At Drawing New York, artists of all ages and skill levels can find a creative outlet that enhances their skills. In the Instructed Figure Drawing Workshop, students learn essential approaches to drawing the human form. The class starts with the instructor providing a brief demonstration of a few different techniques before everyone gets to try their hand at recreating the live model’s image on their own sketchpad. Another popular option is the Elements of Drawing class, which focuses more deeply on different sketching techniques. This class provides students with a variety of still lives as examples to work off of. The class begins with a brief exploration of different artists and their unique styles before spending two hours on their sketches. Students can also share their work at the end of class (only if they want to) to learn what they did well and where they can improve.
Students who prefer painting to sketching can check out one of their beginner-friendly painting classes, like the Painting in Central Park workshop. In this course, participants will paint the Bethesda Fountain while sitting en plein air on the Bethesda Terrace. They’ll learn from artist Gavin Snider as he shares his approach for using watercolors to paint a complex scene with precision and detail. He’ll share tips for layering paint, creating light and shadow, and which tools are best for capturing people, architecture, and landscapes. Many of the workshops at Drawing New York require students to bring their own supplies, so be sure to check the registration details before attending your class.
Former Drawing New York students have largely positive things to say about their experiences. Many people report returning for multiple classes due to the positive and relaxing atmosphere (and the delicious complimentary cookies). A lot of reviews state that the instructors do a good job of supporting beginners as well as challenging those with more experience. The instructors are frequently described as professional, engaging, and patient.
Recommended: Best drawing classes in NYC
Recommended: Best art classes in NYC
Recommended: Best painting classes in NYC