Youtube art classes: are they beneficial?

You feel creative.

You’re keen do some painting.

So you jump online looking for art ideas. 3 hours later you’ve got a Pinterest folder full of inspiration and a heap of YouTube tutorials saved to your watch list, but you haven’t actually painted a thing.

Sound familiar?

This scenario happens all the time. And you are not alone in that. The sheer volume of content on platforms like Pinterest and YouTube can quickly override our best intentions. While these platforms can spark ideas, they also have their downsides:

Choosing too easy an artwork

You wouldn’t think this was an issue but a lot of the art on Pinterest and YouTube isn’t great. They lack good form, technique and style. Focusing on them limits your artistic growth. You end up choosing things that feel achievable rather than pushing your boundaries.

I’ve had students come to my classes with Pinterest boards full of ideas, excited to replicate what they’ve found. But to me, the projects they have saved are far too simplistic, even juvenile. I’ll look at them and say, “You’re capable of so much more than this!” With the right guidance, anyone can create far more sophisticated and fulfilling work than the majority of what we see circulating on Pinterest and YouTube.

Not progressive learning

Choosing Pinterest or YouTube tutorials willy-nilly doesn’t set you up for success. To fast-track your drawing or painting improvement, you really need PROGRESSIVE learning, a program that starts you off on the fundamental basics and then gradually increases the difficulty and techniques learnt. The best way to do this is with a drawing tutor or art class. To find one near you, try googling “drawing classes near me for adults” or try a progressive drawing or painting course online like the Artory drawing course online or the Artory Academy art course online (drawing and painting).

Not inspired by your own life

Platforms like YouTube might show you how to paint a single picture, but they don’t provide a path for developing your skills and creating from your own life, the things around you, teaching you how to say what YOU want to say with your art, rather than copying what someone else has to say. A good teacher doesn’t just hand you techniques—they teach you CREATIVITY - helping you to understand how to use technique to convey an idea, a story, YOUR story.

Imposter syndrome

One major trap is how they can make you doubt your abilities. If you try tackling projects that are too advanced for your current skill level, it’s easy to feel defeated. This feeling of “I’m not good enough” can be a real creativity killer.

Is it all bad?

No. Pinterest and Youtube can be a great starting point. If you’re feeling the urge to create, sure, jump online but just skip the endless scrolling. Set a time limit for gathering inspiration and then dive straight into painting.

Or better yet, join a local art class where you’ll get structure, support and feedback. There’s nothing quite like the motivation and confidence that comes from learning in a supportive environment. Try googling “drawing classes near me for adults” or try a progressive drawing or painting course online like the Artory drawing course online or the Artory Academy art course online (drawing and painting).

At the end of the day, art is about exploration and growth. Don’t settle for what’s easy—push yourself, seek guidance, and see what you’re truly capable of.

Anne