Painting Classes
Discover the artist within.
Bob Ross style — free
- Bob Ross Joy of Painting on YouTube.
- Full episodes free + iconic.
- Wet-on-wet oil technique.
- Encouraging + soothing style.
- Many seniors start here.
- "Happy little trees" mindset.
Skillshare painting
- $14/month for thousands of classes.
- Watercolor, acrylic, oil, drawing.
- 1-month free trial.
- Beginner to advanced.
- Professional artist instructors.
- Cancel anytime.
YouTube channels
- Lindsay Weirich (The Frugal Crafter).
- Watercolor Misfit.
- Sarah Cray (Let's Make Art).
- Lewis Rossignol — drawing.
- Free quality tutorials.
- Replace expensive subscriptions.
Local options
- Senior centers often offer classes.
- Library art programs.
- Community college continuing ed.
- Paint + sip parties (with friends).
- OLLI lifelong learning programs.
- In-person better than online for some.
Cheap art supplies
- Reeves watercolors — beginner $20.
- Liquitex Basics acrylics — $20 starter.
- Canson watercolor pad — $10.
- Don't buy expensive at first.
- Upgrade as you learn.
- Hobby Lobby + Michaels coupons help.
Digital painting
- iPad + Apple Pencil + Procreate ($13).
- No supplies, no mess.
- Unlimited "canvas."
- Save + share digitally.
- Different feel than traditional.
- Free trials of various apps.
Bob Ross + dollar-store paints
Easiest start: watch Bob Ross on YouTube + buy basic acrylic paints from Hobby Lobby. Spend $20 on paints + cheap canvas. Try following along with one episode. Free + low-risk way to discover if painting brings you joy. Many seniors discover lifelong artistic passion this way. The journey from there is endless.