The 17 best painting classes in NYC

Home to world-renowned establishments like the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art, it’s no surprise that artists flock to New York City for education and inspiration. Whether you’re a total beginner looking to learn how to paint or an established artist hoping to brush up your skills and refine your technique, there’s definitely a class for you. The question is, how do you choose just one? It’s a good idea to start with the basics–what do you already know, and what are you hoping to learn? Knowing the style of art that interests you, whether abstract, portraits, or still life, will go a long way towards narrowing the options to courses that you’ll enjoy. You’ll also want to consider more practical factors, like budget and the length of the course, as well as doing a little research on the instructors at the school you hope to attend. Taking these steps before investing your money in a painting class will ensure you’ve selected a program that will help you achieve your artistic goals, whatever they may be.

When deciding what type of painting class you want to attend, it’s a good idea to start by narrowing it down to those that match your skill level. There are dozens of beginner-friendly options in NYC, like the Beginners Watercolor Painting in Central Park or the Beginners Oil Painting at The Art Studio NY. These classes teach participants basic techniques as they paint a wide range of subjects, including landscapes and still life. If you’re looking for more advanced instruction, you can check out the Intermediate/Advanced Oil Painting class at The 92nd Street Y. In this workshop, students focus on individual projects designed to challenge and improve their technical skills. 

Next, you’ll want to determine the type of painting you want to learn more about. If you have the means, you could purchase a few oil paints or a simple set of watercolors and experiment on your own before investing in a specific class. However, if you know the type of painting you prefer, there’s definitely a painting class that covers it. There are several classes that cater to watercolors, acrylic painting, and oil painting. You can also narrow your search based on the style of paintings you’ll produce, from still-life portraits to more abstract works. 

How much money you’re willing to spend is a crucial consideration before investing in a painting class, especially since many of them require students to purchase their own materials as well. When it comes to the cost of the class alone, a single session is anywhere between $30-$85 per person. These classes typically last for just a few hours and are designed to provide a very basic introduction. However, there are also longer classes for those who want a more comprehensive painting education. For example, Figure Painting at the New York School of the Arts is a three-week program that covers various styles of traditional and contemporary artists known for figure painting. This class costs $250 per person, and other painting classes that last for multiple weeks are priced similarly.

Before choosing which painting class you want to attend, it’s a good idea to check out the credentials of your potential instructor and the school itself. If you’re hoping to create art professionally, see if other established artists have attended the same school. Look at the instructor’s biography to see if they’ve had exhibits of their own work at well-known galleries or if they’ve had a lot of experience teaching. Along these same lines, you may want to read some reviews of the classes that interest you. Reading multiple reviews will help you identify any recurring themes or issues about the class, like whether the instructor is engaging or lackluster and if they seem able to answer questions and provide support to beginner students. Knowing these things will help you make a more informed decision that you can feel confident about.

Once you’ve selected which painting class to attend, there are still some ways you can ensure your experience is as positive and stress-free as possible. If your class requires students to bring their own materials, you’ll need to purchase these before the class begins. Most instructors will either send a supply list ahead of time via email or simply leave it in the course description for easy access. Some instructors will require very specific materials, while others will give a general idea of what to bring. If you have time, do some research to see which kinds of supplies are worth the money or which ones offer quality without breaking the bank. 

You might also want to do some additional research for inspiration so you have an idea of what you want to paint during your class. Some courses will teach students to paint the same thing, but others encourage students to explore their creativity and create whatever resonates with them. Other classes will require students to bring a photograph or an item from home, so be sure you’ve reviewed the course description carefully so you know what (if anything) you need to bring with you. On the day of the class, you’ll probably also want to wear clothes you can get messy in. This will help you feel more free to get in touch with your creativity without worrying about ruining a favorite outfit.

Painting classes are an excellent learning opportunity for a wide range of different people:

Aspiring artists

Those who are serious about pursuing a career as a professional painter would certainly find a painting class highly valuable. These classes provide professional guidance from experienced instructors so students can receive hands-on support as they explore their individual artistic styles. Attending a painting class also allows students to ask questions and network with peers and potential mentors. There is a Fundamentals of Drawing & Painting course at Chelsea Drawing & Painting Workshops. This program would be an excellent choice for someone with a goal of being an artist and who wants to learn more about different mediums. In this class, participants will learn techniques for using charcoal, paint, and oil pastels.

Couples

Couples looking to break out of the typical date night routine might find a painting class relaxing and enjoyable. Engaging in a new and creative process together breeds communication and teamwork, especially in a relaxing environment that encourages conversation and laughter. Couples can enjoy each other’s company while learning a new skill, and they’ll have a tangible memory of the evening once the painting class is over. The Art Studio NY offers a Paint and Sip Painting class multiple evenings a week. This two-hour workshop would make an excellent date, and participants can BYOB for additional fun and relaxation.

Coworkers

A painting class makes an excellent team building activity for groups looking to wind down and destress after a difficult day at the office. Teammates can get to know each other better and create lasting memories through an art class. Developing stronger and more positive relationships with colleagues can benefit an organization as a whole since improving bonds will increase morale and foster a more cohesive work environment. There are also plenty of paint and sip classes in New York City if you’re looking to add a little bubbly to the mix. Some of these classes are BYOB, while some include the price of wine or beer in the price.

If you’re looking for other classes that might provide you with a similar experience to a painting class, you can also check out some of the best drawing classes in New York City. A painter would likely feel comfortable in a drawing class because these skills rely on many of the same foundational concepts, like contrast, shading, and perspective. Learning some basic drawing skills can also help even the most experienced painter add additional detail to their work with more precision. Painters can also implement some drawing skills when sketching new ideas onto a canvas, saving time and resources. 

A painting class also bears some similarities to a photography class. Like painters, photographers focus heavily on their surroundings to enhance the overall composition of an image, so established skills like framing and balance would be useful in a photography course as well. Both activities also require a strong eye for detail, whether that’s to ensure the lighting and angles in a photograph are just right or selecting the perfect color and brush to create a lifelike image. People who enjoy painting will also likely appreciate the patience and practice it takes to become a proficient photographer. Painters could also use photography as a tool to improve their painting skills; they could use their photos as inspiration for still lifes and attempt to accurately recreate their pictures on a canvas.  

Finally, a painter might also enjoy a beginner-friendly pottery class. Though there are clear differences between these two art forms, there are enough similarities for a skilled painter to feel at home in a pottery class. They both encourage a great deal of creative expression and are highly hands-on, providing the artist a strong sense of satisfaction as they watch their art come to life before their eyes, whether it’s being painted on a canvas or built with clay on a potter’s wheel. Those who are skilled in painting might also appreciate getting to work with three-dimensional objects. And who knows? Creating their own ceramic pieces might help them improve their ability to render three-dimensional shapes in their paintings.

Here are the top NYC art classes for every student looking to sharpen their artistic skills, from beginner to advanced