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Drawing Classes NYC

Unleash your artistic side and master the art of drawing with a wide range of classes available in NYC. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, these courses offer expert instruction, helping you tap into your creativity and create stunning visual masterpieces.

65 classes have spots left

Drawing for Beginners

92nd Street Y @ 1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY

Discover the art of drawing with pencil, eraser, and paper in this introductory course at 92nd Street Y. Expert teachers will guide you through the fundamentals of art, including line, shape, shadow, and perspective. Perfect for aspiring artists looking to build a solid foundation in drawing.

(1060) Beginner 18 and older
$355

8 sessions

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Accelerated Introduction to Drawing

The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art @ 117 57th St., Brooklyn, NY

Discover the secrets of starting a drawing with confidence and improving your technique in this intensive class at The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this course will teach you the basic principles of light, shadow, and shading. Take the first step towards creating stunning artwork with this one-time opportunity.

(142) All levels 16 and older

Fundamentals of Drawing & Painting

Chelsea Drawing & Painting Workshops @ 321 W 24th St , New York, NY

Discover the timeless art of charcoal and pastel at Chelsea Drawing & Painting Workshops. Unleash your inner artist as you learn about the elements of visual language and how to analyze paintings for composition, value, and color. Plus, save $30 when you bring a friend along to join in on the creative journey.

(219) All levels 18 and older
$210

3 sessions

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Classical Drawing Workshop

ArtClassBklyn.com @ 98 Sterling St, Brooklyn, NY

Unlock the secrets of classical drawing techniques in a relaxed and supportive environment. This workshop will guide you through the fundamentals of contour and gesture drawing, helping you create lifelike renditions of the human figure. Join us at ArtClassBklyn.com for an immersive and enjoyable artistic experience.

(13) All levels 18 and older
$98

2 sessions

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Drawing 1.01 Drawing Basics

ArtClassBklyn.com @ 98 Sterling St, Brooklyn, NY

Learn the ACB Method of drawing from the basics to portraiture in a low-key, individualized setting. Explore contour and gesture drawing to create life-like renditions of the human figure without any pressure or grading. Join us at ArtClassBklyn.com for this immersive 12-class course.

(13) Beginner 18 and older
$597

12 sessions

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The Meditative Still Life

Chelsea Drawing & Painting Workshops @ 321 W 24th St , New York, NY

Discover the transformative power of art as a meditative activity in this beginner-friendly course. Explore the captivating world of still-life drawing and unlock the secrets of composition and design principles. Immerse yourself in the rich history of art and leave with a stunning masterpiece you'll be proud to display or gift.

(219) All levels 16 and older
$210

3 sessions

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Long Pose Figure Drawing & Painting

Chelsea Classical Studio @ 526 W 26th St, New York, NY

Learn the art of composition, proportions, and color in this figure drawing and painting class at Chelsea Classical Studio. Working from a live model, students will develop their skills in a direct alla-prima approach, focusing on draftsmanship, values, and color mixing. All levels are welcome to join this hands-on and immersive experience.

(263) All levels 16 and older

Portraiture - Drawing Faces

ArtClassBklyn.com @ 98 Sterling St, Brooklyn, NY

Learn the art of drawing faces in an individualized setting at ArtClassBklyn.com. Discover step-by-step techniques for drawing the human head in proportion using traditional and Loomis methods. With live and video demonstrations, this course provides the tools and resources to continue practicing at home.

(13) All levels 18 and older
$299

6 sessions

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Beginner Intuitive Painting: The Vedic Art Method

NYC School of Creativity @ 131 E 10th St, New York, NY

Unleash your creativity and trust your artistic instincts in a safe and non-judgmental space. Learn the principles of Vedic Art, a hands-on method that allows you to create art from your heart. All levels are welcome!

(207) All levels 16 and older

Beginner Drawing + Illustration Techniques for Adults

Creatively Wild Art Studio Dumbo @ 98 Water St, Brooklyn, NY

Discover the fundamentals of drawing and illustration in this comprehensive course designed for adult beginners. Perfect for those in film, fashion, or graphic design, you'll enhance your skills in composition, proportion, and perspective using various drawing techniques. Develop confidence and hone your artistic eye in a supportive studio environment.

(179) Beginner 18 and older

Learning Art through Creating Art

Chelsea Drawing & Painting Workshops @ 321 W 24th St , New York, NY

Unleash your creativity and explore the world of art through hands-on creation. Develop your artistic skills and techniques in a supportive environment with expert guidance.

(219) Beginner 16 and older

Getting Started with Drawing

92nd Street Y @ 1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY

Discover the foundations of art with expert instruction at 92nd Street Y. Unleash your creativity as you embark on a journey through various mediums, including drawing, pastel, watercolor, and oil painting. All supplies are included, so you can focus on honing your skills and discovering your artistic passion.

(1060) Beginner 18 and older
$195

6 sessions

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Figure and Portrait Drawing Combined

92nd Street Y @ 1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY

Discover the art of rendering realistic figures and portraits in this engaging course that delves into anatomy and proportions. Utilize your favorite drawing medium to create lively drawings while honing your skills. Join online video conferencing sessions to work from live models and engage in class discussions and demonstrations.

(1060) All levels 18 and older
$315

8 sessions

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Painting and Drawing the Human Form: A Classical Approach

92nd Street Y @ 1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY

Learn the classical approach to painting and drawing the human form in this online course. Discover how to capture the human figure's structural landmarks and create a three-dimensional effect with depth of space. All levels of experience are welcome.

(1060) All levels 18 and older
$690

13 sessions

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Drawing and Painting Techniques: Charcoal

Chelsea Drawing & Painting Workshops @ 321 W 24th St , New York, NY

Discover the ancient beauty of charcoal drawing and painting at Chelsea Drawing & Painting Workshops. This beginner-friendly class will teach you the elements of the Visual Language and how to analyze and appreciate paintings in museums. Join with a friend to save $30!

(219) All levels 18 and older
$390

3 sessions

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Colored Pencils for Beginners

92nd Street Y @ 1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY

Unleash your creativity and bring your drawings to life with the surprisingly versatile medium of colored pencils in this beginner-friendly course at 92nd Street Y. Learn essential techniques for blending, shading, and more to create vibrant and expressive works of art in the comfort of your own home studio.

(1060) Beginner 18 and older
$355

8 sessions

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Figure Drawing

92nd Street Y @ 1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY

Develop your artistic skills in life drawing with expert instruction from professional artists at the 92nd Street Y. Master proportion, gesture, movement, and perspective while working with live models. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this course will enhance your drawing and painting abilities.

(1060) All levels 18 and older
$690

13 sessions

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Colored Pencils (Intermediate/Advanced)

92nd Street Y @ 1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY

Take your colored pencil skills to new heights and create dimensional drawings that come to life! Refine your technique and artistic voice in this intermediate/advanced course at the esteemed 92nd Street Y. Prerequisite: Colored Pencil for Beginners. A supplies list will be available.

(1060) Intermediate 18 and older
$355

7 sessions

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Drink and Draw

Q.E.D. @ 27-16 23rd Ave, Astoria, NY

Looking to connect with local artists and improve your drawing skills? Join us at Q.E.D. for a social event focused on figure drawing. No experience is necessary, just bring your own materials and prepare for a fun evening of creative exploration with a unique theme and plenty to drink!

(252) All levels 21 and older

Drawing Improvement Through Bargue Copying

The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art @ 117 57th St., Brooklyn, NY

Master the art of drawing and bring your skills to the next level at The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art. Discover the secrets of light, shadow, and form through the revered Charles Bargue master drawings. This hands-on class will sharpen your eye and teach you effective drawing techniques that will leave you amazed at your progress.

(142) All levels 16 and older
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Reviews for Drawing Classes in NYC

Drawing Classes in NYC are rated 4.6 stars based on 2,335 verified reviews from actual CourseHorse.com purchasers.

  • Fundamentals of Drawing & Painting

    Reviewed by Naomi B. on 3/14/2024
    Very relaxing introduction to drawing! The instructor is also very knowledgeable as well!
  • Accelerated Introduction to Drawing

    Reviewed by Sharise S. on 3/11/2024
    Very informative and beautiful space, makes you motivated to draw and feel out your own skills. James the instructor was so kind and made my sister and I feel right at home and help with drawing pointers. Best art class by far with demonstrations and kind words thay push us to be better.
  • Drink and Draw

    Reviewed by Megan F. on 3/8/2024
    Loved this class. It was fun and low pressure. I’ll definitely go back.
  • Accelerated Introduction to Drawing

    Reviewed by Albert D. on 3/7/2024
    James was among the best teachers I’ve ever had - patient, passionate, and devoted. Was such a pleasure to take his class!
  • Accelerated Introduction to Drawing

    Reviewed by Abigail D. on 3/5/2024
    Incredible time! James genuinely works with each individual and meets them where they are at. I am an absolute beginner and felt comfortable leaning into the process and thoroughly enjoyed opening myself up to a new skill set!
  • Accelerated Introduction to Drawing

    Reviewed by Aeden Z. on 2/19/2024
    Passionate teacher, generous with time, answered questions
  • Beginner Intuitive Painting: The Vedic Art Method

    Reviewed by jay s. on 12/4/2023
    really enjoyed the class with Ingvild. This was my first time painting since middle school and I wanted a class that would help me understand the basics of painting. Ingvild is a great teacher. I also a blast meeting other students in the class. Highly recommend for both beginners like myself and more advanced students as the Vedic Art Method has different steps depending on the students experience
  • Accelerated Introduction to Drawing

    Anonymous review on 11/21/2023
    Great class - learned a lot in just one session, instructor is very passionate about his work and helping others to reach their potential. It’s a cool, welcoming space as well.
  • Portraiture - Drawing Faces

    Anonymous review on 11/18/2023
    The friendly and experienced instructor gave me the personal attention I needed.
  • Long Pose Figure Drawing & Painting

    Reviewed by David E. on 11/15/2023
    This class was very informative. Roy is a very patient and knowledgeable instructor. I would definitely recommend this class for any skill level.

Best Drawing Classes in NYC

Drawing is the art of creating beautiful pictures by hand or digitally. Physical drawing includes pencils, pens, erasers, and paper, while digital art uses design software to produce intricate styles. Learning how to draw in New York City can provide you with many benefits, including a new and exciting career. Thankfully, NYC drawing classes can help you master these skills to produce engaging and attractive artwork for yourself or your employer.

Why You Should Learn Drawing in NYC

Taking drawing classes in NYC can improve your life by helping you master a new and exciting skill. It’s not only potentially profitable but physically and mentally rewarding. For example, drawing can relieve anxiety by creating artwork that vents your frustrations. Studies show that creative arts relieve emotional troubles while improving a person’s hand-eye coordination. 

Even better, you can make money as an artist by selling your drawings or starting a new design career. These jobs include designing advertisements, creating new company logos, painting new billboard signs, producing website layouts, and animating cartoons. These fields let you create engaging artwork and provide ample compensation for your hard work. 

In-Person Drawing Classes & Schools in NYC

In-person drawing courses and schools in New York City provide beginner-friendly training and education for more advanced techniques. They include subjects like drawing lines and shapes, as well as shading and coloring your artwork. Each program includes small class sizes and hands-on support from a skilled professor who can provide personalized educational help. 

Furthermore, classes cover diverse subjects that focus on different aspects of drawing. For example, some teach realistic landscape drawing, while others focus on cartoon or manga artwork. In this way, you can choose an option that works the best for your needs. The following courses are some of the best in-person drawing classes and schools in NYC.

Accelerated Introduction to Drawing 

Accelerated Introduction to Drawing is a course by The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. It focuses on teaching you to draw quickly by utilizing a small class size. Typically, it tops out at about five people, giving you lots of personal time with the teacher.

During the course, you’ll learn how to draw straight lines, craft shapes, produce attractive designs, and shade your artwork. It’s designed as a sampler for the school and gives you an immersive experience over a two-hour study period. 

Students from 16 and up are welcome to attend this course. You’ll need to bring a sketchbook, pencils, and erasers, though the school may have some available at a low price. It’s a one-time session, meaning you’ll quickly learn art skills you can apply in other classes at the school.

Accelerated Portraiture Drawing 

Accelerated Portraiture Drawing by The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art includes a fast-paced environment similar to all introductory courses by this school. This session focuses specifically on creating portraits, including self-portraits. 

Subjects include constructing the face, proper facial proportions, bone identification, skull planes, and facial features. You’ll learn how to sketch and shade each of these sections to create an accurate portrait with depth and feeling.

This course works well for beginner, intermediate, and advanced artists because the professor adjusts their lessons based on your abilities and understanding. Class size is around five students, meaning you’ll get more than enough time to interact with the professor. 

Adult Focus on Drawing

Adult Focus on Drawing by One River School provides beginning and advanced drawing students an immersive educational experience. You’ll learn about line, tone, texture, composition, depth, perspective, and light in a hands-on environment. 

During each session, the skilled teacher provides tips and feedback to improve your artwork. They’ll teach you proper drawing form and discuss techniques that can enhance your work, such as cross-shading and using color to produce depth.

Class costs include all materials, including pencil, oil pastels, chalk pastels, ink, and colored pencils. You also take home any art you create, meaning you can either hang it in your home or sell it to others.

Teen Art Focus: Drawing (Grades 6-12)

Teen Art Focus: Drawing (Grades 6-12) by One River School gives students between 11-18 an immersive four-session experience. It accepts all skill levels, including advanced artists looking to improve their techniques with more advanced concepts. 

During each class, you’ll focus on technical skills, like drawing straight lines, creating detailed shapes, and texturing your artwork. Mediums like graphite, charcoal, oil pastels, chalk pastels, and ink are all allowed.

Other subjects include light, tone, composition, spatial depth, and perspective. Learning these subjects will improve your art by giving it more detail. Between each session, you receive teacher feedback on previous work to better utilize each artistic technique they teach.

Adult: Drawing From the Right Side of the Brain 

Adult: Drawing From the Right Side of the Brain is a Creatively Wild Art Studio Dumbo course that focuses on tapping into your creative mind. It’s unique among NYC drawing classes because it highlights both artistic techniques and their scientific nature. 

For example, you’ll learn about perceptual skills that help you break down a subject by lines, shapes, colors, and textures. The goal of these lessons is to teach you how to perceive the world like an artist and capture it on paper more effectively.

You’ll also learn important drawing skills, such as sketching, coloring, shading, and texturing your work. All course materials are included in your fee, such as paper, charcoal, pastels, pencils, and pens. Each student must complete a class waiver form before attending.

Long Pose Figure Drawing 

Long Pose Figure Drawing is a Drawing New York class without an instructor. Instead, you work alongside up to 24 other students drawing a live model. During your session, the model lays flat, allowing you to sketch their body and its many contours. 

You’ll take a five-minute break every 20 minutes, during which you can talk to other artists and make new friends. The course costs includes a drawing pad and pencils and charcoal, though they accommodate small watercolor sets. Pastels, open ink, and other paints are not allowed. 

This class works best if you have previous drawing experience and don’t need help with basic skills. It’ll take place over three hours, meaning you should have more than enough time to sketch out the model and create a unique piece of art. 

Weeknight Figure Drawing 

Weeknight Figure Drawing is a Drawing New York course that includes a live model taking short and long poses. Short poses last 20 minutes, while long poses are 40. During each pose, music quietly plays to help you concentrate on your art. 

Note that you must bring supplies to this class, including pencils, paper, erasers, and sketchboards. Watercolor paints are allowed, though acrylic and spray paints are not. When finished, you’ll take home several drawings to sell or display.

Like with the Figure Drawing class offered by Drawing New York, this course works best when you have previous art experience. That said, beginners may appreciate this fast-paced nature of this program.

Virtual Drawing Classes & Schools

While NYC has many high-quality in-person drawing classes, virtual courses may work better for many people. These programs include live, online training with an art professional who can work one-on-one with you or in a larger class-based setting. This approach provides many advantages and some downsides that make them worth considering.

Pros of Online Classes 

Virtual drawing classes provide many advantages that make them worth your time. Just a few reasons for you to try them include: 

  • Diverse Attendance Options: Do you travel a lot and worry about missing your in-person drawing classes? Virtual courses let you work anywhere you can find an internet connection. This benefit ensures you can attend classes while on vacation or a work trip.
  • Recorded Lectures: Most online drawing teachers record their lectures, meaning you can watch it later if you miss something. You can even watch them if you can’t attend for any reason. This benefit ensures you get the full value from the course.
  • Lower Cost: Virtual classes often cost less than in-person classes, which makes them perfect for anyone on a budget. Some even provide discounts when you schedule multiple people for the course, which can save you even more money.
  • Safer to Attend: New York City is safer than it was 30 years ago but the roads are even worse. If you feel unsafe fighting NYC traffic for an in-person drawing class, virtual courses will work well for you. You don’t even have to leave your apartment to attend.

Cons of Online Classes

Though virtual classes provide many advantages over in-person courses, there are some downsides. First, you’ll have to provide your own supplies, including pencils, paper, and erasers. You’ll also have limited socialization chances because you’ll likely be far from your professor and classmates. However, virtual courses still work well for those on a limited budget or who dislike NYC traffic. 

Online Classes You May Enjoy 

If you’re interested in online drawing classes, you can choose from one or more options on CourseHorse, including: 

  • Beginner’s Intro Art Journaling: Beginner’s Intro Art Journaling guides you through creating a personalized art journal with drawings and paintings. You’re encouraged to produce stylized artwork that reflects your emotional state and relieves your anxiety.
  • Botanical Drawing 1: Botanical Drawing 1 focuses on wildlife designs, including sketching and coloring seeds, fruit, and animals. Each class includes live lectures from a skilled artist who can fine-tune your abilities and help you produce better work.
  • For the Birds: For the Birds: Wildlife in Landscape Art teaches you how to draw and paint beautiful wildlife. You’ll work with watercolor paints via Zoom and get personalized help. You must take Botanical Drawing 1 or a similar course before attending this class.

Private Group Drawing Classes in NYC

Are you trying to schedule a team-building event for your company but everyone’s sick of kayaking, hiking, and trivia nights? Well, the best private group drawing classes for NYC provide a fun and creative way for your employees to bond. To meet your needs, CourseHorse hosts several private group drawing programs that cover multiple subjects. 

For example, Virtual Group Drawing & Sketching Class teaches up to 255 people about creating still life, landscape, facial, and botanical art using graphite. Your team can also learn basic watercolor painting in Virtual Watercolor Workshop, which covers landscape and portrait art. Lastly, Virtual Cartooning & Doodling Workshop highlights cartoon-related drawing skills.

If these classes don’t appeal to your team, CourseHorse has many more you may enjoy. Furthermore, they can create personalized programs specific to your team’s needs. Simply contact them using their online form to learn more. They’ll discuss things like class size, subjects, costs, and other important elements to streamline your experience. 

CourseHorse also provides many other benefits for your team, including 24-hour confirmation, no booking fees, adaptable class sizes, and multiple supported platforms. These benefits make them a good option for both in-person and virtual classes. For instance, CourseHorse’s programs should work for your remote team by easily adapting to their operating systems.

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