Many of us are looking for small, grounding hobbies at the moment, something calming, affordable and easy to pick up at home. Drawing or painting is one of the simplest ways to switch off for a little while, and you don’t need a studio or a big collection of materials to enjoy it.
Here are a few gentle ideas to help you start (or return to) art without stretching your budget.
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Why art is such a good ‘small hobby’ right now
Art doesn’t have to be perfect or complicated. A sketchbook and a pencil can be enough to create a little breathing space in the day.
People often tell us they enjoy art because it offers:
- A quiet moment away from screens
- A feeling of progress, even in short sessions
- Something that’s theirs – no deadlines, no pressure
It’s a simple, steady way to look after yourself.
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Starting art on a budget
You don’t need a huge kit. In fact, the simplest materials often help you stay focused without feeling overwhelmed.
A beginner-friendly kit might include:
- A sketchbook or pad of cartridge paper
- Two pencils (HB and 2B work nicely)
- An eraser and a sharpener
Optional extras – coloured pencils or a small pastel set can wait until you know what you enjoy.
Drawing is one of the most affordable creative hobbies, and small improvements come surprisingly quickly with a bit of regular practice.
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Online vs in-person: what actually saves money?
Weekly in-person classes can be lovely, but once you add travel, parking or public transport, and the pressure to attend regularly, they can become expensive.
Distance learning often works out more affordable because:
- You study from home at your own pace
- You’re not tied to weekly payments or attendance
- You can revisit your course materials whenever you like
- You can take breaks without losing your place
It’s a flexible option if you’re juggling work, family or simply want something steady and calm.
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What studying art online really looks like
You can start learning art from home with a small set of materials and whatever space you have — even a corner of the kitchen works beautifully.
If you’ve never taken an online art course before, it’s simpler than you might expect.
With the London Art College, you:
- Work through written course notes.
- Complete drawings or paintings at your own pace.
- Submit your coursework online.
- Receive friendly, constructive feedback from a tutor.
No deadlines, no rush, just gentle structure and supportive guidance whenever you feel ready.
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Choosing a course that feels achievable
If you’re new to art or returning after a long break, choosing something simple and confidence-building makes a big difference.
Many UK beginners enjoy:
- Beginners’ Drawing
- Drawing with Pens
- Coloured Pencil
- Pastels Certificate
- Illustration
All of these use straightforward materials and offer steady, manageable progress.
You can browse the full range of courses here:
https://www.londonartcollege.co.uk/art-courses/
Or take a look at the student gallery — it gives a very real sense of what coursework looks like:
https://www.londonartcollege.co.uk/student-gallery/
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Keeping costs low as you learn
A few simple habits help keep art affordable:
- Build your kit slowly
- Use both sides of paper for warm-ups
- Choose mid-range materials — cheap ones can be frustrating
- Don’t aim for perfection; aim for practice
Little and often is far more effective than waiting for perfect conditions.
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Ready to try a creative hobby that fits your life?
You don’t need to commit to a huge project. Just a sketchbook and a little time each week is enough to start feeling the benefits.
If you’re curious, have a browse through the courses or meet the tutors — you’ll get a sense of what might suit you.
- Browse all courses:
https://www.londonartcollege.co.uk/art-courses/ - Meet the tutors:
https://www.londonartcollege.co.uk/tutors/ - View the Student’s Galleries:
https://www.londonartcollege.co.uk/student-gallery/
Whether you’re picking up a pencil for the first time or returning to art after many years away, the London Art College is here to support you warmly and calmly as you rediscover your creativity — one drawing at a time.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is it expensive to start learning art from home?
No. You can begin with a small sketchbook, two pencils (HB and 2B), an eraser and a sharpener. As your confidence grows, you can slowly add extra materials such as coloured pencils or pastels.
2. What basic materials do I need for a beginner-friendly drawing kit?
A simple starter kit includes a sketchbook or cartridge paper, a couple of graphite pencils, a soft eraser and a sharpener. Optional coloured pencils are a nice extra, but not essential at the beginning.
3. Do I need a lot of space to study art at home?
Not at all. Many students work happily at the kitchen table or a small desk. As long as you have a flat surface, decent light and somewhere to keep your materials, you have enough space to get started.
4. How does a London Art College distance learning course work?
You receive clear course notes and projects to work through at your own pace. You complete drawings or paintings at home, submit your coursework online and receive friendly, constructive feedback from your personal tutor.
If you would like to receive a roundup of all of our blog posts once a week to keep you inspired in your inbox, why not sign up to our newsletter. You can access our sign up at the top of our page. If you are a London Art College student and you would like your artwork featured here, drop us a line at any time.
