Discover Classes. Earn Rewards.

Acrylic Painting Classes Chicago

Upcoming schedule view

Unleash your creativity with acrylic painting classes in Chicago. From beginner to advanced techniques, learners will discover the joy of expressing themselves through vibrant colors and unique brushstrokes, gaining confidence and skills along the way.

2 classes in-person in Chicago have spots left, and 6 classes live online are available.

Painting with Acrylics

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Unleash your creativity and explore the vibrant world of acrylic painting in an engaging and innovative artistic environment. Elevate your skills and discover new techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors.

(83) All levels 18 and older
$395

9 sessions

Gift it!

ART for Tots/Preschoolers

The Paintbrush @ 2446 N Clark St, Chicago, IL

Introduce your little ones to the world of art through hands-on lessons at The Paintbrush. Join us for a creative adventure where toddlers and preschoolers can explore various artistic techniques like drawing, painting, and collaging. Don't miss out on the fun in our art-themed playroom!

(4) All levels 2 - 5 years old
$225

7 sessions

Gift it!

Online Painting with Acrylics 301

Pastimes for a Lifetime @ Live Online via Zoom

Unleash your creativity and learn the techniques of 20th-century masters with the Online Painting with Acrylics 301 course. Discover how to mix colors, prepare the canvas, and execute styles such as impressionism, contemporary realism, color block, and abstract. Take your painting skills to the next level with this flexible and vibrant medium.

(19) All levels 7 and older
$160

4 sessions

Gift it!
Discover Classes. Earn Rewards.

Acrylic Painting Classes Gift Card

Thousands of classes & experiences. No expiration. Gift an experience this holiday season and make it a memorable one. Lock in a price with the Inflation Buster Gift Card Price Adjuster™

Buy a Gift Card

Acrylics Painting

BrushCapades @ Online Classroom

Unleash your inner artist and discover the joy of acrylic painting in this captivating class. Immerse yourself in the world of colors and brushstrokes as you create your very own masterpiece under the guidance of a skilled and lively instructor. Unleash your creativity and unlock the secrets of professional painting techniques every week!

(5) All levels 21 and older

Dare to Draw, Paint & Create: Advanced Art Class for All Mediums

The Art Studio NY @ Online Classroom

Unleash your artistic potential and express yourself through painting in this inspiring online art class. Develop your unique style, master advanced techniques, and create stunning artwork that you will be proud to display. Join a supportive community of fellow artists and receive personalized feedback to enhance your skills.

(631) Advanced 18 and older
$399

8 sessions

Gift it!

Dare to Paint: Advanced Oil & Acrylic Painting

The Art Studio NY @ Online Classroom

Discover your authentic artistic voice and explore advanced oil and acrylic painting techniques in this inspiring online class. Express yourself through painting and deepen your artistic journey with expert instruction and personalized feedback. Join a community of fellow artists and unleash your creativity in this popular fear-free NYC painting class.

(631) Advanced 18 and older
$449

9 sessions

Gift it!

Fear-Free Beginners Acrylic Painting

The Art Studio NY @ Online Classroom

Unleash your inner artist and discover the joy of acrylic painting at The Art Studio NY. Learn techniques, express yourself, and create beautiful artwork in a nurturing and non-judgmental environment. Escape the every day and find your weekly oasis in this fear-free painting class.

(631) Beginner 18 and older
$274

8 sessions

Gift it!

Abstract Acrylic Painting Class: Color, Texture and Self-Expression

The Art Studio NY @ Online Classroom

Unleash your creativity and explore the world of acrylic painting with expert guidance in a nurturing environment. Discover the joy of self-expression through color, texture, and artistic techniques in a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Embrace the therapeutic benefits of art while honing your skills and unleashing your inner artist.

(631) All levels 18 and older
$199

5 sessions

Gift it!
14 acrylic painting classes that have ended
Add to your wish list to find out about new dates

Painting with Gelli Plates

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Making Gelli Plate monotypes has added a fun and exciting new dimension to my painting practice. Working in layers, students will create one-of-a-kind paintings on paper while learning to work with mark-making, stencils, and masking. Learn how choosing the right paper will help create the effects you desire. Golden “Open Acrylics, fluid acrylics and water-based inks can be used on Gelli Plates. Click here for Materials List.

(83) Beginner 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$225

5 sessions

Gift it!

Painting I: Acrylics & Oils

Aartwerk Studio @ 1141 W Granville Ave, Chicago, IL

Unleash your creativity and explore the vibrant world of acrylics and oils at Aartwerk Studio. Dive into a hands-on experience where you'll learn essential techniques, unleash your artistic potential, and create stunning masterpieces under the guidance of experienced instructors. Join us and bring your imagination to life through the power of colors and brushes.

(12) Beginner 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$280

7 sessions

Gift it!

Acrylic Pours for Jewelry (Ages 16+)

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Make cabochons for jewelry using the fun and unpredictability of acrylic pours. Week one will be creating pours, and week two will be the completion of the cabochons. Skill Level: All Levels

(83) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$155

2 sessions

Gift it!

Painting I, Acrylic

Aartwerk Studio @ 1141 W Granville Ave, Chicago, IL

Painting I, Acrylic is the introduction to the fundamentals of painting. We warmly recommend taking this course prior to any other painting course, even if your ultimate medium of choice is oil. Acrylics are fast drying, water-based paints, and will allow for quicker exploration of various approaches to painting.  Because of this, technical rules and planning process are (unlike with oils) virtually nonexistent in this course. This said, the...

(12) Beginner 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$260

8 sessions

Gift it!

Intro to Acrylic Landscape Painting

Evanston Art Center

Learn the basics of acrylic painting by painting beautiful landscapes from photographs, while exploring a variety of color schemes and painting techniques. Explore color mixing, blending, highlighting, and creating visual texture. This interactive online class is presented via Zoom. Please download Zoom and register your email address prior to your first class. You will be emailed Zoom meeting instructions, including a unique URL...

(83) Beginner 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Beginning Acrylic Painting (18yrs +)

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Learn fundamental acrylic painting skills while practicing the art of expression, line, gesture, rhythm, tone and color. Achieve an understanding of acrylic materials and techniques as you work with both observational and imaginative painting methods, becoming familiar with acrylic painting in stylistic periods in art history and contemporary art.  Required Materials This is a suggested list for class. Blick will give you a 10% discount if...

(83) Beginner 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$330

9 sessions

Gift it!

Acrylic Pour Paintings

Evanston Art Center @ Interactive Online Classroom via Zoom, Chicago, IL

Who needs brushes when you can pour acrylic paint and create unique and unpredictable works of art? Experiment with acrylic pours learning new techniques and approaches to create either stand-alone abstract paintings or backgrounds for further development. Supply List: Flood Floetrol (gallon) is available through Home Depot in the paint section (also Lowes and Menards)  Paints, canvases, and pins are available through Blick’s Officemate Giant...

(83) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$150

5 sessions

Gift it!

Exploring Acrylics: From Basics to Pushing the Limits

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Acrylics are versatile paints, and this class explores a range of techniques from traditional to contemporary. From experimenting with the lines of paints to using different mediums, we will work on projects such as layering, making gel skins for abstract landscapes, subtractive painting pouring, mono printing, and more! 

(83) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$195

5 sessions

Gift it!

Intro to Acrylic Painting Through Landscapes

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Learn the basics of acrylic painting to create beautiful landscapes while exploring a variety of color schemes and painting techniques.

(83) Beginner 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$180

7 sessions

Gift it!

Beginning Acrylic Painting in American Sign Language

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Discover the possibilities of acrylic painting! Create vibrant, quick-drying works of art on canvas for yourself or to give as gifts, and learn more about composition, color mixing, and textures. Using American Sign Language (ASL) the instructor will teach you how to create your own paintings, through step-by-step demonstrations. In ASL only. Click here for the instructor's recommended supply list. Please Note: This interactive online class...

(83) Beginner 16 and older
No upcoming schedules

Seductive Surfaces

Ingrid's Originals Inc. @ 3729 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL

Discover the secrets of creating captivating textures and captivating grounds for your paintings in this experimental workshop with renowned artist Jean Pederson at Ingrid's Originals Inc. Unleash your creativity as you learn to use a variety of acrylic mediums to build intriguing surfaces. Perfect for abstract and representational artists alike!

(1) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$550

3 sessions

Gift it!

Painting Cityscapes & Architecture in Acrylic Ages 16+

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Already have experience using acrylic paints? Let's take it to the next level through learning to paint detailed cityscapes and architecture from photos.  Continue to build on the basics of color mixing and various painting techniques, and also learn how to compose representational scenes combining landscape features with more solid/industrial structures.

(83) Intermediate 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$185

7 sessions

Gift it!
Reset all filters.

No results found

Try removing some filters.

Reviews for Acrylic Painting Classes in Chicago

Acrylic Painting Classes in Chicago are rated 4.4 stars based on 755 verified reviews from actual CourseHorse.com purchasers.

  • Online Painting with Acrylics 301

    Reviewed by Claudia G. on 3/9/2024
    Linda is a joy to have as an instructor! Learning many basics missed in other classes I’ve taken and finding it very valuable.
  • Painting I: Acrylics & Oils

    Anonymous review on 2/20/2023
    I really enjoyed this class. The instructor was very helpful and I learned some really good techniques. I'm planning to take more classes from Aartwerk in the future.
  • Painting I: Acrylics & Oils

    Reviewed by Carly B. on 5/12/2022
    This is a fantastic beginners course. I feel like I have a better understanding of fundamental concepts around materials and basic techniques
  • Painting I: Acrylics & Oils

    Reviewed by Catherine B. on 3/20/2018
    This class exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended.
  • Fear-Free Beginners Acrylic Painting

    Reviewed by linda g. on 1/9/2018
    Terrific, relaxing way to ease into learning to paint. Jacob is a patient, knowledgeable instructor and my classmates were a super encouraging group. Had a great time!
  • Painting I, Acrylic

    Reviewed by Anne K. on 5/3/2016
    Best class ever. I've taken classes before and B is the best teacher

Discover the Best Acrylic Painting Classes in Chicago

Acrylic painting is done with acrylic paints. Acrylic paints evolved from acrylic resin, which was developed in the 1930s. By the 1940s acrylic emulsions had become popular among house painters. This is in part because acrylic paints were less toxic and easier to use than other paints on the market at the time. Acrylic paints became popular with artists in the 1960s. They had realized that acrylics were great at holding color and could be used to mimic oil paints and watercolors. 

Acrylics are considered a low-maintenance painting medium. Beginners simply need acrylic paints, paint brushes, a painting surface, and an optional glass of water to get started with acrylic painting. This medium is great for beginners because acrylics are inexpensive, they dry quickly, and they’re easy to use. They also have a near-undetectable odor, which is ideal if you’re painting at home. 

Why You Should Learn Acrylic Painting in Chicago

The versatility of acrylic paints and their ease of use makes them a great medium to begin painting with. Acrylic paints are considered inexpensive when compared to other mediums and they can be used on virtually any surface, like wood, cloth, and paper. This also makes acrylic painting an effective way to enhance other crafts. For example, if you are a woodworker, you can use acrylic paints to decorate your pieces. 

Painting promotes creative thinking and the use of your imagination. When you’re deciding what to paint, you’ll have to brainstorm your piece and plan it out. This stimulates your brain and improves your ability to problem solve. Painting is also used as a therapeutic activity to regulate emotions. It has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety while creating positive emotions in the painter. 

In-Person Acrylic Painting Classes & Schools in Chicago

Sign up for in-person acrylic painting classes scheduled in the Chicago area to learn from an expert. These classes will provide you with hands-on instruction and in-depth demonstrations of acrylic painting. You’ll receive feedback and advice from your instructor and be able to socialize and bounce ideas off other participants. 

Most in-person classes will provide you with the necessary materials to take the class, but some may request that you supply your materials. These materials can be purchased at your local art or hobbyist store. You can check a class page for a supply list.

Ingrid’s Originals Inc. in Lakeview offers the class, Seductive Surfaces, for painters of all skill levels. This class will teach you to create depth and add texture to your paintings using a variety of acrylic mediums. The techniques you learn in this class can be used in future paintings, to create a base or finish a piece. A light breakfast, snacks, and refreshments will be provided during the three classes. 

Capturing the Colors of Summer, taught at the Chicago Botanic Gardens in Glencoe, is a study of the colors of nature. Your instructor will provide you with a review of color and light and their impact on landscapes. Over four sessions you’ll use this knowledge to help you create small and medium paintings. You have the option of using acrylics, oils, or gouache. Once you have signed up for the class, you’ll be sent a supply list. 

The Discovery Center, in Irving Park, is holding a mixed-media art class for people of all skill levels. Students will be able to experiment with acrylic inks, watercolors, images, found objects, and pastels to create dynamic, multi-layered compositions. If you’re interested in learning a variety of techniques, this class might be for you. 

Virtual Acrylic Painting Classes & Schools

If you can’t make an acrylic painting class in Chicago but are still interested in learning from an expert, check out the virtual acrylic painting classes available to you. 

Virtual classes are taught remotely by a live instructor. You can take your class from any interruption-free environment with a stable internet connection. Keep in mind that online classes will require you to purchase all necessary materials for the class, although your instructor may suggest a kit that you can buy. 

The Evanston Art Center offers an introduction to acrylic painting in their class, Painting with Acrylics. In this class, you’ll learn about color mixing, techniques, and composition that are all exclusive to acrylics. Instruction is one-on-one and you’ll be encouraged to work on something that speaks to you personally. 

The 92nd Street Y offers an acrylic painting class for absolute beginners. You’ll work from observation in this virtual class as you start with basic forms before progressing to still-lifes and to a live model. You don’t need to have prior experience to take this class; all skill levels are welcome. 

If you’d like to learn how to use acrylics on fabric, sign up for La Pittura Art Studio’s tote bag painting class. You’ll be able to show off your creativity and personal style as you paint a tote bag with acrylics. You’re also encouraged to take this class with friends and family as a fun group activity. The studio will send you DIY kits that include paints, brushes, a disposable apron, and a canvas tote bag. Participants simply need to have paper towels and a cup of water on hand. 

Private Group Acrylic Painting Classes in Chicago

Are you and a group of friends interested in booking a private group acrylic painting class? CourseHorse’s private acrylic painting classes are a fun, stress-free way to learn a new craft and socialize with friends. 

Their virtual Acrylic Painting workshop will walk you and your group through the creation of a painting on canvas. You’ll all work on painting the same image and be able to compare your different approaches at the end of the class. 

Another option is their online Acrylic Pour Art class. This non-traditional method teaches you how to make pour art. An instructor will guide all participants through the creation of their pieces. At the end of the class, you’ll walk away with a unique painting.

CourseHorse will provide all participants with the necessary materials once they have your final headcount. They’ll send out acrylic paints, brushes, and an easel. If your participants are over the age of 21, a bottle of wine can be shipped to them for an additional $30.

You can reach out to CourseHorse through the contact form on their website to ask about other private group classes that they offer. You’ll be able to discuss your group's learning needs and goals, as well as the group size that CourseHorse can accommodate. If you’re unsure of your group’s size at the time of booking, CourseHorse will allow you to book with the minimum group size and update your headcount later. 

CourseHorse does not charge booking fees and allows free cancellations up to two weeks before your class. Classes are taught through an online video platform such as Zoom, Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, or WebEx.

CourseHorse Gift Cards

  • Creative & unique gift for any occasion
  • Thousands of classes & experiences
  • No expiration date
  • Instant e-delivery (or choose a date)
  • Add a personalized message
  • Lock in a price with the Inflation Buster Gift Card Price Adjuster™
Buy a Gift Card
gift card with the CourseHorse logo gift card with the CourseHorse logo
Loading...