Are Oil Painting Classes Worth It? A Beginner’s Perspective

If you’ve been thinking about taking an oil painting class, you may be wondering whether it’s really worth it.

Could you learn on your own? Do you need formal guidance? And what actually happens in a class?

These are common questions — especially if you’re new to painting.

Can You Learn Oil Painting on Your Own?

It’s entirely possible to begin painting on your own. There are plenty of tutorials, videos and books available.

However, many beginners find that without guidance, progress can feel slow and uncertain. It’s easy to become stuck — not knowing whether you’re doing something correctly or how to move forward.

What a Good Oil Painting Class Provides

A well-structured class offers something that’s difficult to replicate alone:

• clear guidance from an experienced painter

• immediate feedback as you work

• a structured approach to learning

• a calm, focused environment

Instead of guessing, you’re able to develop understanding through practice, with support when you need it.

The Confidence Factor

One of the biggest barriers for beginners is confidence.

Many people hesitate because they feel they’re “not artistic” or worry they won’t be able to keep up.

In reality, most people attending beginner classes are in the same position — starting from scratch or returning after a long break.

A supportive class environment makes a significant difference, allowing you to relax into the process.

Learning Through Doing

Oil painting is a physical process. It’s not something that can be fully understood through reading or watching alone.

Working directly with paint — seeing how it moves, mixes and responds — is where real learning happens.

A class provides the space and structure for this to develop naturally.

Are Oil Painting Classes Worth It?

For most beginners, the answer is yes.

Not because you can’t learn alone — but because a class shortens the learning curve, removes uncertainty, and makes the experience far more enjoyable.

It allows you to focus on the act of painting, rather than trying to work everything out by yourself.

Oil Painting Classes in London

Allan Storer runs oil painting classes in London at Cass Art Kingston and from his studio in Twickenham.

The sessions are designed to be welcoming and supportive, particularly for beginners, with a focus on understanding the material and building confidence through practice.

View Oil Painting Classes in London

Starting anything new can feel uncertain.

But with the right environment and guidance, oil painting becomes far more accessible — and far more rewarding — than many people expect.