What are the best art courses online?

Browse the art courses below—popular starting points on Coursera. Modern Art & Ideas: The Museum of Modern Art Digital Painting Specialization: Michigan State University Art & Activity: Interactive Strategies for Engaging with Art: The Museum of Modern Art Healing with the Arts: University of Florida Artful Practices for Well-Being: The Museum of Modern Art Learn to Draw: Skillshare [Modern and Contemporary Art and Design: The Museum of Modern Art](Modern and Contemporary Art and Design: The Museum of Modern Art) The Modern and the Postmodern (Part 1): Wesleyan University

What knowledge and skills can you gain from art courses on Coursera?

Art courses on Coursera provide a diverse range of skills and insights into various forms of visual arts: Techniques in drawing, painting, and sculpting across different mediums and styles. Understanding of art history, including significant movements, artists, and cultural impacts. Skills in digital art and graphic design using modern software and tools. Knowledge of color theory, composition, and visual storytelling. Approaches to critique and analyze artworks both technically and conceptually. Practical skills for mounting exhibitions and presenting artwork professionally. Insights into the business of art, including marketing, sales, and copyright laws.

What types of certifications and credentials can you pursue through art courses on Coursera?

Coursera offers a variety of educational paths in the arts: Professional certificates that can help develop your artistic skills and knowledge. Specialized course certificates that demonstrate your proficiency in particular art forms or techniques. Degree programs and professional qualifications that prepare you for careers in arts management, education, or advanced creative practice. These educational opportunities are intended to support your artistic development and career aspirations in the arts.

What career opportunities can knowledge in art lead to?

Studying art on Coursera can open up a range of career opportunities in creative industries: Artist: Create original artworks and exhibit them in galleries and public spaces. Graphic Designer: Develop visual content for digital and print media. Art Educator: Teach art in schools, universities, or community settings. Museum or Gallery Curator: Manage art collections and organize exhibitions. Art Therapist: Use art-making to help people address emotional and psychological challenges.

Are there free art courses or certifications available on Coursera?

Yes, Coursera offers a variety of free courses across many topics, including art. While you can access most course materials for free by auditing the courses, this does not include graded assignments or a completion certificate. For those looking to obtain a certificate to showcase their learning or enhance their professional profile, Coursera provides the option to purchase the course. Additionally, Coursera offers free trials or financial aid to learners who qualify, making certifications more accessible to everyone.

Best Art Courses & Certificates [2025]

Find the best Art course for your goals

Status: Free Trial
The Museum of Modern Art
Modern and Contemporary Art and Design
Skills you'll gain: Art History, Performing Arts, Photography, Liberal Arts, Aesthetics, Creativity, Electronic Media, Culture, Cultural Diversity, Media and Communications, Public History, Social Justice, Design, Content Creation, Storytelling, Design Elements And Principles, Multimedia, Sustainable Development, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Sustainability Standards
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
15K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Skillshare
Learn to Draw
Skills you'll gain: Technical Drawing, Design Elements And Principles, Growth Mindedness, Graphic and Visual Design, Goal Setting, Personal Development, Detail Oriented, Creativity
3.9
Rating, 3.9 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Preview
Michigan State University
Digital Painting Specialization
Skills you'll gain: Color Theory, Digital Design, Graphics Software, Creative Design, Creativity, Adobe Creative Cloud, Image Quality, Design
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
California Institute of the Arts
Graphic Design
Skills you'll gain: Typography, Design Elements And Principles, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Visual Design, Photography, Logo Design, Design Software, Digital Design, Creative Design, Color Theory, Adobe InDesign, Photo Editing, Graphic and Visual Design, Image Quality, Style Guides, Branding, Art History, Design, Design Research
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
The Museum of Modern Art
Modern Art & Ideas
Skills you'll gain: Art History, Liberal Arts, Aesthetics, Creativity, Cultural Diversity, Social Justice, Storytelling, Design, Design Elements And Principles, Content Creation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
The Museum of Modern Art
Teaching with Art: Using Inquiry, Activities, and Themes
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Art History, Liberal Arts, Lesson Planning, Literacy, Creative Thinking, Aesthetics, Learning Styles, Teaching, Learning Strategies, Social Studies, Empathy, Emotional Intelligence, Creativity, Instructional Strategies, Student Engagement, Curriculum Planning, Self-Awareness, Research, Curriculum Development
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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Status: Free Trial
Adobe
Graphic Design
Skills you'll gain: Adobe Illustrator, Color Theory, Typography, Graphic and Visual Design, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Design, Adobe Creative Cloud, Design Elements And Principles, Logo Design, Digital Design, Generative AI, Creativity
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
123 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
IESE Business School
The Art of Storytelling
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
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
California Institute of the Arts
Game Design: Art and Concepts
Skills you'll gain: Animation and Game Design, Game Design, Animations, Prototyping, Conceptual Design, Video Game Development, Storytelling, Software Design Documents, Ideation, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Storyboarding, Design, Virtual Environment, Art History, Technical Design, Design Elements And Principles, Usability Testing, Creative Design, Design Strategies, Interactive Design
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.1K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
The Museum of Modern Art
Artful Practices for Well-Being
Skills you'll gain: Compassion, Self-Awareness, Creativity, Personal Development, Empathy, Mindfulness, Emotional Intelligence, Curiosity, Stress Management, Storytelling
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
University of Florida
Healing with the Arts
Skills you'll gain: Journals, Music, Performing Arts, Mindfulness, Compassion, Empowerment, Storytelling, Personal Development, Liberal Arts, Self-Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Writing
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
974 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
The Museum of Modern Art
Art & Activity: Interactive Strategies for Engaging with Art
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Creative Thinking, Learning Styles, Learning Strategies, Empathy, Self-Awareness, Analytical Skills, Writing
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks