Discover the Best Sketching Classes in Los Angeles
Sketching can be done as a fun hobby or more seriously as part of the drawing process. These free-hand drawings are not only done by professional artists, but also by designers, architects, and scientists who need to sketch out plans, concepts, and systems. Sketches are often done while observing subjects like people, animals, and inanimate objects. Beginning artists also sketch a lot to help develop their drawing style and improve their understanding of things like proportions, movements, and depth.
When you sketch purely using lines, you’re creating a line drawing. These sketches may sound simple, but they’re effective at demonstrating mood, movement, structure, and dimension. Shading a sketch adds light and shade to your piece.
Sketching is a very accessible form of art. You can get started with a pen, pencil, and paper. More experienced artists will spend more money on materials, but that’s not necessary for beginners. You can learn to sketch on your own, or you can take a class led by an artist who will teach you about the fundamentals of drawing and how to work with different mediums.
Why You Should Learn Sketching in Los Angeles
Learning how to sketch can improve your physical and mental health. Your hand-eye coordination will improve the more you sketch. Sketching is often done while observing a subject, which means that your brain needs to focus on both observing the subject and sketching it. This also allows you to improve your ability to focus for long periods and your attention to detail.
As you sketch more, you’ll be better able to convey mood and emotion in your drawings. Practicing can help you get in touch with your feelings and emotions. Because art does not require you to speak, you’ll learn to nonverbally communicate through your art. This makes art a good form of expression for people who are shy or introverted.
Sketching is relaxing. You don’t have to follow rules when sketching and can essentially sketch whatever you’d like. Sketching can be done at your own pace and using whatever materials you have on hand. However, if you’d like to take sketching more seriously, you can take a class taught by an expert in the Los Angeles area. Instructors have experience with and knowledge about sketching that they can impart to you.
In-Person Sketching Classes in Los Angeles
There are in-person sketching classes taught at schools and studios in and around Los Angeles. In-person classes are the ideal learning method if you learn best with hands-on instruction. You’ll be guided through various sketching techniques and receive tips from an expert. They’ll also provide you with feedback and can give you constructive criticism to help improve and further develop your art style.
Los Angeles is known for its animation industry. If that interests you, you can take a class to learn how to draw comic book and cartoon characters at Los Angeles City College in East Hollywood. You don’t need experience to take this class, although experienced participants will be able to further develop their characters. Bring a pencil, pad of paper, and eraser to your first class, and be ready to learn important drawing techniques like linear perspective, proportions, and line of action.
Pastimes for a Lifetime offers a class in using charcoal to sketch and draw. Charcoal is a popular medium that can help you create unique sketches. In their beginner-level class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of this classic medium as you create sketches and illustrations. Once you’ve taken the beginner-level class, you can sign-up for their intermediate-level charcoal drawing class. The intermediate class picks up where the beginner-level class leaves off, with a focus on developing your measuring, sketching, and shading skills using more challenging subjects.
Virtual Sketching Classes
If none of the in-person sketching classes offered in the Los Angeles area fit your schedule or meet your interests, check out the virtual sketching classes available to you remotely. A live instructor will teach your class. Although it’s an online class, they will still offer demonstrations and go in-depth on sketching techniques and the use of various mediums.
Your class may be taken from anywhere with a stable internet connection, such as your home. You’ll want to ensure that the environment is free of interruptions and conducive to attending an online class. Remote classes place the responsibility of procuring all necessary materials on you, so be sure to check the supply list provided by your instructor ahead of the class. Most if not all these materials can be found at your local art or hobby store. Look at specialty stores and online retailers for any hard-to-find items.
If you’re new to drawing, sign up for The Art Studio NY’s class Fear-Free Beginner’s Drawing 101. Your instructor understands that you may doubt your ability to sketch and draw, so they’ve structured this class to help you get over any negative feelings you have toward creating art, like fear and embarrassment. This online space serves as a no-judgment zone where you can receive individual feedback.
Chelsea Drawing & Painting Workshops offers a Zoom class for people of all skill levels who’re interested in still-life drawings and painting. In Fundamentals of Drawing & Painting, you and other participants will start the process of creating a still-life. If you’ve ever wondered how to go from a sketch to a drawing and then painting, this class is for you. You’ll also learn how to read a painting and appreciate art.
If you can’t make Pastime for a Lifetime’s charcoal drawing class, they also offer an online version. In Online Drawing with Charcoal 101, you’ll learn about the fundamentals of working with charcoal remotely. They also offer a class that teaches how to draw with gray colored pencils.
Private Group Sketching Classes in Los Angeles
Is your company looking to book a sketching class for employees as a relaxing team-building activity? Or are you and your friends looking for something to do this weekend? CourseHorse offers private group sketching classes they can deliver to you.
CourseHorse offers a virtual drawing and sketching class for groups. This class will help you understand the fundamentals of drawing. This class can be taken as a one-off experience in sketching, or you can take these fundamentals with you and apply them to future art projects.
Groups with an interest in comic books and cartoons can book a cartooning and doodling workshop. This 90-minute private class will give your group hands-on experience in creating cartoon characters. You’ll each develop your drawing styles as you learn the fundamentals of cartooning and doodling. At the end of the class, your group will have learned a fun drawing style.
If you’re interested in more sketching classes that CourseHorse can offer you, contact CourseHorse through the contact form on their website. They can help you find a class that fits your group’s needs and interests. This can range from casual to more serious sketching classes.
CourseHorse classes can accommodate a wide range of group sizes. If you don't know your final headcount upon booking, you can provide them with the minimum group size so that they’ll hold your date, and then update the number later. CourseHorse does not charge booking fees, but you can customize your class for an additional fee. You may also cancel your class for free up to two weeks before it is to take place. CourseHorse accommodates Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WebEx, and Google Meets. They recommend using Zoom, however.