I have belonged to several beginners groups, as well as advanced and self-learned tutorials.   My favorite tutorials are found at:  Rosie Hardman Tutorials  You'll find over 100 tutorials geared from beginner to more advanced.  Rosie's tutorials are more of a reality based object graphics.  I found lessons learned from her site very informative, satisfying to complete, and points learned have assisted me in my various endeavors. 

Here are just a few of the awards I have received in my "travels through learning". Click the link to go to that award gallery.