Discover the Best Sketching Classes in NYC
Sketching is a form of freehand drawing. Sketches may be turned into polished drawings or left the way they are. They may consist of lines that convey motion, dimension, and structure, known as line drawing, or they may be shaded to depict lighting. Sketching is done by not just artists, but by scientists, designers, and architects, who are looking to keep track of the observations and concepts they’ve created.
Sketching is an important part of the drawing process. Most artists start out sketching their ideas or observations before working toward a completed drawing. Sketches are also typically done before painting to reduce the chance of mistakes that come with free-hand painting. You can sketch without any previous drawing experience and inexpensive materials, making sketching an accessible form of art.
You can sketch without any previous drawing experience and inexpensive materials, making sketching an accessible form of art. You’ll need a pencil, eraser, and paper to sketch. You may find that you prefer a specific paper or pencil type when sketching as you gain experience. If you’re unsure of what type of each to start with, it’s recommended that you use a pencil that can produce both light and dark marks (an HB pencil) and cartridge paper, which has enough grain to allow for a textured pencil line.
Why You Should Learn Sketching in NYC
Sketches may depict observed objects or people. When sketching, you’re improving your attention to detail and ability to focus. As you practice focusing on both the object you’re basing your sketch on and the sketch itself, your brain is working to coordinate between your hand and eyes. Sketching also strengthens the muscles in your hands, wrists, and fingers, especially as you make repeated lines.
Artists try to express their emotions through their artwork. This makes sketching one way that you can work on connecting with your feelings and emotions. This is also an exercise in improving your nonverbal communication. It may be difficult to convey emotion through your artwork at first, but there are different techniques you can learn to improve this.
Sketching is a relaxing activity and has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. There are no boundaries or rules to sketching, making it a great way to express the boundaries of your creativity. If you’d like further guidance on sketching and to receive feedback on your work, consider taking an in-person sketching class at a school or studio in New York City.
In-Person Sketching Classes & Schools in NYC
In-person sketching classes can be taken at art studios and schools located in New York City. These classes are taught by artists who are passionate about teaching people of all skill levels. Classes can be found for beginner, intermediate, and advanced-level drawers. Many of these classes will either focus entirely on sketching or will have you sketching for part of the class before working on a finished drawing.
In-person classes are also one way to get feedback on your sketches. It can be intimidating to show off your artwork. You may fear negative responses or criticism. Art instructors will be able to provide you with unbiased but constructive criticism of your work. Most classes don’t require you to share your work with the whole class, so your work will just be looked at by you and the instructor, although in-person classes do allow you to socialize with other beginning artists from the NYC area who may be willing to provide you with additional criticism.
Drawing New York hosts a casual 21 and up BYOB sketching class. This sketch and sip class takes place in their new space located in Bushwick. You’ll work on figure drawing in this class, so you’re encouraged to bring a friend so that each of you can take turns posing for each other’s work. This class encourages socializing while creating art in a friendly, relaxing environment.
If you’re interested in learning classical sketching and drawing, ArtClassBklyn, located in Brooklyn, offers a workshop that might interest you. This is a low-pressure class open to people of all experience levels. You’ll learn the fundamentals of drawing people in this class, such as how to contour and depict gestures. By the end of this class, you’ll go from creating stick figures to life-like renditions.
The 92nd Street Y in the Upper East Side hosts Botanical Drawing, a beginner-level class where you’ll work on renditions of botanicals using pencils. Expect to bring supplies for yourself. You can find a list of these on the class page.
Virtual Sketching Classes & Schools
If you can’t make an in-person sketching class in NYC, check out the virtual sketching classes offered by schools and studios around the country. These remote classes are taught by live instructors who will provide demonstrations and supply you with sketching tips and tricks.
Virtual sketching classes can be taken from anywhere with a stable internet connection that’s free of interruptions, including your own home. All you need to do is procure the necessary materials and pull up the class that’ll be delivered through an online video platform. A supply list will be provided by your instructor. You can find these supplies at your local art or hobby store.
If you have an interest in still-life drawings and painting, you can take Fundamentals of Drawing & Painting, a Zoom class offered by Chelsea Drawing & Painting Workshops. Here you and other remote participants will learn how to start the process of creating a still-life. This class is a great way to learn the process of turning a sketch into a polished drawing and painting. You’ll also be provided with art history throughout the class, which may help in the development of your art style.
When sketching, you may find that you have a preferred medium. Charcoal is a popular medium that you’ll want to try out. Take Pastimes for a Lifetime’s Online Drawing with Charcoal 101 to learn about working with charcoal. Your instructor will not just focus on basic sketching, but also on illustrating with charcoal.
If you can’t make the 92nd Street Y’s Botanical Drawing class in the Upper East Side, sign up for their online version of the class. This class is perfect for beginners who’d like to practice with one of the most common sketching subjects: botanicals. You’ll spend the class taking your sketch of a plant, flower, or vegetable and turning it into a finished drawing.
It can be intimidating to start drawing, but luckily The Art Studio NY hosts Fear-Free Beginner’s Drawing 101 to get you over your fear of art. An expert instructor has structured this class for beginners who doubt their artistic abilities. You’ll receive one-on-one instruction and push the boundaries of your creativity as you know it. This no-judgment zone will have you confident in your abilities and understanding of drawing techniques in no time.
Designers also need to know how to sketch. Sketching is used to depict concepts and keep track of design ideas. The New York School of Interior Design offers an eight-week (summer semester) or fifteen-week (fall or spring semester) class all about sketching techniques for interior design. You can choose to take an on-demand class or a real-time class. The on-demand class consists of pre-recorded lectures and weekly assignments, whereas the real-time class is taught via video conferencing.
Private Group Sketching Classes in NYC
Is your business or organization looking to book a fun activity that promotes team building and encourages socialization? Or is your group of friends looking for a fun weekend activity? No matter your group’s dynamics, CourseHorse offers private group sketching classes they can deliver to you.
Your group can book a virtual drawing and sketching class. This class can accommodate up to 255 people, making it a great corporate event. The instructor will teach your group about different drawing techniques like hatching and cross-hatching that’ll help you create depth and build value in your piece. By the end of the class, you’ll have learned drawing fundamentals that you can take forward with you to create more pieces, and you’ll have finished either a still-life, landscape, portraiture, or botanical drawing. To fully participate, each group member will need a graphite pencil and their preferred drawing material.
CourseHorse also offers a 90-minute cartooning and doodling workshop. You don’t need any prior experience to take this class and learn the basics of cartooning and doodling. Each member will develop their drawing style and can share the cartoon characters they created with each other at the end of the class. Experienced cartoons who’re looking to develop their cartoon characters are also welcome to take this class.
If neither of these classes interests you, discuss what type of class your group would like to take with each other. From there you can contact CourseHorse through the contact form on their website. They’ll work with you to find a class that fits your group’s needs and interests. This includes a discussion of the number of participants each class accommodates. If you’re unsure of your final headcount, you can book the class with the minimum group size to hold your date, then update the number later.
CourseHorse does not charge a booking fee. They’ll also let you cancel your booking for free up to two weeks before the scheduled date. For additional fees, you can watch a 20-minute demo of a class and customize classes. CourseHorse accommodates several online video platforms. Although Zoom is recommended, your group may also use Microsoft Teams, WebEx, or Google Meets.
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