The reason I say take a class is because you need to go through the process of having a critique- which is just basically other artists ripping you a new one in a 'positive' manner. It works. Very well. You learn the difference between art and crap.You learn how to improve yourself amd your art. People will flame me for this and say "art is subjective" but seriously- there is a difference and it shows.
Being a trained artist myself, I can tell you I had talent, but nothing compared to how I am now. It helps you grow as an artist. Most self-taught artists don't survive. I can only think of one that did- Howard Finster- and it only worked because it was folk art.
Van Gogh, Gauguin, Monet, ( I could go on for forever) etc.- all took classes...