Figure Drawing Classes NYC

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Discover the Best Figure Drawing Classes in NYC

Living in New York City, you encounter people constantly. In a city that never sleeps, it can be easy to miss the unique features and aspects of people that you encounter daily. Crowds of people may even appear as meaningless shapes after a while, lacking all meaning and form. Luckily, figure drawing can help artists of all abilities recognize the beauty and nuance of the humanity around them. Figure drawing practices mirror the slow observation and rhythm of mindfulness and other forms of meditation, allowing students to reconnect with their environments and communities by sketching the musculature and unique features of diverse models in varying postures. 

Why You Should Learn Figure Drawing in NYC

Figure drawing is the perfect pastime for anyone living in a large urban space. While cities like New York foster busy and fast-paced lifestyles, figure drawing encourages artists of all experience levels a chance to slow down and create something beautiful and unique. Professionals with high-stress jobs use figure drawing and other forms of artwork to unwind after a busy day or engage in a different skill set. Others may use figure drawing to process the complex emotions that emerge throughout the work day and to recenter their priorities and goals. 

Figure drawing also brings people together. Whether sketching a model in a large studio with other artists or refining your skills through a live online course in the comfort of your home, figure drawing connects you to a larger community of artists worldwide. If you are considering pursuing a career in figure drawing, this also may be an excellent opportunity to build your professional network and explore potential pathways to launching your career.

In-Person Figure Drawing Classes & Schools in NYC

There is no one right way to represent the human body in art. Consequently, artists at every level can find a class that will best suit their creative needs and goals. Before selecting one class format over another, consider the following questions:

1. Do you have and know the tools and techniques needed to create your desired artwork? 
2. Would I prefer a structured course or freeform sketching and studio time? 
3. How intense do you want your classes to be? Are you looking for a casual setting with food, friends, and fun or are you looking for a more serious environment to refine your craft? 
4. How much time and money do you have to spend on this class? 

Students that thrive in community-based spaces with formal instruction gravitate to in-person classes. Frequently led by a trained instructor in an environment designed to cultivate creative energy and promise, in-person figure drawing classes are a great way for many students to build their artistic skills and communities on a set schedule. Almost every art school offers classes that cover every technical skill level in different media. The most critical choice for a student to make is to identify the school and location that will prepare them for success.

New York City is a space known for its connections to the arts. Unsurprisingly, many art schools provide figure drawing and artwork-focused classes. Located in the heart of Central Park, 92nd Street Y hosts over 4,000 classes in art, exercise, travel, theater, and other forms of continuing education. Relevant to artists wishing to broaden their figure drawing skills, 92nd Street Y offers several classes covering topics such as Figure Drawing, Oil Painting for Absolute Beginners, and Figure Drawing and Portrait Construction classes. Accessible for all skill levels, these small classes give artists a guided opportunity to work on their depiction of gestures and poses using live models. Discover how the instructors at 92nd Street Y have inspired students to embrace their creative side for over 150 years. 

In-person classes allow students to intimately engage with the historic settings, techniques, and themes of classical art in a modern setting. Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, the New York School of the Arts uses national and international partnerships with artists and other art organizations to create a holistic art education for its students. Students can broadly explore and expand their creative side through art history, studio practice, and art business classes. More advanced students can even apply for the school’s study abroad program to learn from professionals around the world. The New York School of Arts offers a range of classes related to figure drawing, including its popular Drawing: Anatomy and Artistry, Drawing: the Figure, Figure Painting, and Portrait Painting Classes. These classes are accessible for all artistic skill levels and most ages. Artists learn important skills such as capturing the features, expressions, and personalities of live models. Advanced artists will also appreciate opportunities to expand their skills through classes like The Figure in Space, Sculpture: The Human Form, and Figure: Painting the Model in Costume. Through these classes, students can work with new media and receive regular critiques of their art. 

Artists looking for pathways to work with live models and build their artistic communities without always being enrolled in an instructed class should consider Drawing New York. Across the street from the historic Gramercy Park, Drawing New York prides itself on helping students of all skill levels make “real and tangible progress” in their craft. Newer artists can enjoy casual yet structured instructor-led courses like Introduction to Drawing for Beginners and Instructed Figure Drawing. Both classes feature demos and opportunities for individual practice. After mastering the basics, many students continue developing their craft through uninstructed figure drawing courses with live models, such as Long Pose Figure Drawing and Weeknight Figure Drawing. These sessions are an exceptional opportunity for artists on a budget to refine their skills and create beautiful pieces in a community-based environment. 

While many studios offer classes that younger artists can take, One River School stands out among art programs by tailoring classes to age groups. Watch your kindergarten through second-grade children explore their creative side through drawing, sculpting, and printmaking through multimedia courses like Kids Art Shuffle and Kids Focus on Making. Third through fifth-grade students can build their drawing skills through Kids Focus on Cartooning, Kids Art Focus: Drawing, and Learn to Draw Realistically: The Portrait workshops. Are you looking for a way to help your teenager build mindfulness practice while learning a creative skill? Check out engaging One River School classes like Teen Art Focus: Drawing, Teen Focus: Manga, Sketch Series, and Learn to Draw Realistically: The Portrait. Through their workshop and programming, One River School works to create an environment where innovative students can find success and build meaningful relationships with like-minded peers. 

Virtual Figure Drawing Classes & Schools

Are you feeling inspired to take a figure drawing class but reluctant to add to your long commute? Consider enrolling in a live online figure drawing class! Virtual classes allow talented instructors to lead students through basic and advanced drawing techniques in the setting of their choice. Don’t feel limited to classes in your area or travel to new cities to take a class with one of your favorite artists. Virtual courses connect students to instructors, models, and other artists nationally and internationally. 

New artists may be hesitant to enroll in a class, especially if these opportunities require students to buy materials and establish their studio. Luckily, many live online figure drawing classes come with lists of recommended tools and accessories to help set you up for success. Many of these classes require items that most students already have around the house or will be useful to them in the long run. Many Coursehorse classes even send students more difficult-to-access materials so that all participants will have the necessary materials to complete their course. 

Are you trying to figure out the best figure drawing class for your skill level and budget? Doing your research can go a long way in helping you pick the right class. For example, novice artists looking for a welcoming environment to refine their skills may want to enroll in The Art Studio NY’s Free Fear Courses, such as their Beginner’s Drawing 101 or Beginner’s Comic and Cartoon Drawing classes. Instructors leading these classes recognize that many students find starting a new hobby intimidating. To counteract their student’s anxiety, these instructors work to build a fun and supportive environment where everyone can succeed. Students can use these classes to prepare for The Art Studio NY’s Advanced Drawing course or the Evanston Art Center’s Figure and Nature Drawing/Painting classes. All of these classes work to help students engage and further define their inner artists. 

Private Group Figure Drawing Classes in NYC

Are you looking for a fun team-building activity that will help your team destress while learning an important skill? Consider checking out one of CourseHorse’s figure drawing classes for private groups in NYC. 

Coursehorse hosts multiple media classes in person and online, allowing you to choose which learning format will work best for your group. In-person classes cover topics such as Painting and Potting Succulents, Sneaker-Painting, and Glass-Etching. Groups looking to stay closer to their headquarters or allow their employees to work from home can also opt for live online art classes. Students rave about the opportunity to sketch still lifes, landscapes, faces, and other stationary figures through the Virtual Group Drawing & Sketching Class. Pet-loving employees will cheer to have the opportunity to spend more time with their favorite four-legged friends through the Virtual Pet Portrait Classes. Just finish a big project? Consider treating your staff to a bit of fun and play with the Virtual Cartooning and Doodling Workshop. Many group classes require only basic materials such as pens, pencils, and paper. CourseHorse will provide participants with materials for most courses that require anything beyond regular household materials. 

Businesses can also work with CourseHorse to host classes on topics that are not currently listed. Reach out through CourseHorse’s contact page to learn more about creating custom themes or skill demonstrations for your employees’ classes. Accommodating anywhere from 30 to 250 students, CourseHorse’s classes can be streamed on multiple platforms with no booking fees. Groups can even change their size after booking if needed! Help your employees explore their creative side by enrolling in a CourseHorse class today.