If anyone is interested HP is offering free online classes. I have been taking classes for years and have been quite happy with them, especially considering the price. I am mentioning these here on DA because they have recently expanded the lineup of hardcore nerd classes to include graphic arts. I have not tried any of the graphics classes yet so I am not sure if they are for beginners or more advanced or both but it may be worth checking out. The classes are all free but they do require you to sign up and give a valid email address. They will mail you once in a while but you can opt out if you wish, I didn't because they don't spam me to death and I like to know when they add new classes. You don't need any special software and the classes are helpful not just giant advertisements.

If interested, you can sign up here. [link]

In case I did the link wrong--> [link]