Best Drawing Classes Near Me: Find In-Person & Virtual Training

Learn More About Drawing Courses

What is Drawing?

People have been drawing since the beginning of recorded human history because it is an ideal medium for storytelling, personal expression, and cross-cultural communication. Drawing in different mediums is something that many choose to explore as a leisure activity or a hobby and it can be the beginning or continuation of one’s professional arts education. Many people learn to draw as an entry point into careers in arts and design, advertising, animation, or even website layout production. Most people, whether professionals or hobbyists, still learn to draw by hand at first, and many drawing classes focus on teaching hand sensitivity and hand-eye coordination along with essential drawing techniques.

In a drawing class, one can expect to learn how to draw basic lines and shapes, shade appropriately for different light sources, get a handle on human and object proportions, and use perspective to communicate depth and distance. Some classes will focus on teaching how to use one material to draw and others will cover multiple materials, including graphite, charcoal, colored pencil, pen and ink, and pastel which will all have different techniques for mastering linework, shapes, shading, and proportion. Additionally, drawing classes can cover various styles of drawing such as realism, observation drawing, figure drawing, still life, landscapes, or how to draw abstract and expressionist designs. Some beginning drawing classes will include art history or appreciation, but most will focus narrowly on teaching basic drawing techniques using one or more mediums.

Why Learn Drawing?

Many people choose to learn to draw for personal or professional reasons. Drawing is considered an enjoyable leisure activity that many pursue as a hobby. It allows someone to translate their ideas into visual forms of communication and to practice learning new skills like shading and perspective. Most beginner-friendly drawing classes offer low-stakes environments and will focus on providing participants with a set of skills that can be used to draw objects, people, buildings, or ideas that can cater to one’s own individual interests. Taking even one drawing class should provide someone with enough knowledge to begin drawing for their own enjoyment outside of a classroom setting.

Learning to draw is also part of career training for many professionals. Drawing classes teach valuable techniques to allow one to draw shapes, objects, and people accurately and in proportion to one another, a skillset that is used widely across art and design fields. Taking a class in drawing can allow one to develop their professional portfolio and help to prepare someone for a career in advertising and marketing, graphic design, logo creation, animation, or website design. While many working professionals within these fields also use digital design software, this software will build on essential skills and concepts that one learns in an introductory drawing class.

Drawing classes can also be ways to see another side to nature, other people, or one’s own city. Many drawing classes move participants from the studio out into the world, allowing them to create interesting, dynamic drawings from what they see. This style of observation drawing allows one to sketch the natural world, architecture, and even people interacting with one another and the space around them. Drawing classes allow participants to engage with art as a living creative process and to see how art belongs as a daily part of one’s life and not just in a studio or classroom. This makes drawing a great way to explore new ways of seeing the world around you and it allows you to use art to see everyday objects, people, and situations differently than you would otherwise.

What You’ll Learn in a Drawing Class?

Drawing classes will focus on teaching learners specific techniques to become proficient in drawing. This will include learning how to draw basic shapes like circles and triangles and mastering linework and contours. Shapes and lines are some of the basic, foundational skills one can expect to learn and they will help someone draw more complex things with a higher degree of precision. Beginning drawing classes will also likely cover object proportions and many will teach about human anatomy which allows one to better understand body proportions and movement when drawing. Additionally, one can expect to learn about shading, being attentive to light sources, and perspective.

While some drawing classes focus on teaching with one material or medium, others are more comprehensive. Many drawing classes will start beginners with graphite pencils and often require students to acquire pencils at multiple grades of hardness and blackness. Graphite pencils are versatile materials that can make it easy to sketch, shade, and add nuanced details to one’s drawings, though beginners can also start with other materials to learn basic drawing techniques. It is also common for longer, more comprehensive drawing classes to have units covering techniques for working with a variety of materials and on different surfaces.

Many drawing classes will also focus on enhancing students’ hand-eye coordination and observation skills. Learners will find that drawing involves the need to control how you move your hands to make specific lines and pencil strokes based on your observations. To become proficient in drawing one must make repeated, subtle movements over time which will improve one’s fine motor skills and coordination. Most people learn to draw specific visual references, like objects, people, or scenes and this will enhance learners’ observation skills as it requires learning to see the shapes and shading of these visual references to draw them.

Additionally, learners can expect to exercise their creative muscles and learn how to use drawing as a mode of self-expression. Learning to draw can be an excellent way to stimulate creative thinking as you’re working on problem-solving and translating what you see into your own visual representation. There are also ample avenues for creative self-expression when learning to draw, as learners can choose to draw in different mediums, using different styles, and focusing on various subject matter that they are interested in. While most beginning drawing classes will focus on learning to draw physical references in the external world, learners will also be able to learn techniques to draw scenes from their own imagination, as well.

How Long Will It Take to Learn Drawing?

How long it takes to learn to draw will depend on the course and your own goals for learning. Some classes are short and aim to provide a basic overview of drawing techniques in as little as two hours. Short multi-hour or multi-day classes can get one started drawing as a hobby, but most will need additional training and practice to become proficient in drawing. It can take years to master movement, proportion, and perspective well enough to become proficient, and many suggest it will take between five and ten years of effort to master drawing fully.

The time it will take one to learn to draw also depends on what one wants to do with the skills. Those seeking to learn drawing as a hobby can learn the basics of drawing in one medium (graphite, for instance, or colored pencil) in a few weeks or months. This will allow them to continue to develop their skills on their own through further practice drawing subject matter of their own choosing. Those learning to draw for professional purposes should expect it to take between months and years to master the art of drawing, alongside any other skills that one will need for their career.

What are the Advantages of Taking a Drawing Class?

One of the main advantages of taking a drawing class rather than learning on your own is the ability to receive hands-on training and guidance from a professional artist. While there are books, video tutorials, and other instructional materials that one can use to learn to draw, none of these materials will be able to adapt to your individual skill level and provide you with advice and feedback on your skills and abilities. Expert instructors of in-person or live online drawing classes will be able to guide students individually through learning essential skills and techniques and can also provide additional examples and learning materials for students, as necessary. This kind of guided training will make it easier to learn to draw and will guarantee that one learns the foundational skills necessary to succeed in drawing and take further art education classes.

Taking a drawing class can also be an entry point into a career in art, design, advertising, or other creative fields. One will learn the essential skills and techniques needed to succeed in a variety of careers that involve visual communication and design by taking drawing classes. These classes are taught by professional artists who will also be able to impart their career-related knowledge and advice to students and can even put students in touch with other professionals, as needed. Drawing classes will allow someone to start or continue to build a professional portfolio of work that can be used to apply for jobs or application materials when seeking entrance into other programs of study.

Another benefit of taking a drawing class is that one will have the chance to learn while forming a supportive community. Learning to draw with others can provide not only opportunities to socialize or even network, but it can keep someone motivated to learn the skills required to succeed at drawing. Some people find it harder to learn these skills on their own because there are no external motivating factors like an instructor, other students, deadlines, or assignments. Being around others focused on the same task as you is a great way to stay motivated and engaged while learning to draw.

Best Drawing Classes in All Areas

One of the most popular introductory drawing classes is the 92nd Street Y’s Drawing for Beginners offered in person in New York City. The 92nd Street Y is a community and cultural center that provides classes and events aimed at education, entertainment, and bringing people from various walks of life together. This highly-rated class is great for beginners and those with intermediate drawing skills as it focuses on learning how to draw with just three basic tools, a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper. Professional instructors will teach students the fundamentals of drawing as an art form, including factors like perspective, line, shape, shadow, tone, value, and form. Instructors will model and demonstrate key skills that participants can then practice and receive one-on-one guidance in mastering. This class occurs over seven two-hour sessions and students should expect to supply their own materials based on a supply list determined by the instructor.

Those interested in figure drawing should consider the New York School of the Arts’s Drawing: Anatomy & Artistry. The New York School of the Arts is both an art school and community center that provides classes, intensive programs, and art exhibitions designed to foster a love of the arts. Over the course of eight two-hour classes, an expert instructor will teach students anatomy and appreciation of the old masters so that students can learn to create expressive, detailed figure drawings. Participants should expect to learn drawing basics like shading techniques, line expression, and building solid planes as well as how to construct a portrait. Students will also be able to draw alongside the instructor in this class and receive individualized feedback on their work. This class is appropriate for learners at all levels and allows one to work in charcoal or pencil, depending on preference.

Creatively Wild Art Studio Dumbo offers a two-hour in-person class in Beginner Drawing + Illustration Techniques for Adults. Brooklyn-based Creatively Wild Art Studio Dumbo provides a variety of art classes for children and adults at all levels. This short course is designed to give participants a basic understanding of the topic and a taste of the longer, full course on these topics. Participants will learn perspective, shape, proportion, scale, and how to draw from observation. This class is especially useful for beginners with little previous background in drawing who will benefit from learning the technical skills of drawing and increasing their hand-eye coordination under the guidance of a professional artist instructor. All materials are included in the course fee, however, Creatively Wild recommends bringing a sketchbook of one’s own for progress tracking and notes. Students who want to draw on canvas will need to supply their own, as this class will only provide paper for participants to use.

For those looking to learn drawing in Chicago, consider the Discover Center’s Drawing for Beginners. The Discover Center is a continuing education organization that offers a variety of classes for those looking to learn new skills and explore new interests. This class provides an introduction to drawing basics and students will study various objects, styles, and techniques. A professional teacher will guide participants in drawing in both realistic and expressive forms throughout four two-hour sessions. Participants will benefit from the one-on-one attention they receive in this class and will leave the course knowing the fundamentals of how to draw well. Students will not need to supply their own materials and a materials fee is collected at the start of the class.

Another great option for drawing classes in Chicago is Evanston Art Center’s Drawing Fundamentals. Evanston Art Center is a non-profit arts education organization that offers classes and events for learners at all levels of knowledge. This class is especially useful for those wanting to learn to draw across a variety of mediums and using different techniques, as the course will cover pencil, colored pencil, charcoal, ink and pen, and Sumi ink in 12 three-hour sessions. An expert instructor will guide learners in how to do linework and shading and use perspective across these different drawing mediums. Participants will also benefit from learning around others at a variety of levels as this course is open to beginners and more advanced learners. Students will need to procure the recommended materials for this class, including a set of colored pencils, graphite pencils, charcoal, Black India ink, quills, erasers, and paper.

Pastimes for a Lifetime offers a variety of drawing classes for beginners and more advanced learners in their studio in Van Nuys, California. Pastimes for a Lifetime is an art school offering art and piano classes for those at various levels. Their Drawing with Graphite 101 is a beginner-friendly class that one can take over four hour-long sessions. Pastimes for a Lifetime’s founder Linda Wehrli will teach students important techniques for sketching and shading using graphite while also helping students improve their hand-eye coordination and measuring skills. Students will not be imitating the instructor’s drawings, rather, they will be choosing their own subjects and creating drawings that can be used for a professional portfolio or just for their own pleasure. At the end of the course, students will receive a certificate of completion and can move on to intermediate-level drawing classes.

Live Online Drawing Classes

One of the best remote learning options is the 92nd Street Y’s Drawing for Beginners course. The 92nd Street Y is a cultural and community center located in New York City that offers classes and hosts events designed to enrich others’ lives. This live online course offers the same great in-person beginner-friendly drawing class but can be accessed from any location. Participants will learn the fundamentals of drawing using only three materials, a pencil, an eraser, and paper. An expert instructor will guide students in learning how to draw lines and shapes, pay attention to shadow, value, and tone, and get a handle on proportion and perspective. The instructor will demonstrate the necessary skills and provide hands-on training and guidance as students practice specific techniques over the course of seven two-hour class sessions.

The Prima Materia Institute offers the comprehensive live online course Essential Drawing Course for Beginners. Prima Materia Institute is an online art school that provides accelerated courses on many topics for both beginners and advanced learners. This course is comprehensive and aims to teach students all they need to know about drawing in 12 class sessions that are each 90 minutes long. Topics covered include specific techniques for drawing lines and correcting mistakes, learning to sketch quickly by hand, using the Negative Shape Technique to draw shapes and objects, learning key principles of composition, and working on 12 different shading styles. Participants will be able to attend live Zoom classes where they can watch an expert instructor demonstrate techniques as well as practice and receive feedback on their skills and see what other students in the class are drawing. Enrolling in this course also entitles participants to a free bonus figure drawing class.Students will need to acquire the necessary materials on the supply list and will also have the option of acquiring recommended materials.

Pastimes for a Lifetime offers its courses online including this Online Drawing with Graphite 101 class. Pastimes for a Lifetime is an art school based in California that provides beginning and more advanced art classes both in person and online. The remote version of their drawing basics class will be taught live online over the course of four one-hour sessions. Participants should expect that the class will cover similar topics as the in-person version making it a great option for someone who wants to learn the basics of drawing but does not live in Southern California. Learners will receive hands-on guidance in developing measuring and drawing skills so that they will know how to sketch, shape, and shade accurately and with precision by the end of the course. Unlike some other drawing classes, students will not be drawing the same images as the instructor or other students and will have more freedom to determine their own subject matter. The graphite 101 course is a prerequisite to other courses offered by this provider and students will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the class.

Another option to learn comprehensive drawing skills is the Art Studio NY’s Fear-Free Beginners Drawing: All Levels. Art Studio NY teaches in-person and online art classes for a range of skill levels and interests and operates under the belief that anyone can learn art. This class is appropriate for beginners and those who completed Art Studio NY’s “Intro to Fear-Free Drawing” course. An expert instructor will guide students in the basic techniques of drawing using pencil and charcoal and participants will receive one-on-one training drawing in a variety of forms like still life, landscape, portraiture, abstraction, and realism. This course aims to be relaxing, supportive, and nonjudgmental so that everyone feels welcome and is able to learn a new skill like drawing. Students will need to acquire their own materials including a drawing pad, erasers, pencils, charcoal, and blending stumps.

Drawing Courses by School

Here are some of the top schools offering Drawing training, including One River School (92 courses), 92nd Street Y (32 courses), and Creatively Wild Art Studio Dumbo (18 courses).

92nd Street Y

NYC location: 1395 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York

92Y is a world-class cultural and community center in New York City. Founded in 1874, it is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and offers a wide range of classes and programs in the arts, entertainment, and conversation. With over 4,000 classes and programs each year taught by some of the most talented professionals in the world, 92Y is a great place to learn new skills, meet new people, and explore your interests. It is a non-profit organization committed to enriching the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds.
- Colored Pencils for Beginners
  - 5 Weeks, 2 hr/wk
  - $285
- Drawing For Beginners
  - 6 Weeks, 2 hr/wk
  - $275
- Getting Started with Drawing
  - 4 Weeks, 2 hr/wk
  - $195
- Figure Drawing (In-Person)
  - 6 Weeks, 2 hr/wk
  - $355
Pastimes for a Lifetime

Los Angeles location: 13615 Burbank Blvd, Van Nuys, California

Pastimes for a Lifetime is a San Francisco-based art school that offers a variety of online and in-person classes and workshops for all ages and skill levels. They are passionate about helping people discover their inner artists and to create beautiful works of art.
- Drawing with Graphite 102 (In-Studio)
  - 4 Hours
  - $180
- Drawing with Graphite 101 (In-Studio)
  - 4 Hours
  - $180
- Gray Colored Pencil 101 (In-Studio)
  - 4 Hours
  - $180
- Drawing with Charcoal 101 (In-Studio)
  - 4 Hours
  - $180
The Art Studio NY

NYC location: 145 W 96th St, New York, New York

The Art Studio NY is a creative space in New York City that offers a variety of art classes and workshops for all ages and skill levels. Their classes are taught by experienced artists who create a fun and supportive environment where students can learn new skills and express their creativity. The Art Studio NY is a great way to discover your inner artist and create beautiful works of art.
- Total Beginner's Drawing in Central Park
  - See provider
  - $49
- Fear-Free Beginners Drawing
  - 2 Hours
  - $99
- Beginners Art Journaling
  - 6 Hours
  - $125
- Fear-Free Beginner's Drawing 101
  - 4 Hours
  - $99
Drawing New York

NYC location: 15 Gramercy Park South, New York, New York

Drawing New York is a New York City-based group that offers a variety of drawing classes and workshops for all levels. Their classes are taught by experienced artists and are designed to help students improve their drawing skills and techniques. Drawing New York provides a great opportunity to learn how to draw, meet other artists, and be inspired by the city of New York all at the same time.
- Instructed Figure Drawing
  - See provider
  - $35
- Introduction to Drawing For Beginners
  - See provider
  - $35
- Weekend Figure Drawing
  - 3 Hours
  - $30
- Weeknight Figure Drawing
  - 2 Hours
  - $25
Chelsea Drawing & Painting Workshops

NYC location: 321 W 24th St , New York, New York

Chelsea Drawing & Painting Workshops is an art school in New York City that offers classes and workshops in both drawing and painting. The school is inspired by the Renaissance workshops of the 15th century, where apprenticing artists worked and shared ideas and techniques under the guidance of a professional master artist. The school's philosophy emphasizes personal vision and the learning of the science and craft of art as essential for the expression of that personal vision.
- Fundamentals of Drawing & Painting
  - See provider
  - $210
- The Meditative Still Life
  - 7 Hours
  - $210
- Private Couple or Friend Art Workshop Not currently offered
  - See provider
  - $180
- The Art of Nature - Central Park Not currently offered
  - See provider
  - $40
The Art Studio

Los Angeles location: 6450 Westminster Blvd, Westminster, California

The Art Studio is a professional art education institution located in Los Angeles, CA, that provides certification and diploma courses in various styles of art-making. Students can explore classes such as sculpture, drawing, abstract painting, and printmaking, all taught by experienced and certified art instructors. As an added benefit, the school also offers portfolio building and critiques to help guide students along their artistic journey.
- Life Model Drawing Sessions
  - 3 Hours
  - $30
New York School of the Arts

NYC location: 315 E 62nd Street, New York, New York

The New York School of the Arts is a multidisciplinary art school in New York City that offers programs in fine arts, design, architecture, and music. Their programs are taught by experienced artists and designers who create a supportive environment where students can explore their creativity and develop their skills. The New York School of the Arts offers great ways to learn about the arts and prepare for a career in a creative field.
- Drawing: Anatomy & Artistry
  - 8 Hours
  - $175
- Life Drawing
  - 24 Hours
  - $240
- Creating Portraits
  - 12 Hours
  - $240
- Drawing: Form & Movement
  - 8 Weeks, 3 hr/wk
  - $430
Creatively Wild Art Studio Dumbo

NYC location: 98 Water St, Brooklyn, New York

Creatively Wild Art Studio Dumbo is a locally owned art studio in DUMBO, Brooklyn that offers a variety of classes and workshops for all ages. Their classes are taught by experienced artists who create a fun and supportive environment where students can explore their creativity and develop their creative skills. Creatively Wild Art Studio Dumbo is a great way to learn about art and express your creativity in unique and exciting ways.
- Adult: Beginner Drawing + Illustration Techniques
  - 2 Hours
  - $299
- Adult: Life Drawing Workshop with Live Model
  - 2 Hours
  - $25
- Life Drawing (w/ Model) for Adults - BYO Materials
  - 2 Hours
  - $25
- Teens: Beginner Drawing + Illustration
  - 2 Hours
  - $80
The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art

NYC location: 117 57th Street , Brooklyn, New York

The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art is a New York City-based art school that offers a rigorous schedule of traditional training in figurative art, drawing, and painting. They are dedicated to transforming their students into skilled artists who can create beautiful and expressive works of art.
- Accelerated Introduction to Drawing
  - 2 Hours
  - $35
- Accelerated Portraiture Drawing
  - 2 Hours
  - $35
- Drawing Improvement Through Bargue Copying
  - 3 Hours
  - $180
- Dia De Los Muertos Theme: Live Model 3 Hour Pose Not currently offered
  - 3 Hours
  - $30
Discovery Center

Chicago location: 4318 N Elston Ave, Chicago, Illinios

Discovery Center is a Lifelong Learning Center in Chicago that offers a variety of classes and workshops on a wide range of topics, including art, cooking, writing, and more. Their classes are taught by experienced and knowledgeable instructors who create a fun and supportive environment where students can learn new skills and explore their interests. Discovery Center is a great way to learn about new things or to improve your skills in a particular area.
- Drawing for Beginners
  - 8 Hours
  - $110
- Drawing 101 Not currently offered
  - 4 Weeks, 2 hr/wk
  - $110

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Discover Drawing Classes

Learn More About Drawing Courses

What is Drawing?

Why Learn Drawing?

What You’ll Learn in a Drawing Class?

How Long Will It Take to Learn Drawing?

What are the Advantages of Taking a Drawing Class?

Best Drawing Classes in All Areas

Live Online Drawing Classes

Drawing Courses by School

92nd Street Y

Colored Pencils for Beginners

Drawing For Beginners

Getting Started with Drawing

Figure Drawing (In-Person)

Pastimes for a Lifetime

Drawing with Graphite 102 (In-Studio)

Drawing with Graphite 101 (In-Studio)

Gray Colored Pencil 101 (In-Studio)

Drawing with Charcoal 101 (In-Studio)

The Art Studio NY

Total Beginner's Drawing in Central Park

Fear-Free Beginners Drawing

Beginners Art Journaling

Fear-Free Beginner's Drawing 101

Drawing New York

Instructed Figure Drawing

Introduction to Drawing For Beginners

Weekend Figure Drawing

Weeknight Figure Drawing

Chelsea Drawing & Painting Workshops

Fundamentals of Drawing & Painting

The Meditative Still Life

Private Couple or Friend Art Workshop Not currently offered

The Art of Nature - Central Park Not currently offered

The Art Studio

Life Model Drawing Sessions

New York School of the Arts

Drawing: Anatomy & Artistry

Life Drawing

Creating Portraits

Drawing: Form & Movement

Creatively Wild Art Studio Dumbo

Adult: Beginner Drawing + Illustration Techniques

Adult: Life Drawing Workshop with Live Model

Life Drawing (w/ Model) for Adults - BYO Materials

Teens: Beginner Drawing + Illustration

The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art

Accelerated Introduction to Drawing

Accelerated Portraiture Drawing

Drawing Improvement Through Bargue Copying

Dia De Los Muertos Theme: Live Model 3 Hour Pose Not currently offered

Discovery Center

Drawing for Beginners

Drawing 101 Not currently offered

Drawing Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Drawing Training Map & Top Locations

168 Courses Available in NYC

45 Courses Available Live Online

25 Courses Available in Los Angeles

Drawing Topics

Figure Drawing

Life Drawing

Botanical Drawing

Portrait Drawing

Illustration

Cartoon Drawing

Comic Drawing

Drawing
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