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Want develop your artistic skills? Join our beginners' art classes in San Francisco and kickstart your creative journey.
Never picked up a paintbrush before? Don't sweat it. Even Picasso and Monet were once beginners. With time, practice, dedication and (probably quite a few) failures, you'll be well on your way to becoming an accomplished artist.
The only prerequisite for our San Francisco art classes? A willingness to give it art a go! Whether you're interested watercolors, charcoal, resin or photography, our workshops are perfect for newbies and designed to put you at ease. Your teacher will make sure you feels comfortable, empowered and equipped to learn new skills in an welcoming group setting.
Not sure which art class to choose? Here's our round up of the best art classes for beginners in the Bay Area.
Watercolor workshops
Watercolor is one of the best painting styles for beginners thanks to its short list of supplies and easy clean-up. But, if you’ve ever tried following an online tutorial, you’ll know it’s not as simple as it looks! In fact, there are a few watercolor techniques that are best learned with the help of an experienced artist at your side.
By taking watercolor workshops, you’ll learn how to perfectly mix your colors, find just the right amount of water for your composition, and avoid common beginner’s mistakes. Before you know it, you’ll have the tips and tricks you need to make high-quality paintings, cards and bookmarks that you can gift to your loved ones.
Classes to learn drawing
Like watercolor, drawing classes are an obvious first step for beginner artists. All you need is a piece of paper and a pencil! But, after just a few lines on your paper, you might feel stuck or unsure of yourself. That’s where drawing classes can help.
With step-by-step guidance, you’ll learn to draw with an entirely different mindset. Let go of the pressure of trying to draw perfectly from the start and follow the instructions of your encouraging teacher. They’ll be able to make small corrections and improvements as you go so that you can build confidence in your skills. With such a supportive environment, you’ll learn drawing in no time.
Drawing classes for kids are also a great experience gift ideas to encourage young artists! Sign your little one up for an art workshop and watch their skills and confidence skyrocket.
Smartphone photography classes
You don’t need fancy equipment to become a talented photographer. With smartphone photography workshops, you can learn to take stunning photos using only the tools you already have! Whether you want to learn to take the perfect selfie or capture your family vacations, these classes will teach you how to maximize your phone’s features for the best pictures possible. And, you’ll develop the artistic eye of a professional photographer so that every outing is a potential photoshoot.
Fluid painting with resin or acrylic paint
Abstract art is ideal for anyone looking to become more creative or artistic in their daily lives. With acrylic paint or resin art for beginners, you’ll learn how to follow your creative intuition just like the pros. Plus, these are some of the most relaxing art classes around!
Having an experienced art instructor to help you get started is essential with pour painting. They’ll provide their insight on how to stay safe with the materials and avoid messy spills. And, they’ll be with you to encourage and provide guidance when you get stuck or need advice on how to achieve a certain technique.
No matter if you’re interested in resin pour painting or acrylic pouring, a beginner's course will help you make abstract paintings that look like they belong in an art gallery!
14k followers
Runs regularly
SoMa
1 to 40 guests
$108 - $128
Paint and sip for birthday parties
Birthday painting parties are a great way to celebrate the creative person in your life. And because they’re designed with beginners in mind, everyone on the guest list will feel right at home.
With cocktail, beer, or wine and paint classes, you can make the birthday celebration even more festive. Have the birthday person’s family and friends bring their favorite beverages, and they’ll spend the evening enjoying quality time with the VIP!
Trying to plan birthday party ideas for attendees in different area codes? Birthday painting parties are available virtually, too! Supplies will be mailed to the guest list so that all they have to do is whip up their favorite drink and join the video call. Whether they’re in the Sunset District, Oakland, or out of the SF area, friends and family will be able to call in and celebrate their loved one’s birthday!
Beginners classes are great for corporate teams, too
In the search for team-building activities for your office team, you want something perfect for beginners while promoting team bonding. Any one of the art classes we’ve mentioned so far would be the perfect fit for your corporate team. Whether you go with resin art, smartphone photography, or watercolor workshops, everyone in the office will be able to learn something new while getting to know their coworkers. The time out of the office is refreshing and relaxing, and the chance to be creative is wonderful for workplace morale.
If you’re looking for art classes tailored to your unique team, why not arrange for a private team workshop? Coworkers will have a more intimate space to chat and unwind, and you’ll be able to schedule your workshop around your team’s busy schedule.
Still not sure which beginners' art class to try? Start dabbling and find your perfect hobby!
Once you realize that beginner’s classes require zero previous experience, it can be a challenge to choose just one art workshop to try. That’s all part of the fun! Try out resin art for beginners, catch a learn to draw class, break out your old DSLR for a photography 101, and explore as many mediums as you choose.
Beginners' art classes are so welcoming and inspiring, you’ll want to mix and match until you find the hobby that is most exciting for you!
