Discover Classes. Earn Rewards.

Painting Classes San Francisco

Discover your inner artist and explore the vibrant world of painting with a variety of classes in San Francisco. From watercolor techniques to oil painting masterpieces, unlock your creativity and gain valuable skills to create beautiful artwork.

9 classes in-person in San Francisco have spots left, and 11 classes live online are available.

Oil & Acrylic Painting

Art School of SF Bay @ 1601 Irving St, San Francisco, CA

Unlock your artistic potential and master the techniques of oil and acrylic painting at the renowned Art School of SF Bay. Explore the beauty of nature through landscapes, learn to capture emotions in portraits, and develop your unique style. With high-quality art materials provided, embark on a transformative artistic journey.

(5) All levels 18 and older
$560

14 sessions

Gift it!

Key Elements of Fine Arts

Art School of SF Bay @ 2424 Clement St, San Francisco, CA

Discover the secrets to drawing and painting like a pro. This course at the Art School of SF Bay will teach you the fundamentals of art, from color mixing to composition. By the end, you'll be able to create stunning portraits and captivating compositions.

(5) Beginner 18 and older
$400

14 sessions

Gift it!

Landscape Painting from Photos

Richmond Art Center @ 2540 Barrett Ave, Richmond, CA

Refine your painting skills by learning how to enhance photo references in this comprehensive class. Explore techniques to bring life to your landscapes and master the art of painting from photos. Open to all painting media, this course will transform your artwork beyond mere copies.

(13) All levels 16 and older
$400

8 sessions

Gift it!
Discover Classes. Earn Rewards.

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

Explore Art Private Group Events

Explore private group events and team building activities ranging from cooking to art, escape rooms, trivia, and more

Explore Art Private Group Events
Animated gif slider: slide 1: a person in a meditative pose with paint on their apron; slide 2: person making a pizza; slide 3: 3 people drinking wine and smiling; slide 4: two people competing in a sack race while others look on

Fundamentals of Oil Painting

Richmond Art Center @ 2540 Barrett Ave, Richmond, CA

Unleash your creativity with a comprehensive exploration of oil painting techniques, from materials to composition, at the Richmond Art Center. Master the art of still life painting in a supportive and inspiring environment. Discover the beauty and versatility of oil paints while honing your artistic skills.

(13) All levels 18 and older
$400

8 sessions

Gift it!

Expressive Landscapes in Pastels

Richmond Art Center @ 2540 Barrett Ave, Richmond, CA

Explore the beauty of natural habitats through the art of Pastels in a dynamic and engaging way. Unleash your creativity and learn to paint landscapes with various media, adding depth and texture to your artwork. Join us for an enriching artistic journey at the Richmond Art Center.

(13) Beginner 18 and older
$240

6 sessions

Gift it!

Beginning Watercolor

Richmond Art Center @ 2540 Barrett Ave, Richmond, CA

Discover the joy and versatility of watercolor painting in this engaging course at the Richmond Art Center. Explore various techniques, materials, and styles while receiving expert guidance. No drawing experience is required.

(13) Beginner 16 and older
$240

6 sessions

Gift it!

Academic Drawing

Art School of SF Bay @ 1601 Irving St, San Francisco, CA

Explores the fundamentals of drawing under the guidance of experienced instructors at the renowned Art School of SF Bay. Join us to discover the power of visual expression.

(5) Beginner 16 and older
$450

15 sessions

Gift it!

Color Theory

Art School of SF Bay @ 1601 Irving St, San Francisco, CA

Uncover the secrets of using colors to evoke emotions and create stunning visual masterpieces. Explore color psychology and unleash your creativity with expert guidance from seasoned artists.

(5) Intermediate 18 and older
$300

7 sessions

Gift it!

Portrait Workshop

Art School of SF Bay @ 1601 Irving St, San Francisco, CA

Develop your portrait painting skills under the guidance of experienced instructors and immerse yourself in a hands-on workshop that will explore the challenge of bringing faces to life on canvas.

(5) All levels 18 and older
$320

5 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.

(18) All levels 7 and older
$160

4 sessions

Gift it!

Watercolor Painting (Beginner/Intermediate)

92nd Street Y @ Live Interactive Online Classroom

Discover the unique properties of watercolor as you observe still life, figures, or photographs in this engaging art class. Learn techniques of paint application and color formation, while receiving real-time feedback on your progress. Join now to explore the captivating world of watercolor painting.

(1060) Beginner 18 and older
$330

7 sessions

Gift it!

Beginners Watercolor Painting

The Art Studio NY @ Online Classroom

Ignite your inner artist with inspiring watercolor painting classes at NYC's #1-rated art studio. Learn a wide variety of techniques and explore landscape, still life, and abstraction. No experience necessary - this course is perfect for beginners!

(630) Beginner 18 and older
$99

5 sessions

Gift it!

Portrait Painting

92nd Street Y @ Live Interactive Online Classroom

Unlock the secrets of capturing the essence of a model through anatomy, proportion, and color-mixing. Embrace the challenge of painting different views of the head with live models, as you explore the art of portrait painting. Join us on this artistic journey and bring your portraits to life.

(1060) All levels 18 and older
$350

7 sessions

Gift it!

Online Watercolor 202 - Intermediate

Pastimes for a Lifetime @ Live Online via Zoom

Take your watercolor skills to the next level with this intermediate class at Pastimes for a Lifetime. Learn advanced techniques for texture, tone, and color layering, and discover how to create deeper, richer colors in your paintings. Perfect for artists interested in fine art or illustration.

(18) Intermediate 7 and older
$160

4 sessions

Gift it!

Online Watercolor 201 - Beginner

Pastimes for a Lifetime @ Live Online via Zoom

Discover the beauty of watercolor painting with Online Watercolor 201. Learn essential techniques, color mixing, and brushstrokes to create stunning works of art. Perfect for aspiring fine artists, illustrators, and designers.

(18) Beginner 7 and older
$160

4 sessions

Gift it!

Online Oil Pastel 101

Pastimes for a Lifetime @ Live Online via Zoom

Discover the world of oil pastels with this online art course. Unleash your creativity as you learn color theory, blending techniques, and how to create stunning works of art that resemble oil paintings. Perfect for beginners looking for a mess-free and vibrant medium.

(18) Beginner 7 and older
$160

4 sessions

Gift it!

Online Water - Soluble Oils 401

Pastimes for a Lifetime @ Live Online via Zoom

Discover the eco-friendly joy of oil painting with water-soluble oils. Learn the techniques of mixing colors and brushwork while creating stunning traditional and contemporary pieces. Say yes to this delicious and non-toxic medium at Pastimes for a Lifetime.

(18) All levels 7 and older
$160

4 sessions

Gift it!

Floral Fridays Watercolor (Online)

Craft Sierra Madre @ Virtual Classroom

Unleash your creativity with vibrant watercolor florals! Dive into a world of loose flowers, botanicals, succulents, and leaves on Friday mornings. No drawing skills required - just bring your enthusiasm and let the garden bloom on your canvas.

(96) Beginner 13 and older

Watercolor

BrushCapades @ Online Classroom

Unleash your creativity with a hands-on tutorial that provides all the necessary materials for a 90-minute watercolor experience. Discover the joy of painting with a watercolor fan set, brushes, and high-quality paper, all included in this immersive workshop. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the beautiful world of watercolors!

(5) All levels 8 and older

Model Painting with Live Model

The Gallery Girls

Join us for an immersive art experience where you can unleash your creativity by capturing the beauty of a live model. Connect with fellow artists and friends in our virtual painting session, all from the comfort of your own home. Sign up now to receive the exclusive link and passcode to join our engaging art community.

(86) All levels 21 and older
Reset all filters.

No results found

Try removing some filters.

Reviews for Painting Classes in San Francisco

Painting Classes in San Francisco are rated 4.5 stars based on 1,913 verified reviews from actual CourseHorse.com purchasers.

  • Beginners Watercolor Painting

    Reviewed by Rick B. on 3/17/2024
    Thought teacher covered the basics of painting in watercolors extremely well. She always touched base with the class on their progress and very open to our questions
  • Beginners Watercolor Painting

    Reviewed by Judy B. on 3/17/2024
    Loved the class and Anna the instructor. Well worth the money. My husband and I enjoyed the time together and learning the basic techniques.
  • Floral Fridays Watercolor (Online)

    Reviewed by Elizabeth C. on 3/9/2024
    Never thought I could paint watercolor in one lesson but was able to follow the teacher and I did pretty well!
  • 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.
  • Watercolor

    Reviewed by Barbara M. on 2/28/2024
    Anji led a delightful watercolor project that left me happy with my end product painting and the class.
  • Watercolor Painting (Beginner/Intermediate)

    Anonymous review on 12/20/2023
    Great class.
  • Beginners Watercolor Painting

    Reviewed by Ronnie L. on 11/1/2023
    I learned more from Elizabeth in this class than in three years of other classes. I’m also enjoying my own work so much more.
  • Watercolor Painting (Beginner/Intermediate)

    Anonymous review on 11/1/2023
    This is the second class I've taken with this instructor and plan on taking more. Great environment and I learned so much!
  • Watercolor Painting (Beginner/Intermediate)

    Reviewed by Salita B. on 11/1/2023
    Fantastic class and instructor. Appropriate for all levels. Lots of great feedback and encouragement. I learned a tremendous amount.
  • Watercolor Painting (Beginner/Intermediate)

    Reviewed by Ellen H. on 10/27/2023
    Allison is an excellent teacher. I have signed up to continue taking her classes

Discover the Best Painting Classes in San Francisco

If you live in San Francisco and you are looking for a new hobby, painting could be just what you have been looking for. Painting happens when paint, pigment, color, or another medium is applied to a solid surface, and the most commonly used tool to apply paint is a brush, but other tools, such as knives, spatulas, sponges, and airbrushes can be used alone or in combination with brushes. The concept of painting dates back to prehistory, and it is thought that people have been painting for over 30,000 years. No matter your age or life experience, you can learn to paint with a little time and dedication.

Why You Should Learn Painting in San Francisco

Do you need a fun way to relieve the stress that comes with work or school? Painting is an accessible hobby that can not only help improve your mental health, but gives you something to do with your hands during your free time. You may also like the aspect of painting that can be related to doing things for other people. This can come in many forms, such as creating a special gift in the form of a painting that they can hang in their home. This could be a painting of them, their pet, a landscape, or a special memory that is meaningful to them.

All around the world, there are people who enjoy painting as a hobby and as a profession. Once you understand the basics of painting, you might want to research local clubs, groups, events, or organizations where you can meet other people who like painting. These groups could be in-person, but they could also be online, and pretty soon you may find yourself with some new friends who also enjoy painting.

Learning painting is a marketable skill that you may be able to turn into a side hustle or even a new job altogether. You could easily begin selling your paintings through an online marketplace, or in person at a craft fair close to where you live. You may even be able to start taking commissions, where you create custom paintings based on the requests of your customers.

In-Person Painting Classes in San Francisco

If you want to learn painting in-person in San Francisco, CourseHorse can connect you with classes in your area. For example, Portrait Workshop is a six-session class offered at the Art School of San Francisco Bay. In this class, students complete numerous head studies and improve their knowledge of proper head construction. You will select and complete a project of your choice in whatever medium you like during the second half of the class. Abstract Art: Dialogues with Nature is a two-day class offered at Living Your Wild Creativity in Santa Rosa. This course explores your connection with the land while you make sketches and color studies, culminating in an abstract painting. 

Another Art School of San Francisco Bay offering is Oil & Acrylic Painting. In this fifteen-session class, art lovers of all skill levels will master various oil and acrylic painting techniques. You will learn how to represent texture as well as express character and emotions in your work.

Plein Air Oil Painting is put on at the Art School of San Francisco Bay and will teach you techniques and tricks to help you create successful landscape paintings in the field over the course of four sessions. This class is perfect for those trying oil paints for the first time or an experienced painter that wants to improve their craft.

Omi Callings: Painting the Orishas happens at Richmond Art Center in nearby Richmond, CA. This four sessions class is a creative process in which students spend time with the messages and wisdoms pouring forth from three orishas of the Yoruba spiritual tradition. You are welcomed to explore the Yoruba cosmology system and strengthen your personal relationship with art. Another Richmond Art Center offering is Japanese Brush Painting and Calligraphy. This unique course takes place over six sessions and offers increased creativity and peace of mind through learning Japanese ink brush painting and calligraphy, which are deeply related to Zen.

Virtual Painting Classes

When you decide to take an online painting class, you might be intimidated at first, but it is good to remember that they have their pros and cons just like in-person painting classes. Something good about taking a virtual painting class is that you can attend the class from anywhere. Feel free to work on your painting project at home, in your backyard, or even in a public space like a park. You also do not have to commute to a classroom when you take an online painting class, which saves you both money and time. The biggest con about taking an online painting class is that you generally have to supply your own materials and equipment.

If you are interested in online painting classes, CourseHorse has options that will work for you. For example, Beginner’s Intro to Watercolor Painting: Single Session is a class that explores the colorful world of watercolor painting. You will experience learning and fun in this relaxed group atmosphere while you discover your unique form of self-expression. Beginner Watercolor Online is a six-session course focused on botanicals, and you will learn to paint with luminous, sparkling watercolors. Enjoy acquiring new techniques and learning through fun activities that transition into studies and landscapes. Online Painting With Acrylics 301 is a virtual class for all levels in which you will learn the techniques of 20th-century painting masters. These include mixing colors and preparing your canvas for your work.

Private Group Painting Classes in San Francisco

If you live or work in San Francisco, you might be interested in booking a private group painting class for your friends or colleagues. Luckily, CourseHorse offers painting classes for private groups in San Francisco that they can deliver to you. Virtual Watercolor Workshop (Materials Included) takes up to 225 participants at a time, and all materials are provided for the class. You and your coworkers will have fun learning new techniques to create an abstract painting in a relaxing and creative atmosphere. Virtual Acrylic Painting (Materials Included) will take up to 500 participants per course and all materials are included. This class will teach those in your group how to create a painting together on canvas. While you will all be working on the same painting, the end products will be unique to each artist. Virtual Watercolor Georgia O’Keeffe (Materials Included) is another workshop that takes up to 225 people and includes all the materials you need to learn. This unique class will teach your group about legendary watercolor artist Georgia O’Keeffe, and in the process of painting, you will learn her techniques.

If you do not see a group class that interests you listed publicly on their website, CourseHorse can provide a different class for your group. Reach out through the contact form on their website to learn about all available options. And remember that when you book with CourseHorse, you get a multitude of benefits, including the ability to change your group size after booking if necessary. You will also receive a confirmation within 24 hours of your booking, and there are no extra booking fees. Finally, CourseHorse private group classes are supported on multiple platforms, so everyone can join in on the fun no matter where they are.

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...