Best Art Classes NYC: Find Courses & Onsite Training

Learn More About NYC Art Courses

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What is Art?

According to Frank Lloyd Wright, art is “a discovery and development of elementary principles of nature into beautiful forms suitable for human use.” In its simplest explanation, art is the creations that we make, something that the human species has been doing for as long as we’ve existed. The oldest documented forms of art are visual arts, although archeologists suggest early humans also made music. These early forms are best known today for the paintings found on the walls of many prehistoric caves, rich in depictions of animals, human figures, and forms that are a combination of man and beast.

Over time techniques have evolved to include various styles of art like drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and, beginning in the 19th century, photography. Art can be characterized by mimesis (its “realistic” representation of reality), expression, communication of emotion, or other qualities. The definition of what constitutes art is disputed but general descriptions focus on the idea of imaginative or technical skill stemming from human agency and creation. When it comes to visually identifying a work of art, there is no single set of values or aesthetic traits. Art, much like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.

Regardless of medium, most art has the underlying intention to appeal to – and connect with – human emotion. Art can be utilitarian, decorative, therapeutic, communicative, or intellectual. In its broadest form, art may be considered an exploration of the human condition, or a product of human experience.

Why Learn Art?

Studying art can provide a lot of benefits. Art allows for creative expression, teaches problem-solving and critical thinking, and builds essential skills like analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and critical judgment. It can also help you tolerate ambiguity, put you in touch with other forms of cultural expression, develop a deep appreciation for diversity, and provide you with skills and experiences not learned through other subjects.

Studying art can also open up a lot of new career paths. Graphic design, film and television production, advertising and marketing, animation, architecture, and interior design are all potential avenues for an artist, depending on your skills. Plus, nearly every industry needs creative professionals, so you could apply your skills in a variety of sectors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 95,800 openings each year in art and design occupations, so there’s plenty of work for those who want a creative career.

New York City is the global headquarters of the art market, with the highest market share by value of art sales in the world. It’s a known hub for creatives across a variety of industries, from theater to television, art galleries to museums, and even fields like publishing. Artists work as set designers for major plays and musicals, they show their original art at galleries or museums, or they provide the cover art and illustrations for books for all ages. Whether you would work full-time in a permanent role or sell your pieces at art shows and boutiques, you are sure to find a community of creatives in the Big Apple.

What You’ll Learn in an Art Class?

The type of art class you attend will dictate what skills you will learn. For instance, in a drawing class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of art, including line, shape, shadow, and perspective. You’ll master various drawing techniques like how to use shading to create various degrees of light and how to create the ideal composition for your piece.

Aside from technical skills, you’ll also gain experience with things like confidence, perseverance, accountability, and dedication. Studying a specific form of art can also help you practice patience while you fine-tune your creative eye. And, according to the Tate in London, studying art encourages self-expression and creativity that can help with well-being and improve health and happiness, serving as an outlet for releasing the pressures of everyday life. You can also learn to develop critical thinking and the ability to interpret the world around you.

How Long Will It Take to Learn Art?

The answer to this will depend on the type of art course you take. Crafts like painting or drawing can take anywhere from a few years to half a decade. Pottery, on the other hand, could take just a few classes to learn the basics, if you thrive in a tactile craft. The most basic points to tackle for beginners are usually things like perspective, composition, shading, linework, and the studying and copying of other artists.

Generally, no matter what form of art you’re studying, creative skills take time and repetition to master. If you have a predisposition for artistic skills, then you may be able to master new skills quickly, but it’s important to be prepared for a minimum of several months of study. One popular approach is to set aside parts of your day or week on a regular basis to pursue your new goal. The short intervals between sessions will keep you ‘in shape.’ Think of it as a medium amount of energy spent over a long period, just like running a marathon.

What are the Advantages of Taking an Art Class?

According to Art Business News, there is a connection between sensory experiences and improvement in mental health. Art allows the artist to be happier and more involved in the global community. Through getting involved in art programs, people in all stages of life can build their social connections and extend existing support in their communities, alleviating loneliness and isolation. Plus, art allows you to make mistakes in a safe environment, helps relieve tension, and feeds the creative part of your brain.

From a career perspective, embracing your creative side can teach you how to find creative solutions to problems and offer you a new perspective within your field. Embracing creativity can make you a more adaptable, flexible professional, which is highly desired by employers across a variety of industries. Plus, adults can benefit from improved decision-making skills and self-confidence. Learning a new trade like drawing or painting forces the adult brain to stay sharp! Artistic study is an art therapy and creative pursuits can help you combat stress by providing emotional awareness and relaxation, valuable self-regulation tools for the working professional.

Fun is also a valuable advantage to learning art. So much of daily life is dedicated to accomplishing tasks, checking off to-do lists, and managing schedules. Exploring a new creative outlet can encourage your playful side, and allow you to enjoy your time by connecting with others and creating something simply because you can. According to Psych Central, playing is just as important for adults as it is for children. With all the previously listed benefits of learning art, it isn’t hard to see why.

Best Art Classes in NYC

The 92nd Street Y offers Drawing for Beginners, an entry-level course for adult learners. Expert teachers will guide you through the fundamentals of art, including line, shape, shadow, and perspective to help you discover the art of drawing with pencil, eraser, and paper. Because this class is designed for beginners, no previous experience is necessary.

If you’re into painting and have some experience, the 92nd Street Y also offers Oil Painting (Intermediate/Advanced). This course focuses on advanced-level representational topics, abstract ideas, and technical application skills to create form, surface, and space. You’ll

work on class prompts, individual assignments, and independent projects to challenge and grow your technical and conceptual skills.

The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art’s Accelerated Introduction to Drawing is another option for both beginner and experienced artists. You can take the first step towards creating stunning artwork by learning the basic principles of light, shadow, and shading. By discovering the secrets of drawing, you’ll be able to create with confidence and improve your technique.

Painting Lounge’s Painting Workshop: Williamsburg is open to all levels. An experienced artist will guide you step-by-step through creating a beautiful work of art, helping you to unleash your creativity and enjoy a stress-free painting experience. You’ll replicate the featured painting of the evening through hands-on instruction and demonstration. BYOB is encouraged (as are snacks) for a fun and unique night out.

Ceramics on 10th offers Pottery Wheel Basics that is ideal for beginners. You’ll start with introductions and move into a tour of how to use the space, tools, and equipment. Then there’s a demonstration where you’ll learn clay terminology like coning, centering, and pulling. After watching the demo, you will sit at your own wheel and give it a go. The last few minutes of class are for clean up, and after you choose your one piece, you can also choose the glaze (that will be applied by a staff member). You’ll be able to pick your piece up in one week, once it’s been fired, finished, and glazed.

Pottery NYC’s Pottery Wheel Throwing is also designed for novices. You’ll start with a short demonstration of how to make a cup or bowl shape on the pottery wheel. You’ll then be guided as you attempt to create your own cup or bowl through hands-on practice. (Don’t worry if your first attempt isn’t successful, you’ll have plenty of time to try again and again.) You’ll then be able to have your final piece fired after class and pick it up a week later. All supplies are provided and it’s recommended that you wear clothes that can get messy.

If you’re looking for an intensive course of study, The Art Students League’s Certificate Program may be just what you’re looking for. This in-depth program takes two to four years to complete and is designed to cultivate artistic growth that’s tailored to meet the artist’s professional and personal goals. As a student, you’ll choose to concentrate in one of the following fine arts disciplines: Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Drawing, Mixed Media, and Comics and Narrative Arts. You’ll receive ongoing educational and professional development, can participate in the final project exhibition at the League's Phyllis Harriman Mason Gallery, and will be rewarded with an official certificate upon completion of the course.

New York School of the Arts has a variety of classes available for aspiring creatives. Experimental Printmaking and Mixed Media teaches you to combine the art forms of printmaking, collage, drawing, and painting to create truly unique pieces. While the school will provide basic supplies, it is recommended that you bring imagery, 3D collected fodder, flat textures (lace, string, dried flowers), printmaking paper (Arches Cover 22”x30” is favored), and a few colors of water-soluble or water-soluble oil printmaking inks. In Classical Painting Techniques, you’ll focus on traditional oil painting techniques that are rarely taught but incredibly useful. You’ll experiment with underpainting and grisaille techniques, as well as alla prima exercises to improve your understanding of composition, value, and color. All levels are welcome in this course to explore the rich variety of painting approaches and methods used since the Renaissance.

If you’d like to study art while surrounded by the work of other artists, The Met offers a multitude of in-person courses. Studio Workshop - The Elements of Pueblo Pottery invites you to experience the visual and material languages of pottery through the intergenerational narratives in the exhibition Grounded in Clay: The Spirit of Pueblo Pottery. Led by Povi Romero and Melissa Talachy Romero, a mother-and-daughter team, you’ll gain hands-on insight into how these elements were traditionally used to create clay works dating from the 11th century to the present day. You’ll work with indigenous clay, practice traditional techniques, and build a pot of your own. Pots will be fired at Greenwich House Pottery and can be picked up a few days after the workshop at the Museum.

The Met also offers Monday at The Met: "Look Again: European Paintings 1300-1800" with Professor Page Knox, an exploration of the European paintings collection. The class will question earlier assumptions about European art, inviting an exploration of the new galleries and a chance to see The Met’s collection in new ways. In the lecture portion of the class, you’ll look at other major museums worldwide, and consider how their collections speak to notions of “European civilization.” This class includes continental breakfast served in the Patrons Lounge as well as a three-course lunch in The Met Dining Room, every session.

Another option at the Met is Art Trek—Women in Art, a thoughtfully constructed art tour. You’ll travel through time and around the world on this Museum adventure that explores the impact that women have had on art throughout history. This class is recommended for families with children ages 7 to 11 years, so feel free to bring your school-age children along with you. This course is free with museum admission, helping to make the arts more accessible to the public. Space is limited and first come, first serve, so make sure to arrive early. Classes at the Met regularly change, so be sure to check their website for updated offerings.

Live Online Art Classes

Pastimes for a Lifetime offers several online art courses for the novice creator. Online Painting with Acrylics 301 teaches techniques of the 20th-century masters, including how to mix colors, prepare the canvas, and execute styles including impressionism, contemporary realism, color block, and abstract. You’ll cover product information about acrylic paint, the brushes recommended, and how to care for and clean your tools. If you’re an artist who is interested in painting with bright colors and thicker paint layers that dry quickly, then this is the course for you.

Online Watercolor 201-Beginner focuses on the solid basic brush techniques for creating clean, crisp colors while developing sensitive brushstrokes. You’ll cover the history and characteristics of transparent paint, color mixing, and painting techniques while also learning about different brush bristles and shapes and various watercolor papers. By the end of this course, you will have a collection of finished watercolor art and a certificate of completion you can display with pride.

The Prima Materia Institute’s Essential Drawing Course for Beginners covers 12 crucial topics every beginner artist needs to know. You’ll cover a variety of subject matter (portraits, still lives, landscapes) in different mediums (graphite, charcoal, pen, and ink) so that you’re comfortable with a multitude of styles and techniques. Through live online demonstrations, you’ll learn to draw with negative shapes, render texture in a landscape, create an interior with an accurate one-point perspective, and draw portraits with convincing proportions. You’ll also master correcting mistakes in pen and ink, composing a still life in 15 different ways, creating a 3D still life with tonality, developing volume with lines, drawing upside down to practice seeing shapes instead of things, and sketching in quick hand.

The 92nd Street Y offers Collage & Mixed Media (Intermediate/Advanced) where you’ll cover topics like art concepts, materials, and techniques while gaining inspiration from contemporary artists and exhibits. You’ll explore the possibilities of collage and mixed media art through hands-on experience creating your own one-of-a-kind pieces. Personal and group critiques will help you improve your skills throughout the course, so you leave this class with a collection of works you can be proud of.

You could also try out Wax Carving at the 92nd Street Y. Intended for all levels, this course will teach you to design and create wax models for casting. Through demonstrations and visual instructions, you’ll master various carving techniques so that you can create hundreds of rings from one handmade mold.

Princeton University Art Museum offers online drawing classes taught by artist-instructor Barbara DiLorenzo. You can join live from your home computer, tablet, or phone to learn various techniques for drawing with a pen or pencil on paper. Each week’s lesson features works from the Museum’s collections, allowing you to explore the museum’s galleries from the comfort of your own home.

The Art Studio NY also offers several online art classes for students across the globe. Their Beginner’s Pastel Painting Online is designed for all levels and teaches you a variety of art techniques in soft (chalk) pastel, including self-expression through color, layering, blending, composition, personalized subject matter, texture, pastel color mixing, and more. You’ll receive step-by-step guidance and nurturing art instruction by a professional New York City artist and expert art instructor, so you can deepen your knowledge of color mixing and how to create color palettes that are expressive and beautiful. Because this is a virtual course, you will be responsible for sourcing your materials.

Beginners Comics and Cartooning Drawing from The Art Studio NY will explore the tips, tools, and techniques necessary for drawing comics, manga, and cartoons. You’ll receive both group and individualized expert instruction from a professional artist while you learn the fundamental techniques of drawing comics, cartoons, and manga. You’ll also develop a unique, personalized drawing style studying fundamentals like how to draw faces, facial features, figures in motion, expressive character design, and characters in unique settings.

Milan Art Institute’s Mixed Media with Ink will teach you how to create a beautiful and unique mixed media painting. You’ll learn to create an abstract underpainting using inks; push and pull the contrast, using acrylic paints; finish your piece using oils to enhance the colors; and successfully bring your subject matter to life using drawing materials. At the end of the course, you will have created a beautiful piece of mixed media artwork.

If you’d prefer to study art styles and themes, Coursera and MOMA have partnered to release their course titled What is Contemporary Art? In this course, you’ll hear directly from artists, architects, and designers from around the globe about their creative processes, materials, and inspiration. You’ll examine 3D–printed glass and fiber sculptures, performances in a factory and a museum, portraits (including those made with artificial intelligence), and interventions in television and video games to consider what qualifies a work as contemporary art. You’ll also explore some approaches to the pressing issues and questions of our time. By the end of this course, you’ll possess the skills for looking at contemporary art and making connections to your own life or creative practice.

NYC Art Courses by School

Here are some of the top NYC schools offering Art training, including One River School (216 courses), 92nd Street Y (110 courses), and UrbanGlass (60 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.
- Drawing For Beginners
  - 6 Weeks, 2 hr/wk
  - $275
- Getting Started with Drawing
  - 4 Weeks, 2 hr/wk
  - $195
- Colored Pencils for Beginners
  - 5 Weeks, 2 hr/wk
  - $285
- Getting Started with Oil Painting
  - 4 Weeks, 2 hr/wk
  - $195
Ikebana Flowers New York

NYC location: 1133 Broadway Ste.230 , New York, New York

Ikebana Flowers New York is perfect for learning various floral arranging techniques. Located in New York City, they offer a thorough Ikebana course with sessions teaching the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging and other traditional styles. Visitors learn practical skills that can be used to create unique and beautiful flower arrangements.
- Introduction to Japanese Floral Design
  - 2 Hours
  - $150
- Basic Ikebana: Japanese Simplicity in Floral Design
  - 1 Hour
  - $60
- Tranquility & Japanese Floral Design: Moribana Ikebana
  - 1 Hour
  - $100
- Dynamic Energy & Japanese Floral Design: Nageire Ikebana
  - 1 Hour
  - $120
Craftsman Ave

NYC location: 117 11th Street, Brooklyn, New York

Craftsman Ave is a hands-on workshop in Brooklyn that offers a variety of classes and workshops in woodworking, metalworking, jewelry making, leather crafting, and stained glass. Their classes are taught by experienced makers and designers in a supportive environment where students can learn new skills and create beautiful handmade objects.
- Craft a Side Table (Introduction to Woodworking and Furniture Making)
  - 4 Hours
  - $245
- Date Night: Make a Stained Glass Work of Art
  - 4 Hours
  - $405
- Make a Barrel to age your own Whiskey and Craft Cocktails
  - 4 Hours
  - $395
- Make a Stained Glass Work of Art (Intro level)
  - 4 Hours
  - $255
NYC Jewelry Lab by Carolina Iwanow

NYC location: 1027 Grand St, Brooklyn, New York

NYC Jewelry Lab by Carolina Iwanow is a jewelry school in New York City that offers a variety of classes and workshops for beginners and experienced jewelry makers. Their classes are taught by Carolina Iwanow, a talented jeweler with over 20 years of experience. NYC Jewelry Lab is committed to providing high-quality jewelry education in a fun and supportive environment.
- The Art of Metalsmithing by Carolina Iwanow
  - 20 Hours, 4 hr/wk
  - $375
- The Art of Metalsmithing Jewelry Design - All Levels
  - 5 Weeks, 4 hr/wk
  - $375
art retreat nyc

NYC location: 41 W 71st St, New York, New York

Art Retreat NYC is a unique school that champions the belief that everyone has the potential to create, emphasizing art as a therapeutic and deeply personal journey. They encourage students of all backgrounds to embrace the transformative power of art through their engaging classes.
- Watercolor for Relaxation - Tuesday Nights (Single Session)
  - 2 Hours
  - $51.25
The New York Sewing Center

NYC location: 246 W 38th Street, New York, New York

The New York Sewing Center is a sewing school in New York City that offers a variety of classes and workshops for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Their classes are taught by experienced instructors who create a fun and supportive environment where students can learn the skills they need to sew stylish and functional garments.
- Sewing Machine Basics Workshop
  - 2 Hours
  - $90
- Sewing 101: Basics
  - 12 Hours
  - $385
- Sewing 101: Bootcamp
  - 8 Hours
  - $310
- Sip & Sew for Beginners
  - 2 Hours
  - $150
Ayaka Nishi Jewelry Design School

NYC location: 319 E9th street, New York, New York

Ayaka Nishi Jewelry Design School is a private jewelry school located in the East Village of New York City. The school offers semi-private classes with a small number of students per class, allowing for personalized instruction. Classes are taught by Ayaka Nishi, a jewelry artist with over 20 years of experience. The school offers a variety of classes, including beginner's courses, wax carving courses, and free production classes.
- One Day Jewelry Making (DIY Diamond Ring)
  - 3 Hours
  - $185
- Jewelry Making Continuing Course
  - 12 Hours
  - $380
Hudson River Maritime Museum

NYC location: 50 Rondout Landing, New York, New York

The Hudson River Maritime Museum is a place to explore New York's rich maritime history. They offer a variety of courses, from archaeology to maritime trading and navigation to local history. There are programs for every age from children to adults for people to work hands-on with historic artifacts.
- Furniture Restoration and Repair
  - 12 Hours
  - $225
- Cheese Slicer & Charcuterie Board
  - 12 Hours
  - $100
- Make A Cheese Slicer & Charcuterie Board
  - 6 Hours
  - $155
- Wood and Resin Jewelry Making
  - 12 Hours
  - $220
Atelier Artisane

NYC location: WeWork 3537 36th St, Long Island City, New York

Atelier Artisane is dedicated to helping you become a professional artist. They provide practical art classes focused on fundamental concepts and techniques. Their courses cover a range of media, including figure drawing, oil painting, and digital illustration.
- Candle Making Masterclass
  - 2 Hours
  - $175
- NYC: Natural Scented Candle Making
  - 1 Hour
  - $125
- Custom Scent & Candle Making Experience Not currently offered
  - 1 Hour
  - $135
- Natural Scented Candle Making (Bryant Park) Not currently offered
  - 45 Minutes
  - $57
FlowerSchool New York

NYC location: 253 W 28th St, New York, New York

FlowerSchool New York offers creative, hands-on classes in flower arranging and floral design. Students learn the basics of flower selection, color theory, design techniques, and how to create professional-quality arrangements. They also offer workshops and private classes in seasonal and foliage designs, wreath-making, centerpiece-making, and more.
- Beginners Floral Design (Open Studio)
  - 1 Hour
  - $164
- Introduction to Floral Design
  - 1 Hour
  - $164

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Key Insights

Learn More About NYC Art Courses

What is Art?

Why Learn Art?

What You’ll Learn in an Art Class?

How Long Will It Take to Learn Art?

What are the Advantages of Taking an Art Class?

Best Art Classes in NYC

Live Online Art Classes

NYC Art Courses by School

92nd Street Y

Drawing For Beginners

Getting Started with Drawing

Colored Pencils for Beginners

Getting Started with Oil Painting

Ikebana Flowers New York

Introduction to Japanese Floral Design

Basic Ikebana: Japanese Simplicity in Floral Design

Tranquility & Japanese Floral Design: Moribana Ikebana

Dynamic Energy & Japanese Floral Design: Nageire Ikebana

Craftsman Ave

Craft a Side Table (Introduction to Woodworking and Furniture Making)

Date Night: Make a Stained Glass Work of Art

Make a Barrel to age your own Whiskey and Craft Cocktails

Make a Stained Glass Work of Art (Intro level)

NYC Jewelry Lab by Carolina Iwanow

The Art of Metalsmithing by Carolina Iwanow

The Art of Metalsmithing Jewelry Design - All Levels

art retreat nyc

Watercolor for Relaxation - Tuesday Nights (Single Session)

The New York Sewing Center

Sewing Machine Basics Workshop

Sewing 101: Basics

Sewing 101: Bootcamp

Sip & Sew for Beginners

Ayaka Nishi Jewelry Design School

One Day Jewelry Making (DIY Diamond Ring)

Jewelry Making Continuing Course

Hudson River Maritime Museum

Furniture Restoration and Repair

Cheese Slicer & Charcuterie Board

Make A Cheese Slicer & Charcuterie Board

Wood and Resin Jewelry Making

Atelier Artisane

Candle Making Masterclass

NYC: Natural Scented Candle Making

Custom Scent & Candle Making Experience Not currently offered

Natural Scented Candle Making (Bryant Park) Not currently offered

FlowerSchool New York

Beginners Floral Design (Open Studio)

Introduction to Floral Design

NYC Art Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Art Training Locations in or Near NYC

NYC Art
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