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Art Classes Chicago

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Discover a vibrant array of art classes in Chicago that will ignite your creativity and expand your artistic skills. From painting and drawing to photography and pottery, unlock your artistic potential and gain confidence in your abilities with hands-on instruction from experienced artists.

128 classes have spots left

Mixed Media Art

Discovery Center @ 4318 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL

Unleash your creativity and explore a world of endless artistic possibilities as you learn to create captivating compositions using a diverse range of materials and techniques. Let your imagination soar in this dynamic art course that focuses on conceptual practice and personal process.

(279) All levels 16 and older
$110

4 sessions

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Painting with Acrylics

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Unleash your creativity and explore the vibrant world of acrylic painting in an engaging and innovative artistic environment. Elevate your skills and discover new techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors.

(83) All levels 18 and older
$395

9 sessions

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Comics & Cartooning (Ages 9-14)

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Unleash your creativity and tell stories through art! Dive into character design and storytelling techniques to craft your own comic panels using various drawing tools. Explore traditional and digital drawing methods while gaining inspiration from professional examples.

(83) All levels 9 - 14 years old
$340

9 sessions

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Explore Art Private Group Events

Explore private group events and team building activities ranging from cooking to art, escape rooms, trivia, and more

Explore Art Private Group Events
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Intro to Painting I & II

Discovery Center @ 4318 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL

Unleash your creativity and master the art of painting with this immersive course at Discovery Center. Explore various painting techniques, experiment with water-based paints, and create captivating abstract and representational artworks. Join us to unlock your artistic potential and express yourself through the power of colors.

(279) Beginner 16 and older
$110

4 sessions

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Drawing for Beginners

Discovery Center @ 4318 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL

Unleash your creativity and transform doodles into masterpieces with the guidance of expert instructors. Explore various techniques and styles to enhance your drawing skills in this immersive course at the renowned Discovery Center. Prepare to be amazed by your artistic abilities.

(279) Beginner 16 and older
$110

4 sessions

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Wellness Art Workshop

Muze Arts @ 1624 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL

Delve into the art therapy process, where creativity becomes a channel for self-care, internal healing, and connection with both your inner self and others.Regardless of artistic experience, this confidential and nonjudgmental space invites everyone to explore, heal, create, turn inward, and connect with a supportive community under the expert guidance of our dedicated therapist.

All levels 18 and older

Going Abstract

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Dive into the principles of abstraction and discover innovative techniques to create captivating and thought-provoking artworks. Elevate your artistic skills and bring a fresh perspective to your creations.

(83) All levels 16 and older
$435

10 sessions

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The Artist Studio

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Unleash your creativity and explore your artistic skills under the guidance of experienced instructors. Join a vibrant community of artists and immerse yourself in a supportive and inspiring environment.

(83) All levels 16 and older
$435

10 sessions

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Flower Design Star: 1 Week Comprehensive

American School of Flower Design @ 452 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL

Transform your passion for flowers into a professional skillset with this intensive floral design course. Learn 24 different design styles, tips for marketing and selling, and even create your mock wedding. Join us and become a design star!

(114) All levels 18 and older
$1,850

6 sessions

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Pen & Ink & Dr. Martin Watercolor

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Explore the dynamic fusion of pen, ink, and vibrant Dr. Martin watercolors in this engaging workshop. From intricate studies to a final masterpiece, experiment with a variety of tools to bring your artistic vision to life. Join us and unleash your creativity with expert guidance and inspiring still life compositions.

(83) All levels 18 and older
$220

2 sessions

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Introduction to Perspective Drawing

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Unlock the secrets of drawing realistic space in this comprehensive course at Evanston Art Center. Discover the principles of linear perspective and develop the skills to create accurate visualizations of three-dimensional spaces. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this course offers valuable techniques and exercises to enhance your drawing abilities.

(83) All levels 18 and older
$160

5 sessions

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Drawing & Painting the Portrait

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Refine your portrait drawing and painting skills with personalized guidance and the freedom to work in color or focus solely on drawing techniques. Unleash your creativity in capturing the essence of the model through poses spanning 2-3 weeks. View the instructor's recommended supply list for a head start on this artistic journey.

(83) Intermediate 18 and older
$445

9 sessions

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Drawing Fundamentals

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Unleash your creativity and enhance your artistic skills with a comprehensive course that covers the essential techniques and principles of drawing. Dive into the world of lines, shapes, shading, and perspective to bring your imagination to life on paper. Elevate your artistic abilities and explore the fundamental aspects of creating captivating drawings.

(83) All levels 18 and older
$395

9 sessions

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The Night Watch: Painting with Oils

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Master the art of oil painting under the guidance of skilled instructors. Dive into the world of expressive brushstrokes and rich colors to create captivating artworks.

(83) All levels 16 and older
$395

9 sessions

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Open Figure Studio

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Unleash your creativity in a studio environment dedicated to exploring the human form through various artistic mediums. Explore the world of figure drawing and sculpture and expand your creative horizons.

(83) All levels 18 and older
$385

8 sessions

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Experimenting with Acrylic Painting (Ages 12-18)

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Embark on a creative journey in Experimenting with Acrylic Painting, tailored for ages 12-18. Delve into the diverse painting styles of renowned artists like Frida Kahlo and Vincent Van Gogh as you master paint application techniques, color mixing, and composition. Gain the foundational skills to kickstart your personal painting practice and unleash your artistic potential.

(83) All levels 12 - 18 years old
$340

9 sessions

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Introduction to Observational Drawing

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Dive into the essentials of observational drawing with our comprehensive course. From basic geometric forms to intricate subjects, master a range of techniques using graphite, conte crayon, and ink. Receive expert guidance through weekly demonstrations and critiques, ensuring each student enhances their ability to create realistic yet artistic drawings.

(83) Beginner 18 and older
$295

10 sessions

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Youth Art Open Studio (Ages 7-13)

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Explore your imagination and bring your artistic visions to life across various mediums including painting, sculpture, clay, drawing, or mixed media. Enjoy the freedom of an open studio environment, where individualized instruction fosters independent growth. Plus, embrace outdoor inspiration with occasional sessions in nearby parks for drawing from nature.

(83) All levels 7 - 13 years old
$235

8 sessions

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All Day Private Digital Photography (Chicago) Deal

All Day Private Digital Photography (Chicago)

Digital Photo Academy @ Cross Streets TBA, Chicago, IL

Enhance your photography skills with a personalized full-day session in Chicago. Capture stunning images and learn post-capture techniques from experienced instructors at Digital Photo Academy. Immerse yourself in various photography genres and receive tailored guidance to improve your craft.

(146) All levels 15 and older
Now:
$540
Was:
$600
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Watercolors: Materials, Composition & Technique

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Unlock the secrets of watercolor mastery as you explore techniques, compositions, and materials in this immersive art experience. Discover the art of vibrant washes, wet-in-wet painting, and sketch-free creations. Join a supportive community of artists for critiques and unleash your creativity with the guidance of a skilled instructor.

(83) All levels 16 and older
$240

5 sessions

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Reviews for Art Classes in Chicago

Art Classes in Chicago are rated 4.5 stars based on 622 verified reviews from actual CourseHorse.com purchasers.

  • All Day Private Digital Photography (Chicago)

    Anonymous review on 3/16/2024
    Great workshop with the guidance and expertise of Ron ! Ron is very experienced in all aspects of photography… makes it clear and accessible. Learning a new way to approach street photography and depth of field! Thank you
  • Watercolors: Materials, Composition & Technique

    Reviewed by Marie V. on 2/13/2024
    Couldn’t be happier with this class. Great pace. Great teacher. Love that there is free parking!
  • Introduction to Perspective Drawing

    Reviewed by Matt G. on 12/2/2023
    Duffy is an engaging instructor and the class is thorough and relaxed. Learned what I was hoping to and had a chance to practice it.
  • Intro to Painting I & II

    Anonymous review on 9/14/2022
    The teacher was excellent. She made the class fun. Nobody felt intimidated. She was very knowledgeable and terrific with instruction.
  • Comics & Cartooning (Ages 9-14)

    Reviewed by Mario T. on 9/13/2021
    I truly enjoyed 6 wks learning more & increase my ability. I am hoping to taping into more in drawing . I to thank my grandma for giving me the opportunity & the price was right to. Thank you Mario Townsend Jr
  • Intro to Painting I & II

    Reviewed by Karen R. on 3/6/2020
    I enjoyed the class very much and felt the instructor showed an interest in each participant. She also covered a wide range of media in the session. And, she is very entertaining.
  • Drawing for Beginners

    Reviewed by Shannon A. on 4/29/2019
    Sara is a fantastic teacher. She is helpful and encouraging, as well as able to see the student's blind spots. Will continue taking classes from her.
  • All Day Private Digital Photography (Chicago)

    Anonymous review on 1/21/2018
    Sai was super nice, patient and taught us a lot about our cameras and taking great pics.

Discover the Best Art Classes in Chicago

Chicago has a rich history of art. One of Chicago’s first major art showings was held at the World’s Columbian Exposition, which featured Mary Casset and other well-known and important painters and sculptures. The Art Institute of Chicago (founded in 1866) houses hundreds of artists, architects, writers, and activists. 

Modern-day Chicago is still a rich ground for artists of all kinds. There are amazing art museums, galleries, and shows that feature local and famous artists and celebrate creativity. Because of Chicago’s rich art history, it’s a great place to take art classes. You’ll find dozens of art schools offering painting, drawing, and sculpting courses. To find the best art classes in Chicago, visit CourseHorse to find current classes in your area. 

Why You Should Learn Art in Chicago

There are many reasons why you should learn art in Chicago. First of all, art is a fun and rewarding hobby. You can learn art in your free time and have a new productive hobby. In addition, taking art classes in Chicago connects you to the area’s art history. You’ll be able to learn more about the artists that founded the Art Institute of Chicago and learn how to replicate their art styles. 

In addition, learning art in Chicago will introduce you to others interested in the same styles. You’ll be able to join communities, clubs, groups, and events that feature local small artists. This will help you to connect to larger communities, network with other artists, and fill your free time with meaningful and fun activities. 

If you’re interested in starting an art career, taking an art class is a great place to start. You can learn the basics of art and learn new techniques to begin creating your own style to help you stand out from other artists in the area. 

You can also take art classes to learn more about the art history in your area. Art teachers will often touch on the important artists from Chicago to help you better understand the foundation of art. 

In-Person Art Classes & Schools in Chicago

In-person art classes are the best way to learn art. You’ll get personalized feedback and instruction, live demonstrations, and chances to network with other artists in your area. You can take a one-time art class or sign up for a class that meets multiple times. 

A great art class to take is Macbeth's Art (Ages 16+) from Evanston Art Center. This class meets six times for three hours and is located in Evanston, Illinois, making it a great course for those who live just outside the Chicago area. 

This art class combines Shakespeare and art by creating paintings in response to Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” It’s a unique course that allows students to shine in their creativity. The class has an average size of ten people and is open to artists and readers of all levels. 

Another great class to take is Mixed Media Art from Discovery Center. The class meets four times for two hours each and is open to students ages 16 and older. During the class, students will create dynamic, multi-layered compositions with a variety of materials, including watercolors, acrylic ink, images, found objects, and pastels. In addition, students will learn photo transferring, collage, printing, drawing, painting, and assemblage. 

All of the materials that you’ll need are included in the class. However, you’ll need to bring a $35 materials fee on the first day of class to use the plentiful materials available. This class also has an average size of ten people, which makes it perfect for those looking for smaller and more personalized art classes. 

The Evanston Art Center also offers an Introduction to Figure Drawing course that meets for 12 sessions. This boot camp-style class welcomes intermediate students who have experience in drawing but have never attempted to capture the human body. The class uses nude models to help students better understand human anatomy. 

Most of the class will use charcoal as a medium, but throughout the 12 weeks of classes, you’ll also learn to use ink wash and other techniques. You will also learn techniques of representation, such as composition, contract, and line quality. Although figure drawing is challenging, you’ll walk away from this class with a solid understanding of the most important concepts. 

Evanston Art Center also offers a unique art class called The Artists’ Studio. This class meets for six sessions that offer studio time for you to work on projects of your personal preference with the availability of individualized instruction and techniques. You will be encouraged to explore new concepts of line, composition, color, and scale. 

The class also includes group critiques and references to classic and contemporary art to inspire you. You can bring your choice of medium to the first class and learn from the others who attend. Each class lasts three hours, giving you plenty of time to learn in the art studio. 

Since art is popular in Chicago, there are dozens of other schools that offer art classes. Visit CourseHorse’s website to see a list of the current in-person art classes in Chicago

Virtual Art Classes & Schools

Virtual art classes are a great option for those who can’t or don’t have time to commute to in-person art classes. Online art classes offer many of the same benefits and aim to teach you the basics of art from an entirely remote setting, meaning that you can learn from the comfort of your own home. To give you a good idea of what to expect from online art classes, here are some of the most popular virtual classes available. 

A unique class that you can take is Beginners Art Journaling from The Art Studio NY. This class meets for four sessions and lasts one hour and 15 minutes. It’s open to anyone ages 18 and older and teaches you to unlock your creative expression. The class focuses on “art journaling,” where you will express your inner world through a variety of materials, colors, layers, and subject matter. 

Rather than focusing on a single piece, you’ll learn to create a journal that expresses your world of thought through mini art pieces that work together to create an overarching theme. It allows you to express your thoughts and creativity while combining mediums in a unique manner. The class calls itself a “Fear-Free Beginners Art Journaling Class” because you’re allowed to express yourself entirely and authentically. 

If you’re new to art and want to learn the basics, consider taking Drawing for Beginners from 92nd Street Y. The class includes five sessions and is open to beginners. During the course, you’ll learn elements of art, including line, shape, shadow, value, tone, form, and perspective. The class also includes demonstrations and critiques to help you improve and learn from others in the class. 

The Chicago Botanic Garden offers a class called Painting with Gouache: Online that meets six times for two and a half hours. During the class, you’ll learn how to use gouache, which is an opaque watercolor that has a flat, graphic quality that gives it a modern look. The class talks about artists who are well-known for using the medium, including Henri Matisse.

Private Group Art Classes in Chicago

Are you looking for a fun team-building activity in Chicago that can help alleviate the stress that your employees are facing? Holding a fun, enjoyable group activity that is centered on art can ensure that your employees get the time that they need to relax. CourseHorse offers several great art classes for private groups in Chicago that are perfect for businesses. 

For example, consider taking Virtual Acrylic Painting (Materials Included). The class lasts for 90 minutes and is open for groups of up to 500 remote individuals. All of the materials will be shipped out to your group members before the class begins to ensure that everyone will be able to participate fully. 

You can also select the image that you want the group to paint so that everyone can follow the instructor's lead as you use acrylic paint on a canvas. It’s the perfect class to help your group relax and rewind. 

For more art classes, check out CourseHorse’s website. You’ll find dozens of art classes perfect for large groups to give back to your employees. You can also find classes to help your group learn new skills and learn great hobbies.

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