BAP-logo-white
Online Beginner Art Program

Learn to Create Brilliant Art in Just 2 Months

No Prior Experience Required

Start Learning

What You Will Learn

  • How to draw anything you see, from life or picture references

  • How to dramatically increase your creativity through engaging your right brain

  • Retrain your eye to see complex values, shades and color temperatures as second nature

  • How to use oil paint in depth, mix beautiful colors and create stunning works of art

product-BeginnerArtProgram-1

Discover the Program That's Kickstarted Thousands of Art Careers

art-icon-3
Artistic Confidence

Never second-guess your creativity again and advance to making astonishing art you’re proud to hang on the wall

Start here
art-icon-4
Strong Foundation

Master drawing or painting any subject matter with accuracy to set the stage for becoming a brilliant artist

Discover now
art-icon-24
Expert Instruction

Learn from acclaimed artists who have sold thousands of paintings and taught thousands of students worldwide

Get Free Quote
art-icon-23
Easy to Learn

Artists at any skill level can master these step-by-step lessons to create their dream artwork in just two months

Start now
Dimitra Milan took the art world by storm by the time she was 15. In this course, she shares her approach to oil painting along with Elli Milan, Dimitra’s mentor and founder of Milan Art Institute. These professional artists teach key techniques to start oil painting as a beginner before progressing into tips to improve your painting skills dramatically.
The course starts with an introduction to oil painting techniques. It’s geared toward beginners but can also help experienced artists refine their approach. These fundamentals apply to all painting styles, advancing your skills and empowering you to show the world your voice.
ELLI-DIMITRA

Course Structure

Section1-1-1
Section1-2-1
Section1-3-1
Section 1

Activation and Foundations

Get ready for the ultimate artistic journey! Learn exercises to activate your “creative” brain even if you think you’re not an artist. Kick off your oil painting to create stunning artwork beyond your wildest dreams.

Lesson 1: Intro
Lesson 2: Art Supplies List
Lesson 3: Intro to Painting
Lesson 4: Drawing - Activate Your Right Brain
Lesson 5: Oil Painting - The Basics and Painting a Pear

Section2-2
Section2-1
Section 2

Right Brain and Brushstrokes

Unlock your creative potential by drawing portraits upside down to enhance your perception and artistic intuition. Master brushstrokes using primary colors to build a strong foundation in color theory and technique.

Lesson 1: Drawing a Portrait Upside Down
Lesson 2: Learning Brushstrokes in Primary Colors

Section3-1
Section3-2
Section 3

Observation and Color Theory

Learn to draw from your right brain like the extraordinary artists of history. Sharpen your oil painting skills by creating a beautiful strawberry using the Old Masters classical techniques.

Lesson 1: Drawing - The Power of Observation (Eye in a Mirror)
Lesson 2: Oil Painting - Subtractive Strawberry

Section4-1
Section4-2
Section 4

The Ellipse and Color Temperature

Explore the importance of recognizing ellipses across art projects you’ll take on. See how to paint a beetle from multiple sources and use warm and cool color temperatures to infuse your art with life.

Lesson 1: Drawing Open and Closed Ellipses
Lesson 2: Color Temperature Beetle

 

Section5-1
Section5-2
Section 5

Drawing Hacks and Atmosphere

Continue training your eye to see artistically by creating a more complex still life and drawing according to a quadrant. Learn to add eye-popping dimension and depth to your paintings through edges.

Lesson 1: Drawing - Still life in a Quadrant
Lesson 2: Oil Painting - Edges and a Landscape

Section6-2
Section6-1
Section 6

Measuring and Complimentary Color

Draw an animal head accurately using a standard of measurement that will improve all of your art. Discover the power of mixing colors, complements, core shadows, cast shadows, and bold highlights!

Lesson 1: Measuring and Drawing an Animal
Lesson 2: Oil Painting - Compliments and a Still life

Section7-1-1
Section7-2
Section 7

Scale Tool and Value

Practice the easiest way to measure to become fluent in drawing in proportion. Create a gorgeous oil painting with the Old Masters technique using an underpainting, rubbing out the values, glazing, and adding bright details.

Lesson 1: Scale Tool - Floral Drawing
Lesson 2: Learn Your Mediums with a Floral

Section8-1
Section8-2
Section 8

Inner Contour and Texture

Dive into contour drawing and inner contour to see the shapes in your art holistically like a professional. Flaunt your oil painting skills by painting a striking animal eye in oil. After this, you’re no longer a beginner, so keep painting to continue evolving!

Lesson 1: Drawing Inner Contour
Lesson 2: Visual Texture - Animal Close-up
Lesson 3: What’s Next?

Here's How it Works:

  • Once you enroll, you'll have access to introduction videos immediately

  • Each week, you'll receive 1 hour of professionally filmed, easy to follow videos that will teach you new artist techniques

  • You'll paint up to 10 hours per week which will help you to build the skills you need as an artist

  • You'll feel your confidence with oil painting and drawing grow as you learn to draw and paint anything that you can see

product-BeginnerArtProgram-1

Meet Your Instructors

instructor-elli

Elli Milan

Founder, Instructor

As the founding owner of Milan Art Institute, Elli has been a professional artist since 1996. Elli sold more than 10,000 pieces of art throughout her thriving career. She has transformed the lives of thousands of artists from around the world—helping them find their voice and turn their love for art into a profession. She is passionate about the role of an artist in contemporary culture and is a leading voice of the current Art Renaissance.

instructor-dimitra

Dimitra Milan

Professional Artist, Instructor

Dimitra generated over a million dollars of artwork sales before she turned 16, and her paintings are collected worldwide. She is pioneering a new age of artist influencers on social media, spreading beauty around the planet. She is a mentor at Milan Art Institute and teaches this oil painting portrait course with passion because she loves equipping artists with the tools to change the world with their art.

This Course Is Perfect for You If...

  • You want to learn a strong foundation for creating professional-level art

  • You’ve always dreamt of being known as an incredible artist

  • You’re looking to push your creative boundaries and learn a life-changing skill

  • You would love to make paintings that people flock to see and buy

  • You’re ready to craft inspiring, beautiful art that tells your story

BAP-Image

What Artists Are Saying...

review 5
review 17
review 1
review 2
review 3
review 4
review 6
review 7
review 8
review 9
review 10
review 15
review 13
review 11
review 12

Our Student's Work

Examples of our student's artwork.
BAP-Art

Frequently Asked Questions

What art supplies are needed for this program?

Click here to access the complete art supply list you’ll need to take the Beginner Art Program.

We’ve complied all of the painting supplies in one place to save you money and time on our Art Store here. NOTE: this kit does not include newsprint, paper or solvent. You'll need to get those on Amazon or at your local art supply store.

Do I need any sort of experience in art in order to take this program?

No! This course is truly for beginners even if you have never touched a brush or a pencil! We will teach you everything step-by-step. There are no other drawing classes for beginners online that are filled with so much useful information!

Do I need to be talented to be able to learn how to paint?

No! Talent is overrated and you don’t need it. ANYONE can learn to paint as long as there is desire. We can show anyone how to learn drawing online. Painting and drawing are just skills that can be acquired. Once you learn the tricks and train your eye to “see” you will be on your way!


Do I need to purchase any art supplies for the program?

Yes. We have a list of supplies you need to purchase. You can get them yourself from your local art supply store, or online. You can also purchase a kit and have the exact supplies that were used in the videos.

Here is a link: 

👉 https://www.milanartstore.com/products/oil-and-drawing-essentials


How long is the program?

The program is 8 weeks if you go at the pace we recommend, which is 10 hours per week.


What is the main goal of this program?

We want to help people who have wanted to paint, to be able to be independent, to draw and paint without fear, doubt, and difficulty. Other online art classes for beginners don't give you the skills needed to draw anything you see. We know that by the end of the course you will feel liberated and full of passion for the arts and beyond excited in your new addiction!


How many hours per week will this program take?

Including the video-watching, this course should not take more than 10 hours per week.

I have a full-time job, will this program still be good for me?

Yes! It’s online and you can go at your own pace. We recommend 8 weeks but since you get life time access to this program, you will have plenty of time to work it in.

Is there any age recommendation for this program?

Yes, this program is suitable for all ages, starting at 9 years old.

What will I learn by the end of this program?

This online drawing course for beginners will learn how to draw and paint accurately what you can see. You will paint landscapes, still life, florals, and animals. You will have a pretty advanced understanding of color theory.

Is it recommended to take the Beginner Art Program before the Online Mastery Program?

It is recommended if you have absolutely zero experience with paint. It is not mandatory though. The Mastery program can still be suitable for a beginner, but this program will definitely help prepare you and build your confidence.

Can I watch it on my tablet/phone?

Yes. You can log on to your account through any device and stream from anywhere.

How long will I have access to the program?

You will have lifetime access to the program! The techniques taught here will be easy to absorb, but take repetition to master. You can return to them anytime to get a refresher.

Will you be able to sell your art by the end of this program?

You will paint beautiful paintings and could certainly appeal to a buyer. However, we recommend the Mastery program if you want a career as an artist.

Do you need any special place like a studio in order to take this program?

You don’t need a studio, but a table easel or standard easel is helpful. Often students find an extra bedroom, or a corner of the living room a good spot.

I’ve attended art school, will this program still be beneficial for me?

It depends on how much of art school you retained. If you don’t mind a little bit of review, it could definitely still be beneficial. It could be that you find the oil painting section totally beneficial and the drawing section somewhat reviewed in some aspects. We feel you would still learn some new things. This program is the best place to learn drawing online!

MAI-new-img
About Milan Art Institute

Shine Your Art.
Change The World.

Milan Art Institute brings passionate hearts and creative minds together to actualize creative visions. The founders, John and Elli Milan, have been working as successful collaborative artists for over 25 years and have made a living during that entire period solely through art.

Their daughter, Dimitra Milan, became a professional artist and, before turning 16, had generated over a million dollars through the sales of her artwork. The family’s works are featured in galleries around the world. And now, the Milans are sharing their insights about the art industry with everyone through their comprehensive online painting and drawing school.

Beginners and professionals come to master skills, learn new techniques, and join an ever-expanding community of artists. The purpose of the Milan Art Institute is to enlighten and educate a worldwide audience about the transformational power of the visual arts.