In need of some painting inspiration? Er… “paint-spiration?” Well, I got you!

Below, I’ve creating a running list (that I frequently update!) to share all of my top, totally free painting classes with you. These are all available to watch right now on YouTube, and most only require you to have a few simple art materials on hand. Which, if you’ve come to this page… you’re a beginning or experienced artist who probably already has all the brushes and paints you need!

1. How to Draw and Paint a Rose with a Shot Glass

If you want to really learn how to paint realistically with acrylics, then this is the perfect place to start! It’s a class that will not only teach you the ins and outs of shading techniques with paints… but it’s also going to show you how to actually draw a rose from scratch using a shot glass. Yes, you read that right–with a shot glass!

Some materials you’ll need to follow along with this class include:

• A shot glass (or something shaped like a shot glass)
• A ruler
• A pencil
• A small round-head paint brush
• Something to mix paint with (such as a paint spatula, a popsicle stick, etc.)
• Something to mix paint on (a palette or a paper plate)
• Construction paper, painting paper, or a canvas surface
• A water cup and towel or napkin
• Paints (acrylics) in the following colors…
  • Red (any shade works, including neon)
  • Burnt umber, brown, or black
  • White

2. How to Draw and Paint “Snoopy” in Watercolor

Okay, honestly… who doesn’t love this sweet lil’ beagle?!

Especially for beginners, learning to paint the classic “Snoopy and Woodstock” characters on a red doghouse can be really fun (and easy). This class is also great for you if you want to practice simple sketching and mixing your own watercolors.

Some materials you’ll need for this “Snoopy” painting class:

• A ruler
• A pencil
• A small round-head paint brush
• A paint palette (or a paper plate works, too!)
• Construction paper, painting paper, or a canvas surface
• A water cup and towel or napkin
• Paints (acrylics or watercolors) in the following colors…
  • Blue (any shade)
  • Yellow (any shade)
  • Red (any shade)
  • White

3. How to Draw and Paint a Snake Plant with a Butter Knife

For those who absolutely love succulents, this class is a perfect pick. Not only does it show you how to draw with the aid of a butter knife, but it teaches you important painting techniques like color mixing and shading.

Some materials you’ll need for this snake plant painting class:

• A cup, glass, or any item with a rounded cap
• A pencil
• A small round-head paint brush
• Something to mix paint with (you can absolutely use your knife once we’re done with the drawing portion!)
• Something to mix paint on (a palette or a paper plate)
• Construction paper, painting paper, or a canvas surface
• A water cup and towel or napkin
• Paints (acrylics) in the following colors…
  • Blue (any shade)
  • Yellow (any shade)
  • White

4. How to Make This “Wicked-Inspired” Painting

Fans of the wonderful Broadway musical (and movie–yep!) will love this “Wicked-Inspired” painting class. Not only do you get to learn how to make a musical/movie poster in the class, but you’ll be taught how to actually make your own watercolor paints from acrylic paints, how to blend paints right on the page, and so many other valuable techniques.

Some materials you’ll need for the “Wicked” painting class:

• One round-head paint brush
• Something to mix paints with (such as paint spatulas, popsicle sticks, even a butter knife)
• A painting surface, like painting paper or a canvas
• A water cup and towel or napkin (for brush cleaning)
• Acrylic paints in these colors:
  • Red
  • Blue
  • Yellow
  • White

5. How to Understand Color Theory with This Painting Workshop

Ever wondering what the heck “color theory” is? Well, wonder no more… because this is a free painting workshop, A.K.A. an amazingly in-depth painting class, dedicated to the science of colors within the art world.

Even better? The workshop comes with a printable workbook!

Some materials you’ll need for the color theory class:

• One round-head paint brush
• Something to mix paints with (such as paint spatulas, popsicle sticks, even a butter knife)
• A water cup and towel or napkin (for brush cleaning)
• Acrylic paints in these colors:
  • Red
  • Blue
  • Yellow
  • White

6. How to Paint a Beachside “Seascape”

Even though every class on this list is truly beginner-friendly, this class is one of the easiest of all. Seriously–you’d be surprised how easy it is.

Some materials you’ll need for the beach painting class:

• One flat-head paint brush
• One round-head or fan-head paint brush
• Something to mix paints with (such as paint spatulas, popsicle sticks, even a butter knife)
• A painting surface, like painting paper or a canvas
• A water cup and towel or napkin (for brush cleaning)
• Acrylic paints in these colors:
  • White –One tan shade (I suggest ‘Naples Yellow’ or ‘Flesh’ tone)
  • One blue shade (yes, ANY shade!)
  • One dark shade (may be brown, burnt umber, or black)

7. How to Draw and Paint a Butterfly with a Spoon

Another class favorite of mine is this awesome rainbow butterfly painting! Oh, and it teaches you how to draw a butterfly with the aid of a spoon, too. Yep, that’s right–with a spoon.

This is a great one for beginners who want to start learning how to mix their own colors using acrylics, too.

Some materials you’ll need for this butterfly painting class:

• A ruler
• A pencil
• A small to medium round-head paint brush
• Mixing sticks (such as paint spatulas, popsicle sticks, etc.)
• Construction paper, painting paper, or a canvas surface
• A water cup and towel or napkin
• Paint colors in:
  • Red
  • Blue
  • Yellow
  • White
  • Black

8. How to Paint a Galaxy Forest Scene

This class is awesome for those who want to learn intermediate/advanced brushstroke techniques… all while creating a beautiful galaxy scene in the middle of a nighttime woods!

Some materials you’ll need for this galaxy painting class:

• One flat-head paint brush
• One round-head or fan-head paint brush
• Something to mix paints with (such as paint spatulas, popsicle sticks, even a butter knife)
• A painting surface, like painting paper or a canvas
• A water cup and towel or napkin (for brush cleaning)
• Acrylic paints in these colors:
  • White –Black or raw umber
  • Blue (in any shade)
  • Red (in any shade)
  • Magenta, pink, or another crafter’s paint in a pink shade

9. How to Make & Paint a Watercolor Greeting Card

This is a great class for anyone who wants to learn how to make handmade greeting cards… like this one, which can be painted and gifted to someone for a birthday, anniversary, wedding… or, really, any occasion that involves a cake!

You can either use your own watercolors for this class, or you can follow along to mix up your own from any crafter’s or acrylic paints you have laying around.

Some materials you’ll need for this card painting class:

• One paint brush (any type or size)
• A pencil (mechanical is fine)
• A ruler or something with a straight edge
• Something to mix paints with (such as paint spatulas, popsicle sticks, even a butter knife)
• A piece of cardstock or thick paper
• A watercolor mixing palette (or shot glasses, mixing bowls, or something that will hold water for mixing)
• A water cup and towel or napkin (for brush cleaning)
• Watercolor paints OR craft/acrylic paints in ANY colors (that will be turned into watercolors!)

10. How to Paint Two Red Cherries

Sweet cherries, anyone?

This painting class is very simple, but it produces a really detailed result. And the design is two ripe cherries, so, what’s not to love?

Some materials you’ll need for this cherries painting class:

• One paint brush (any type or size)
• Something to mix paints with (such as paint spatulas, popsicle sticks, even a butter knife)
• A piece of cardstock, watercolor paper, or a similar surface
• A painting palette (or a paper plate)
• A water cup and towel or napkin (for brush cleaning)
• Acrylic paints in colors:
  • Red
  • Blue
  • Yellow
  • White
  • Burnt umber or brown

11. How to Paint a Realistic Orange & Lemon

Here’s another fruity painting—this one featuring a classic orange and lemon “still-life”. It’s a great one for beginners, and it’s going to teach you some really useful painting techniques in the world of acrylic painting.

Some materials you’ll need for this fruit painting class:

• A pencil
• One paintbrush
• Something to mix paints with (such as paint spatulas, popsicle sticks, even a butter knife)
• Something to mix paints on (like a palette or a paper plate)
• A water cup and towel or napkin (for brush cleaning)
• Acrylic paints in colors:
  • Red
  • Blue
  • Yellow
  • White
  • Raw Umber

Now, as I mentioned, this list is ever-growing, so be sure to save it and come back later to see when even more classes are added!

Happy painting, fellow artists!

–Kari 🖌️