A community for digital artists
Share your work, get real feedback, and learn the skills you’ve been missing; alongside artists going through the same thing.
trusted by over 9,000 students
Inside The Community
Real conversations, real people
This is what it actually looks like inside the Academy – every day.
Shareena Griscom
1d
I really value being able to ask live questions during the events, and I also really appreciate when you direct us to the pre-recorded content that would answer our question. I haven’t gone all the way through the tutorials yet so having some help digging through the material for specific things is really nice.
Bartek
8h
Really enjoying the lessons so far, kinda bummed that I didn't enroll earlier and was doing some other courses 😀
Niklas Isberg
3h
I like your tutorials and getting feedback, but I gotta say, DPA community is something I’ve never had before. People helping out each other and sharing tips and tricks is just art community at it’s finest. I’ve tried finding my kinda peeps locally but glad I found this. 🙂
Mina Bekker
12h
Today I reached my 30-day streak, and I think that’s the first time in my life that I’ve stayed consistent for so long — not counting overthinking and beating myself up over failure, because that is something I’m very consistent with. But today, I want to focus on what I accomplished. I made 74 illustrations in that time: 35 anatomy studies, photo studies, my hand challenge, my own artwork of my characters, work from the Learning Path, and more.
Sarah M.
2d
Can we talk about how supportive this community is? I posted a piece I almost deleted because I hated it, and three people pointed out things I didn't even notice I was doing well. That changed my whole week.
Lucilla N
5h
Celebrating my nonconsistent markings 🤣 and the full effort behind it... Today, I’m spontaneously celebrating a total of 158 days at the academy. For me, that means 120 days when I actually showed up […] My streak is rather whimsy, considering I have two small children, run two businesses, and try to keep the house in order, work out three times a week, and meet up with friends whenever I can. And I do not count the days I was not able to show up, because I spend already more than 4-6 hours drawing to finish some client order. I did make a firm deal with myself to be here every single day- and than life happened! I will not have the full green field and that is OK. SOOO This is a shoutout for everyone who is going for it despite of everything😘
Jasmin Bomm
1d
Hello everyone, I'm Jasmin and I just joined DPA after completing the OWC Challenge. I've had an on-again, off-again relationship with art for my whole life, but…
Carlos M.
6h
I don't know what "Art Habit Circles" are. What are they?
Shareena Griscom
1d
I really value being able to ask live questions during the events, and I also really appreciate when you direct us to the pre-recorded content that would answer our question. I haven’t gone all the way through the tutorials yet so having some help digging through the material for specific things is really nice.
Bartek
8h
Really enjoying the lessons so far, kinda bummed that I didn't enroll earlier and was doing some other courses 😀
Niklas Isberg
3h
I like your tutorials and getting feedback, but I gotta say, DPA community is something I’ve never had before. People helping out each other and sharing tips and tricks is just art community at it’s finest. I’ve tried finding my kinda peeps locally but glad I found this. 🙂
Mina Bekker
12h
Today I reached my 30-day streak, and I think that’s the first time in my life that I’ve stayed consistent for so long — not counting overthinking and beating myself up over failure, because that is something I’m very consistent with. But today, I want to focus on what I accomplished. I made 74 illustrations in that time: 35 anatomy studies, photo studies, my hand challenge, my own artwork of my characters, work from the Learning Path, and more.
Sarah M.
2d
Can we talk about how supportive this community is? I posted a piece I almost deleted because I hated it, and three people pointed out things I didn't even notice I was doing well. That changed my whole week.
Lucilla N
5h
Celebrating my nonconsistent markings 🤣 and the full effort behind it... Today, I’m spontaneously celebrating a total of 158 days at the academy. For me, that means 120 days when I actually showed up […] My streak is rather whimsy, considering I have two small children, run two businesses, and try to keep the house in order, work out three times a week, and meet up with friends whenever I can. And I do not count the days I was not able to show up, because I spend already more than 4-6 hours drawing to finish some client order. I did make a firm deal with myself to be here every single day- and than life happened! I will not have the full green field and that is OK. SOOO This is a shoutout for everyone who is going for it despite of everything😘
Jasmin Bomm
1d
Hello everyone, I'm Jasmin and I just joined DPA after completing the OWC Challenge. I've had an on-again, off-again relationship with art for my whole life, but…
Carlos M.
6h
I don't know what "Art Habit Circles" are. What are they?
Monthly
9000+
Joined the community
400+
Video lessons
Monthly
Live Workshops
24/7
Peer feedback & support
Why Paintable exists
Artists have to work hard to reach their goals. Think about everything you have to learn just to get a piece to look right: anatomy, lighting, color theory, composition, brushwork — and that’s before you even start building your own style.
And even when you get decent at all these things…
You’re still limited by time. And the gap between where you are and where you want to be feels impossibly wide.
You’ve watched the tutorials. You’ve followed the courses. You’ve practiced when you could. But something still feels missing…
“Why does my portrait still look off?”
“I’ve been following all these tutorials… Why am I not improving??”
“Some days I just don’t want to paint anymore.”
The underlying reason why it feels so hard isn’t the skill gap. It’s doing it completely alone.
When you’re painting alone, it feels isolating, and the loneliness adds weight.
You can watch another YouTube tutorial, you can buy another course, but wouldn’t it be easier to just ask someone who’s on the same journey?
Paintable was built as a place for artists like you to struggle, learn, and grow — together.
A community of artists just like you — not quite “there yet,” but refusing to give up.
Supportive, honest, and real. Being an artist is hard enough. Paintable makes the journey easier, more visible, and a lot less lonely. 
The challenge
Amanda had been drawing for years but felt completely stuck. She watched tutorials endlessly on YouTube but never felt like she was actually improving — and had no one to ask for honest feedback.
The result
After a few months in the DPA, Amanda found the missing pieces needed to create portraits she was proud of and finally understood what had been holding her back.
How it works
This isn’t just a course library. It’s a place to grow.
Most platforms only give you content. We give you both: a place to show up where growth happens naturally, and an extensive course library.
1
Show up with others
You don’t need discipline — you just need people who are showing up too. The community carries you when motivation doesn’t. Inside Paintable, artists log in, share what they’re working on, and keep each other going.
2
Share your work (especially the messy parts)
People share struggles, breakthroughs, and unfinished pieces. You get real feedback — not just likes. This is a place where “I’m not sure about this” is the most welcome thing you can say.
3
Small progress is still progress
Messy work beats no work. Done beats perfect. Trying beats waiting. That’s why we built the Daily 5 Challenge — just 5 minutes of drawing every day. It’s not about masterpieces. It’s about showing up, even when it’s rough. Over time, those small moments stack up — and when you look back, you’ll be amazed how far you’ve come.
4
Find people rooting for you
People know your name. They notice your progress. They’re going through the same thing. You’re not alone anymore. This is what actually changes things — having people in your corner.
“David’s teaching is amazing, but honestly? The community is what keeps me here. I’ve never felt so supported in my art journey.”
Mia L.
Student for 2 years
The challenge
Taryn knew she could "get somewhere" but the results never matched her vision. Frustration would kick in and soon after she would lose her motivation.
The result
Following a structured path and clear guidance helped her see the gaps in her work.
What's included
Here's what you get inside the DPA
Everything you need to grow as an artist — the lessons, the people, and the structure to actually follow through.
Structured Learning
- 400+ step-by-step video lessons (bite size)
- Beginner to advanced curriculum paths
- Anatomy, lighting, color theory, composition, and much more
- New lessons/workshops added every month
Community & Accountability
- Active community of artists (all levels)
- Art Habit Circles — We match you with a small accountability group biweekly
- Daily share threads with real feedback (not just 'nice!')
- Daily 5 Challenge — draw just 5 minutes a day
Feedback & Growth
- Monthly live painting sessions with David
- Paintover sessions — get specific, actionable feedback
- Real peer-to-peer engagement
- Actionable feedback with clear guidance
Resources & Tools
- Downloadable brush packs & reference libraries
- Process breakdowns of finished paintings
- Curated practice exercises for every skill level
- Mobile-friendly — learn anywhere
MEET DAVID
“I’ve been exactly
where you are”
I know the frustration of staring at your work and thinking, “why doesn’t this look right?” I know what it’s like to wonder if you’re even improving at all.
I spent years figuring things out on my own — the hard way. And what I eventually realized is that the missing piece wasn’t another tutorial or technique. It was having people around me who understood the struggle.
That’s why I built Paintable. Not as a course platform, but as the community I wish I’d had. A place where showing up matters more than being perfect. Where progress is celebrated — even when it’s messy.
I’m not here as some unreachable expert above you. I’m here as a professional artist who’s walked that path, made the mistakes, and found a way through—and now I help others do the same.
What we believe
Five truths we hold close
1
You're not behind — you're in it
That feeling of 'I'm not good enough yet' is part of the process. Not a sign to stop.
2
Everyone is figuring it out
Even the people you think are 'ahead' are still learning. This removes pressure and comparison.
3
Showing up matters more than being perfect
Messy work beats no work. Done beats perfect. Trying beats waiting.
4
Growth happens faster together
You improve more when people see your work, give input, and push you forward.
5
You can become the artist you want to be
Not overnight. But if you keep showing up, keep practicing, and stay in the right environment — you will get there.
The challenge
Miguel wanted to have skills he could use to improve his work and find the courage to explore more creative opportunities
The result
He found the strength and courage to showcase his work, and call himself an illustrator.
From our members
Real stories from artists just like you
“I’ve been struggling for some time to seriously start painting digitally. The Digital Painting Academy gave me the tools and approaches to finally jumping the border from traditional or half-digital to a complete digital workflow… without putting me in a strict corset that wouldn’t have fitted my life.”
“Thank you for putting together such an accessible and understandable program. I've learned more about digital art within a week of joining DPA than I was able to do in nearly two years of trying to make sense of random YouTube tutorials on my own.”
"I wanted to create more complex illustrations, work with light and shadows, textures and create nice compositions. I tried a few courses on Skillshare but there was no sense of community or people I could relate to. The DPA is way more engaging than a simple class because you’re really pushed to create your own art based on the ideas they share with you. Now, I have more confidence and a step by step process I can follow to create the things I want to create.”
“I’ve watched YouTube videos and read books, but there wasn’t a pathway to follow. It felt haphazard and I didn’t like what I was producing. So I’d just fizzle off and lose momentum. When I found Paintable I could tell there was a structure to the way David teaches. I like the short videos and how easy they are to follow.
“I got more out of this than I did in a full-semester class at university and didn't have to take out a loan to do it. The videos are amazing and in-depth, and the structure of the class is perfectly paced to take you through the process of painting without overwhelming you.”
"I really enjoyed the organized structure of the courses. The foundations and the modules for individual aspects such as hair, skin tones or anatomy made it easy to divide my studying time into smaller chunks. That really helps with the motivation to continue learning and painting!"
"I love the site and can't begin to tell you what a difference it's made for me. I went from 'I have an art degree' being the funniest joke I could tell to actually making work that looks good."
"I feel far more comfortable with digital painting now. I don't struggle with smooth blending and I've learnt lots of easy tips and tricks that make it easy to fix mistakes or to really push the drawing to the next level. Basically, I've learnt how to use technology efficiently to create beautiful paintings."
“Before joining The DPA, I felt like I was lacking those fundamental skills I needed. Since joining, I know how to manipulate layers in my art, and use the tools to my advantage to really bring out light, colors, shadow and contrast. It makes everything look more dramatic. Plus, I feel I have more discipline and I’m making art on a more regular basis.
“Art instructors aren’t always great at explaining their process. What is that brush doing, why did you do that stroke, what’s the purpose? I couldn’t follow their steps or express what my imagination was telling me to do. I was frustrated with the results of what I was making. I now have a methodology to refer back to. Before, I was using tools and effects randomly. Controlling colors was hard. I felt my work looked childish and dull.
I needed help breaking it down into a process. I was looking for a workflow that worked for me consistently. Colors, shadows… I wanted a way of thinking. Since joining the DPA, I feel like I’m getting a university education based on how thorough everything is. You walk away knowing the direction you need to go in so you can finish the work.
These extra goodies are included in your membership
Total worth of $433
Bonus 01
Art Habit Starter Kit
A 7-day program of daily guided drills and mindsets designed to help you finally make painting a natural part of your life. You’ll learn how to build lasting creative habits, stay consistent even on busy days, and feel your skills grow week by week.
Value of $97
Bonus 02
Brushes Megapack
My complete collection of custom brushes. With this megapack, you’ll cut down on repetitive tasks, explore new textures and effects, and bring more polish to your creative process. Gain instant access when joining.
Value of $139
Bonus 03
Finding Your Style
Develop a unique style in this workshop. I’ll guide you step-by-step to uncover the secrets of your favorite artist’s styles. You’ll clarify your artistic voice, gain direction in your work, and walk away with your personal “Style Map.”
Value of $197
Give It a Try—Totally Risk-Free (30-Day Guarantee!)
I genuinely believe you’ll love going through the Academy, just like the thousands of students before you who’ve seen real results.
But hey, I get it… not every course clicks with everyone.
That’s why I offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you dive in, complete the lessons, and give the exercises your full effort (but still feel like it’s not the right fit), I’ve got your back.
No hard feelings, no weird hoops to jump through 💛
You’re not just joining a course. You’re stepping into an environment designed to guide your progress.
Join the community for free for 7 days
Start your 7-day free trial. No charge today. $35/month after.
- 370+ video lessons – Get unlimited access to our ever-growing library of lessons
- Structured Path – Full access to our complete 5-Step Learning Path designed to teach every skill needed to paint from imagination.
- Monthly Workshops – Every month, get access to a brand-new workshop covering topics like: portraiture, landscape, character design, and more.
- Feedback & Support – Join a supportive community and get direct access to our mentors to ask questions.
- Art Habit Starter Kit – A step-by-step system of daily guided drills to help you finally make painting a natural part of your life. (Value $97, included free)
- Brushes Megapack – My complete collection of custom brushes. (Value $139, included free)
- Finding Your Style – Develop your artist style. (Value $197, included free)
Risk free 30-day money-back guarantee!
Cancel any time in 2 clicks.
The Missing Piece Isn’t Another Tutorial… It’s Support
How many times have you followed a tutorial… only to get stuck?
Without feedback or support, progress feels impossible.
That’s why the new Digital Painting Academy puts community first — combining step-by-step classes with professional guidance and accountability to actually reach your goals.
Do you ever feel like you’re putting in the effort, but not actually making progress with your art? 😫
- You’ve been drawing on and off for years, but your progress feels scattered or stuck.
- You dream of illustrating your own stories, characters, or even a comic — but never seem to finish.
- You fall into the trap of tweaking little details forever... and still hate the final result.
- You’ve tried YouTube tutorials, art challenges, and random classes, but they just left you feeling more confused.
- Deep down, you know you could do this — if only you had the right support and structure.
Time for a change! – It’s time to bring that passion project to life. Learn to draw from imagination, not just copy references. Create art that makes you proud to hit “share” — and finally feel like the confident, serious artist you were meant to be.
Is the Digital Painting Academy right for you? 🤔
- The Returning Artist – You haven’t stopped caring, you just stopped creating. Maybe it’s been months… or even years. Picking up your sketchbook again feels scary, and you worry you’re “rusty.” That’s exactly why the Academy’s step-by-step Learning Path exists — to rebuild your confidence without overwhelm.
- The Aspiring Illustrator – You dream of going pro, but it always takes a backseat. Between work, studies, or family, your art never gets the time it deserves. The Academy helps you build a creative habit that fits your life, so you can finally start taking your art seriously.
- The Hobbyist Who Wants More – You love drawing, but you haven’t finished anything in ages. You start, you stop, you tweak forever… and the joy fades. Inside the Academy, you’ll join monthly workshops, creative challenges, and a supportive community that gives you the accountability to actually finish.
Questions you might have about joining us…
Most art schools teach you how to draw. We teach you how to KEEP drawing. The Digital Painting Academy gives you a structured path, feedback, and an environment designed to guide your progress so you always know what to work on next.
The Digital Painting Academy (DPA) is an online membership designed to help you grow your digital art skills step by step. 🎨
Structured learning path: Progress from beginner to advanced with easy-to-follow tutorials and resources.
Personalized support: Get feedback on your work and connect with a supportive community of fellow artists.
Monthly workshops: Join live sessions to sharpen your skills (and don’t worry—everything is recorded, so you can revisit them anytime).
Learn at your own pace: Whether you have 5 minutes a day or a few hours a week, the academy fits your schedule.
By combining structured lessons, ongoing practice, and community support, DPA helps you build confidence and skill—from your very first brushstroke to professional-level artwork.
Inside the Digital Painting Academy, you’ll follow a step-by-step path that teaches you the essential skills of digital illustration in the right order—so you never feel overwhelmed.
Core fundamentals: Foundation skills, lighting theory, color theory, perspective, anatomy, and composition.
Digital mastery: Confidently use your painting software and tools while building your own creative workflow.
Subject variety: Portraits, characters, landscapes, animals, icons, and more—so you can paint anything you imagine.
Live workshops: Join monthly sessions to refine your skills, learn advanced techniques, and get real-time feedback.
The goal? To help you go from beginner to creating polished digital paintings from imagination in 12 months or less—while seeing noticeable progress in as little as 30 days. 🖌️
The DPA is best for beginner to intermediate level artists who are looking for a path to improve their skills, master their tools and software, and sharpen their workflow. You’ll pick up valuable lessons and techniques to help you grow and refine your digital painting skills.
Nope! DPA welcomes artists of all backgrounds and experience levels. 🎉 We’ll guide you through the basics and help you progress at your own pace, so you’ll never feel left behind.
Absolutely! The DPA’s bite-sized lessons (typically 5 minutes or less) make it easy to learn and practice, even with a busy schedule. 📚 Plus, our flexible learning paths let you progress at your own pace, so you can become a better artist without feeling overwhelmed. 👌
The Digital Painting Academy is different because it doesn’t just give you information—it gives you structure and support.
Step-by-step path: Learn the right skills in the right order, so you never feel lost or stuck piecing together random tutorials.
Community first: Join an engaged group of fellow artists who provide feedback, accountability, and moral support every step of the way.
Ongoing motivation: With monthly live workshops, interactive challenges, and a space to share your progress, you’ll stay inspired and consistent.
Instead of going it alone, you’ll be part of a proven system and a supportive community designed to help you make real, lasting progress in your digital art journey. 🥳
DPA is designed to keep you engaged and motivated! With our supportive community, and step-by-step learning path, you’ll find it easier than ever to stay consistent and see your skills grow. 🌱
We take all the confusing theories and information and turn it into ONE simple process you can follow to master the right skills in the right order. If you have a few minutes a day, you will make progress and an see an improvement in your paintings. (Plus, you’ve got 30 days to test that promise out for yourself with our money-back guarantee.)
While you will need a drawing tablet and digital painting software, DPA doesn’t require any specific tools or software. We’ll help you choose and master the tools that work best for you, so you can focus on your craft! 🙌
The classes are taught using Photoshop; however, according to our most recent survey, most DPA students primarily use other software. Procreate is used by 47% of students, Clip Studio Paint by 23%, Photoshop by 21%, and 19% use other tools such as Krita, GIMP, or Corel.
Here’s a testimonial from one of our students:
“I use Procreate and have no problems following the course. Many modules deal generally with the fundamentals, which are independent of the software. However, I had already worked with Procreate before the DPA, and I believe it is definitely an advantage if you know how to handle the software. If necessary, you can look everything up or ask the community 😎” – Ricarda
No worries! With our brand-new Digital Painting Academy app, the community is built right into your learning experience. You’ll be able to connect, share progress, and get feedback instantly—without juggling different platforms. 🎉
You’ll never be alone in your digital art journey. Inside the community, you’ll find encouragement, accountability, and answers to your questions from fellow artists—and direct guidance from a professional. In fact, David himself is in the community every day, ready to support you. 😊
📧 Just shoot us an email at [email protected]! Our friendly team is always happy to help with any questions!
Don’t Let Another Year Go By
If art is an important part of who you are, it deserves a place in your life.
I know how easy it is to let it slip when things get busy. But this part of you matters—it’s how you connect with your creativity, your joy, your sense of self. You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to keep going. And I’ll be here to help you along the way.
It’s not because you’re not trying—it’s because you’ve been doing it alone. Without a clear path, professional feedback, or a supportive space to grow, it’s easy to get stuck repeating the same mistakes.
The truth is, raw practice isn’t enough when you’re navigating this all on your own. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
