself? It might be a good idea to try painting. This method of artistic expression–in which paint, pigment, color, or another medium is applied to a solid surface–dates back to prehistory, when nomadic people created paintings on rocky walls using charcoal. The oldest paintings discovered to date were found in Spain, and they are thought to be over 42,000 years old. The most commonly used tool to apply paint is a brush, but other tools, such as knives, spatulas, sponges, and airbrushes can be used alone or in combination with brushes. Any person of any age or ability level can learn to paint.
Why You Should Learn Painting in Chicago
Learning painting in Chicago can be a great way to relieve the stress of everyday life, especially if you like to do things with your hands during your free time. You may also like the aspect of painting that can be related to doing things for other people. This can come in many forms, such as creating a special gift in the form of a painting that they can hang in their home. This could be a painting of them, their pet, a landscape, or a special memory that is meaningful to them.
There is a large community of people who enjoy painting, both as a hobby and as a profession. Once you have mastered the basics of painting, you might want to research local clubs, groups, events, or organizations where you can meet other people who like painting. These groups could be in-person, but they could also be online, and pretty soon you may find yourself with a brand new social circle.
Lastly, learning painting is a marketable skill that you may be able to turn into a side hustle or even a new job altogether. You could easily begin selling your paintings through an online marketplace, or in person at a craft fair close to where you live. You may even be able to start taking commissions, where you create custom paintings based on the requests of your customers.
In-Person Painting Classes & Schools in Chicago
If you want to learn painting in an in-person environment, CourseHorse can connect you with classes in Chicago. For example, Intro to Painting I & II takes place at the Discovery Center in Irving Park. This beginner-level class allows you to express your own unique style through painting while you learn the fundamentals of color blending and balance. Taught in four sessions, this class utilizes water-based paints, and you get to select the style in which you paint. Another Discovery Center offering is Mixed Media Art, which is also four sessions. In this class, you will learn how to create dynamic, multi-layered compositions using watercolors, acrylic inks, pastels, images, found objects, and more. Techniques explored include but are not limited to painting, drawing, collage, printing, photo transferring, and assemblage.
Painting with Gelli Plates is held at Evanston Art Center and is a unique class that utilizes Gelli Plate monotypes to add an exciting twist to painting. You will work in layers and create one-of-a-kind paintings on paper while also learning how to use mark-making, stencils, and masking. Painting with Acrylics is also offered at the Evanston Art Center and gives you a strong introduction to painting in which you will learn about color mixing, painting techniques, and composition. You will receive one-on-one instruction and be encouraged to develop personal themes.
Painting the Stages of Growth in Nature is offered by the Chicago Botanic Garden, and aims to explore growth and change from a new perspective. You will paint both en plein air and in the studio over the course of four sessions, with each painting you create gaining inspiration from plant life or butterflies.
Beginning/Intermediate Oil Painting is another Evanston Art Center course that takes place over six sessions. This multi-level painting class will teach you the basics techniques of oils. You will explore color theory, mixing, multiple mediums, and various applications in several fun exercises.
Virtual Painting Classes & Schools
While you might be intimidated by the idea of taking an online painting class at first, they have their pros and cons just like in-person painting classes. Something good about taking a virtual painting class is that you can attend the class from anywhere. Feel free to work on your painting project at home, in your backyard, or even in a public space like a park. You also do not have to commute to a classroom when you take an online painting class, which saves you both money and time. The biggest con about taking an online painting class is that you generally have to supply your own materials and equipment.
If you are interested in online painting classes, CourseHorse has options that will work for you. For example, Beginner’s Intro to Watercolor Painting: Single Session is a class that explores the colorful world of watercolor painting. You will experience learning and fun in this relaxed group atmosphere while you discover your unique form of self-expression. Beginner Watercolor Online is a six-session course focused on botanicals, and you will learn to paint with luminous, sparkling watercolors. Enjoy acquiring new techniques and learning through fun activities that transition into studies and landscapes. Online Painting With Acrylics 301 is a virtual class for all levels in which you will learn the techniques of 20th-century painting masters. These include mixing colors and preparing your canvas for your work.
Private Group Painting Classes in Chicago
Do you live or work in Chicago? Are you interested in scheduling a painting class as a fun team-building event for your business or organization? CourseHorse offers painting classes for private groups in Chicago that they can deliver to you. Virtual Watercolor Workshop (Materials Included) takes up to 225 participants at a time, and all materials are provided for the class. You and your coworkers will have fun learning new techniques to create an abstract painting in a relaxing and creative atmosphere. Virtual Acrylic Painting (Materials Included) will take up to 500 participants per course and all materials are included. This class will teach those in your group how to create a painting together on canvas. While you will all be working on the same painting, the end products will be unique to each artist. Virtual Watercolor Georgia O’Keeffe (Materials Included) is another workshop that takes up to 225 people and includes all the materials you need to learn. This unique class will teach your group about legendary watercolor artist Georgia O’Keeffe, and in the process of painting, you will learn her techniques.
If you do not see a group class that interests you listed publicly on their website, CourseHorse can provide a different class for your group. Reach out through the contact form on their website to learn about all available options. And remember that when you book with CourseHorse, you get a multitude of benefits, including the ability to change your group size after booking if necessary. You will also receive a confirmation within 24 hours of your booking, and there are no extra booking fees. Finally, CourseHorse private group classes are supported on multiple platforms, so everyone can join in on the fun no matter where they are.
