Some Free Online Arts Resources

Art comes in many forms, each offering unique ways to express creativity and emotion. Whether you're interested in visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, craft arts, or media arts, there's a world of possibilities to explore. Even better, you don't need to break the bank to learn and practice these art forms. Here’s a guide to various types of arts and the best free resources available online to help you dive into them.

Visual Arts

Drawing and Painting

Drawing and painting are foundational visual arts that allow for endless creativity and expression. Whether you prefer traditional mediums like pencil and canvas or digital tools, there are excellent free resources available:

  • YouTube: Channels like Proko, Draw with Jazza, and The Art of Aaron Blaise offer a wealth of free tutorials for all skill levels.
  • DrawSpace: Provides free lessons on drawing techniques, covering everything from basic shapes to advanced shading.
  • Krita: A free, open-source digital painting software that is perfect for digital artists looking for a powerful tool.

Digital Art and Illustration

Digital art and illustration combine traditional art skills with modern technology. Here are some resources to get you started:

  • GIMP: A free image editor similar to Photoshop, great for photo manipulation and digital painting. There are numerous alternatives.
  • Inkscape: Free vector graphic software, ideal for creating scalable illustrations.
  • Blender: A free, open-source 3D creation suite that supports everything from modeling to rendering.

Photography

Photography captures moments and tells stories through images. Whether you’re a budding photographer or looking to hone your skills, these resources will help:

  • YouTube: Channels like Tony & Chelsea Northrup, The Art of Photography, and DigitalRev TV offer tutorials on techniques, gear reviews, and creative ideas.
  • Pexels and Unsplash: Provide free high-quality images that you can use for practice or inspiration.
  • GIMP: For photo editing and retouching.

Performing Arts

Music

Music is a universal language that touches the soul. From creating beats to composing symphonies, these resources cover it all:

  • Audacity: Free, open-source audio editing software perfect for beginners and professionals.
  • MuseScore: Free music composition and notation software.
  • YouTube: Channels like Andrew Huang and Rick Beato provide tutorials on music production, theory, and more.
  • Berklee Online: Offers free courses on music theory and production.

Dance

Dance combines physical movement with rhythm and expression. These resources can help you learn various styles and techniques:

  • YouTube: Channels like Dance Tutorials LIVE and STEEZY Studio offer free dance tutorials for all levels and styles.
  • DancePlug: Provides some free dance tutorials and tips.

Theater and Acting

Theater and acting bring stories to life through performance. Here are some resources to help you get started or improve your skills:

  • YouTube: Channels like StageMilk and The Acting Studio offer valuable tips and tutorials on acting techniques.
  • Backstage: Offers articles and resources on acting techniques and industry insights.
  • National Theatre: Occasionally provides free recorded performances and acting workshops.

Literary Arts

Writing

Writing allows you to create worlds, share ideas, and express yourself. Whether you’re writing novels or poetry, these resources will help:

  • NaNoWriMo: Offers resources and a community to support you in writing a novel.
  • Writers Write: Provides free writing prompts, tips, and articles on writing craft.
  • Project Gutenberg: Free eBooks of classic literature for inspiration and study.

Poetry

Poetry distills emotions and ideas into a powerful, compact form. These resources can help you explore and improve your poetic skills:

  • Poetry Foundation: Offers a vast archive of poems and educational resources.
  • Poets.org: Provides resources for reading, writing, and publishing poetry.

Craft Arts

Knitting and Crocheting

Knitting and crocheting are relaxing crafts that result in beautiful, handmade items. These resources are perfect for learning and finding patterns:

  • Ravelry: A community site with free patterns, tutorials, and forums for knitters and crocheters.
  • YouTube: Channels like Bella Coco and VeryPink Knits offer detailed tutorials for all skill levels.

Origami

Origami, the art of paper folding, transforms paper into intricate designs. These resources can help you start folding:

  • Origami.me: Provides free instructions and diagrams for various origami models.
  • YouTube: Channels like Jo Nakashima and Origami Instructions offer step-by-step video tutorials.

Media Arts

Film and Video Production

Film and video production combine storytelling with technical skills. Here are some resources to help you learn the craft:

  • DaVinci Resolve: Free, professional-grade video editing software.
  • YouTube: Channels like Film Riot and DSLRguide offer tutorials on filmmaking techniques, gear reviews, and creative tips.
  • Vimeo Video School: Offers tutorials on various aspects of filmmaking.

Animation

Animation brings drawings and objects to life through motion. These resources are perfect for aspiring animators:

  • Blender: For 3D animation, offering a full suite of tools for modeling, rigging, and animating.
  • Pencil2D: Free 2D animation software, great for beginners.
  • YouTube: Channels like Alan Becker and The Animation Mentor offer free tutorials on animation techniques.

With these resources, you can explore and develop your skills in various art forms without spending a dime. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your craft, there’s a wealth of knowledge and tools available online to help you on your artistic journey. So, pick an art form that excites you, dive into these resources, and start creating! There are numerous other options too and I will strive to include a detailed list in the near future. Let this be a launching point.