Art School for

the Rest of Us

You don't have to attend an art school to
become an artist. Learn to make realistic
drawings and paintings, even if you're a beginner!

Totally new to drawing? Click here!

Free Beginner Drawing Course

Classes Open for Enrollment

Figure Drawing Academy: Enrolling Now!

Receive a video lesson each week: Reference photos and practice videos included! 6 week course with community access.
$165 Video Course

Foundations of Drawing Live Class

Wednesdays 6-8 pm CT
April 12th - May 31st, 2023
8 Week Class
$425 In-Studio Includes materials
$400 Virtual Attendance

Portrait Painting from Life Weekend Workshop

Friday - Sunday 10am - 5pm CT
April 14th - 16th, 2023
Study alongside Lacey & friends for this art filled weekend.
$375 includes all materials

Master Portrait Copies Live Class

Wednesdays 12:30 - 2:30pm CT
April 19th - May 24th 2023
6 Week Class
$350 In-Studio Includes materials
$300 Virtual Attendance

Work smARTer when studying art at home with
On-Demand Video Classes!

Maintain consistent progress through free and affordable video courses created for your ability level!

No more plateaus or feeling aimless or stuck.

Find the course for your level and goal, with options for feedback and help from a professional artist.

See Video Courses

FREE Sketching Video Course

If you can't draw a stick figure, you need a little guidance for how to even get started drawing, and you have paper and a pencil, then you're ready to start the challenge! Get 5 free sketching lessons including reference photos.

Start Drawing!

Learn From a Professional Artist Who Didn't Go to Art School

When I was 15, I knew I wanted to be an artist.

At 16, I became a mother.

I wouldn't say that motherhood prevented me from going to art school, but it did force me to think critically about the decision. I graduated from high school with the rest of my class, and went on to get my Associates in Studio Art, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

However, I found that the instruction I found in college wasn't teaching me what I really wanted to know: How to paint and draw realistically. And being a mother meant my priorities dictated that I should not go into an incredible amount of debt to 'find myself' in a 4 year art school somewhere.

So instead, I dedicated every evening from 8pm until midnight to painting, seeking out feedback from artists I admired, and researching methods of art instruction from the French Academy to Golden Age Illustration. I created my own art education, and I can guide you through yours!

Check out Lacey Swift's art website.

Be the first to know about new classes and freebies!

Newsletters go out each Tuesday and include video tutorials, free PDFs and challenges, and info about upcoming events. We value your privacy.