If you live in the USA and want to learn art in a supportive, flexible way, studying with a UK distance learning college can be a wonderful option. At the London Art College, we welcome students from across the United States who are looking for structure, guidance, and a gentle route into drawing or painting—without the pressure of attending classes or keeping to strict deadlines.
Many of our American students begin with no experience at all. Others return to art after years away and simply want a friendly, encouraging tutor to help them grow. Whatever your starting point, distance learning makes it easy to study from home, work through projects at your own pace, and enjoy developing your skills. If you’re brand new to art, our Drawing and Painting Course is a friendly and reassuring place to start.
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Why American students choose a UK art college
Students in the USA tell us they appreciate the slightly different teaching style that UK art colleges offer. British art education has a long tradition of structured drawing, observation, and clear step-by-step learning – all of which help beginners build confidence.
Other reasons US students choose to study with us include:
- No pressure or deadlines
- Calm, reassuring teaching
- Personal tutor feedback, not just videos
- Flexible scheduling that fits busy lives
- Also a clear pathway into drawing and painting
It’s also a lovely way to connect with a different artistic tradition without travelling abroad.
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How distance learning works when you’re studying from the USA
Everything is designed to be simple and accessible, wherever you’re based. Here’s how the process usually works.
No time zones or live lessons
There are no live classes to attend, so time differences don’t matter. You can study the written courses in the morning, the evening, or whenever your day allows.
Accessing your course
Once you enrol, you’ll receive access to our secure online student area. You can download your course notes, read through your assignments, and begin whenever you’re ready.
Submitting your artwork
You simply photograph or scan your work and upload it through the platform. Your tutor will review your submission and provide detailed, helpful feedback in return.
Support from a real tutor
All of our tutors are practising artists with a genuine passion for teaching. Their feedback is personal, constructive, and focused on helping you improve.
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Payments from the USA
This is one of the questions we’re asked most often—and fortunately, it’s very straightforward.
- All course fees are listed in GBP (pounds sterling).
- When you pay, your bank or card provider automatically converts the fee into USD.
- You don’t need to calculate anything or take any extra steps.
- Most American debit and credit cards work normally.
It’s as simple as buying something online from another country.
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What you need to get started
You don’t need a studio or specialist materials to begin. Most students start with:
- a sketchbook
- a few pencils
- an eraser
- a pencil sharpener
You can find everything you need at US art shops such as Michaels or Blick, or through online retailers. This makes it easy to start small and build your art kit gradually. Many students in the USA also begin with the Coloured Pencil Course, as it works beautifully with a simple, inexpensive art kit.
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Courses that American students often choose
Students in the USA tend to choose courses that offer clear direction, practical skills, and a comforting sense of progression. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Beginners’ Drawing – a gentle, supportive introduction to the foundations of drawing.
- Coloured Pencil – widely loved by US hobby artists, especially for animal, bird, and botanical subjects.
- Drawing with Pens – excellent for sketchbooks, journalling, and travel sketching.
- Pet Portraits – ideal for practising fur texture, eyes, and realistic detail; also great preparation for wildlife art.
- Botanical Painting – a calming course for learners who enjoy detail, plants, and natural subjects.
- Landscape Painting – Our Landscape Painting course is wonderful for depicting national parks, coastlines, and outdoor scenes across the USA.
These courses are beginner-friendly and include personalised tutor guidance at every stage.
You can explore the full range of options on our Art Courses page, where every course includes personal tutor feedback.
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What studying from home often looks like
Many of our US students study:
- at the kitchen table
- during quiet moments in the evening
- on weekends when they have a little more space
- in small apartments where they don’t have room for large setups
- while juggling work, school, or family commitments
Distance learning fits comfortably into daily life, which is also why it’s such a popular option for adults who want to learn without pressure.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to attend live classes?
No, all learning is self-paced, so you can study on your own schedule.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. On completion, you’ll normally receive a London Art College Certificate or Diploma.
Do you send art materials?
No, you simply purchase your own materials locally.
How long do courses take?
You usually have up to two years, but there are no deadlines and no pressure to rush.
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How to enrol from the USA
Getting started is simple:
- Choose your course
- Enrol online
- Receive login details
- Start whenever you’re ready
- Submit your first assignment when you feel comfortable
If you’re looking for a flexible, encouraging way to learn art from home in the USA, we’d be delighted to welcome you as a student; our Study Art Online from the USA page explains how enrolment, payments and distance learning all work step by step. Why not also read our other blog post about how to study from Australia.
FInally we hope you have enjoyed reading our How to Study Art Online from the USA with a UK Distance Learning College. Why not Browse Our Online Art Courses:
https://www.londonartcollege.co.uk/art-courses/
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