Art courses can help you learn techniques in drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital design. You can build skills in color theory, composition, and visual storytelling, along with understanding art history and contemporary practices. Many courses introduce tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, and traditional media, showing how these skills come together in creating compelling artwork.

The Museum of Modern Art
Skills you'll gain: Art History, Performing Arts, Photography, Liberal Arts, Aesthetics, Creativity, Electronic Media, Culture, Cultural Diversity, Media and Communications, Public History, Design, Content Creation, Storytelling, Social Impact, Multimedia, Social Justice, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Sustainability Standards, Research
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skillshare
Skills you'll gain: Technical Drawing, Growth Mindedness, Lifelong Learning, Goal Setting, Personal Development, Design Elements And Principles, Graphical Tools, Creativity
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

The Museum of Modern Art
Skills you'll gain: Art History, Liberal Arts, Aesthetics, Creativity, Cultural Diversity, Storytelling, Social Impact, Design
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

California Institute of the Arts
Skills you'll gain: Typography, Design Elements And Principles, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Design, Logo Design, Digital Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Color Theory, Photo Editing, Adobe InDesign, Image Quality, Style Guides, Branding, Art History, Layout Design, Design Research, Visual Design, Design Strategies, Adobe Illustrator
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Wesleyan University
Skills you'll gain: Aesthetics, Art History, European History, Liberal Arts, World History, Culture, Socioeconomics, Political Sciences, Sociology
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

The Museum of Modern Art
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Art History, Liberal Arts, Lesson Planning, Literacy, Creative Thinking, Aesthetics, Learning Styles, Teaching, Learning Strategies, Social Studies, Empathy, Instructing, Emotional Intelligence, Creativity, Instructional Strategies, Student Engagement, Classroom Management, Curriculum Planning, Self-Awareness
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

The Museum of Modern Art
Skills you'll gain: Self-Awareness, Positivity, Creativity, Personal Development, Empathy, Optimism, Mindfulness, Resilience, Emotional Intelligence, Curiosity, Stress Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Berklee
Skills you'll gain: Music, Musical Composition, Peer Review, Media Production, Writing, Technology Solutions
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Florida
Skills you'll gain: Journals, Music, Performing Arts, Mindfulness, Empowerment, Storytelling, Personal Development, Liberal Arts, Self-Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Writing
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

IESE Business School
Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Public Speaking, Oral Expression, Presentations, Verbal Communication Skills, Persuasive Communication, Content Creation, Drive Engagement, Writing, Non-Verbal Communication, Active Listening
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

The Museum of Modern Art
Skills you'll gain: Performing Arts, Art History, Electronic Media, Aesthetics, Creativity, Design, Liberal Arts, Content Creation, Multimedia, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Social Justice
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Canva (Software), Design, Digital Design, Design Elements And Principles, Product Design, Color Theory, Graphic Design, Intellectual Property, Product Promotion, E-Commerce, Digital Assets, Marketing, Marketing Collateral
Advanced · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Art is a diverse range of human activities that involve the creation of visual, auditory, or performance artifacts that express the creator's imagination, conceptual ideas, or technical skill. It plays a crucial role in society by fostering creativity, encouraging critical thinking, and providing a means for individuals to express their emotions and experiences. Art can also serve as a reflection of culture and history, helping us understand different perspectives and the human condition.
A variety of career paths are available in the field of art. You might consider roles such as graphic designer, art director, illustrator, or curator. Other options include positions in art education, art therapy, and even art conservation. The skills you develop through studying art can also be valuable in industries like advertising, marketing, and media, where creativity and visual communication are key.
To pursue a career in art, you should focus on developing a range of skills. These include technical skills in drawing, painting, or digital design, as well as an understanding of art history and theory. Additionally, cultivating creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills will enhance your ability to express ideas and collaborate with others. Familiarity with various art mediums and tools, along with digital skills, can also be beneficial.
There are many excellent online art courses available to help you enhance your skills. For instance, the Modern and Contemporary Art and Design Specialization offers insights into significant movements and artists. If you're interested in the intersection of art and technology, consider the Art for Games Specialization, which focuses on creating art for video games.
Yes. You can start learning art on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in art, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
Learning art can be approached in various ways. Start by identifying your interests, whether it's painting, digital art, or art history. You can enroll in online courses, attend workshops, or practice independently. Engaging with art communities, both online and offline, can provide support and inspiration. Regular practice and seeking feedback will also help you improve your skills over time.
Art courses typically cover a wide range of topics, including art history, techniques in various mediums (such as painting, drawing, and sculpture), and the principles of design. Courses may also explore contemporary issues in art, the role of art in society, and practical skills like critique and analysis. Some programs may focus on specific applications, such as art in education or digital media.
For training and upskilling employees, courses like the Program Management and the Art of Communication Specialization can be beneficial. These courses help develop skills that enhance creativity and communication in the workplace. Additionally, the Teaching with Art: Using Inquiry, Activities, and Themes Specialization can equip educators with innovative strategies to engage learners through art.