Best Drawing Classes Near Me
Drawing is a unique artistic skill that anyone can master with enough practice. While some natural ability helps make it easier to learn, the best drawing classes can help even those with minimal talent perfect the techniques necessary for this artform. Even better, learning drawing can help you not only expand your creative abilities but potentially find new jobs in many fields. As a result, finding drawing classes near you is a wise decision that may benefit you in many ways. For example, it can help you when preparing for a fun pastime or a rewarding full-time job or part-time side hustle.
Why You Should Learn Drawing
Even if you lack natural artistic talent, the best drawing classes teach methods that make this process easier to handle. You can then create beautiful artwork for yourself or friends and even sell drawings and paintings online for a little extra money. This side hustle works well if you set up an account on various art dealership websites, such as Etsy.
Furthermore, you can join artist groups in your area to make new personal connections. Often, these groups center around art galleries, which may display your drawings to the public. Even if you don’t showcase your art in this way, making new friends through drawing is its own reward.
Just as importantly, learning to draw may help you begin a design career in many fields. For example, drawing may help you start a career in website design, logo creation, building painting, and even book illustration. Jobs like these are more financially rewarding than you might think.
For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics or BLS reports that craft and fine art careers like these will expand by 6% in the next 10 years and provide a median pay of just under $50,000 annually. As a result, learning to draw is a wise personal investment.
5 Ways to Learn Drawing
Learning drawing often includes attending one or more formal classes, such as in-person education, live online courses, and self-paced classes. However, you may also learn to draw by purchasing art guides that teach you drawing techniques as well as getting help from a skilled artist friend. These latter two options save you money and let you choose the techniques you want to learn.
However, formal classes typically work the best because you get guided support from a skilled educator. These professionals can help you by adjusting your drawing techniques and providing tips for improving your skills. Even better, you can get personalized support to learn specialized techniques, such as drawing realistic or cartoon characters for your art portfolio.
In-Person Drawing Classes
The best in-person drawing classes provide hands-on support from a skilled artist who can help you master various artistic techniques. These courses often include smaller class sizes that make working with your professor a more one-on-one experience. Just as importantly, they can provide real-time support that makes learning drawing much easier to handle.
New York City
The Big Apple is the most populated city in the United States and provides many unique educational opportunities. For example, you should find many unique drawing courses in the city, including introductory classes and more specialized training. These classes will vary depending on your experience level and interest in drawing.
For example, the Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art provides an Accelerated Introduction to Drawing Course in Brooklyn on 57th Street. This course accepts people of all experience from 16 and older. Class size tops out at five, meaning you’ll get more personalized attention from the instructor. All you need to bring are a sketchbook, pencils, and an eraser.
If you’re interested in drawing and painting people, Drawing New York’s Weekend Figure Drawing course may be a great option for you. Taking place on Gramercy Park South in Manhattan, it’ll teach you how to sketch and paint the human body. Note that you’ll be drawing a nude individual in this course to better master rendering the complexities of human anatomy.
Los Angeles
The sprawling City of Angels is one of the most culturally diverse places on the planet. Here, you’ll meet many amazing people and find multiple drawing classes suitable for your skills. Introductory courses can help you master drawing basics, while more advanced classes can prepare you for illustration careers in LA, which has one of the largest job markets in the nation.
For example, the Gallery Girls, a unique artist collective operating off Venice Boulevard, provide the Westside Drink & Draw course for up to 15 people. This class includes in-depth art training, fun music, live models, and personalized costumes. While you’ll bring your own drawing supplies, you will get the chance to draw real people in unique and attractive clothing.
The Gallery Girls also provide the Valley Art Brunch: Paint or Draw Nude Model class on Collier Plaza in Woodland Hills. This course includes live nude models and art skills support from a trained professional. Classes like these help you master drawing the human body and create a comfortable and relaxing environment in which you can experiment with various art techniques.
Chicago
The Windy City provides multiple in-person drawing classes that will likely appeal to you. For example, the Discovery Center has a Drawing for Beginners course that takes around 10 people per class. You’ll learn how to improve your basic skills through shading, blending colors, and line design. Other subjects include accurate and quick drawing techniques for fast art production.
You can also try Discovery Center’s Mixed Media Art class to learn how to draw and paint various images. Subjects you’ll study include photo transferring, collage, printing, painting, drawing, and assembling artwork. This hands-on class typically has around 10 people, meaning you’ll have plenty of personal time with your instructor in each session.
Seattle
Seattle’s in-person drawing classes include multiple painting and collaging courses. For example, UW Botanic Gardens provides a Sketching in Watercolor and Ink: Flowers and Gardens class that teaches you basic watercolor skills. Classes typically include no more than 10 people, giving you more than ample opportunity to get specialized attention.
The same group also provides a Botanical Print-Making Workshop that teaches you various artistic skills. Subjects include mixed-media printmaking using natural items, such as leaves and plants. You’ll also learn basic drawing skills that help you sketch out plants and leaves more effectively and produce more attractive artwork that you can sell or give away.
San Diego
San Diego is one of the most underrated cities in California. It provides far more engaging experiences than most people realize, including multiple drawing classes. For example, Art on 30th provides a From Sketchbook to Canvas: Wildlife course that teaches you how to sketch, draw, shade, and paint beautiful animals using acrylic and oil paints to produce gorgeous styles.
The same group also hosts Figure Drawing From Life, which covers many of the same subjects of the previous course. These include sketching, drawing, shading, and painting people and other unique subjects. Each class focuses on specific techniques, such as shading one day and drawing lines the next, to ensure you get a comprehensive educational experience.
San Francisco
As one of the biggest and most culturally diverse places in California, San Francisco provides many unique educational opportunities for the budding artist. For example, the Art School of SF Bay provides an Advanced Manga Art Camp for children between the ages of 10 and 16. This course teaches students how to draw unique and creative characters in a manga style.
Adults can attend Richmond Art Center’s Figure Drawing: People and Faces course if they’re interested in learning how to draw. In this class, you’ll learn how to sketch on various mediums and master proper shading techniques that add depth to your art. Furthermore, you’ll also practice various coloring methods that expand your artwork in many ways.
San Jose
San Jose’s many amenities include universities and colleges that can provide high-quality drawing classes. For example, the San Jose branch of the Art School of SF Bay provides an Advanced Manga/Comic Art Camp for 10-16 year olds. Students learn how to sketch, draw, and color unique characters and scenes within the manga tradition.
The same school also provides a Manga for Adults class that covers many of the same subjects. However, you’ll get more advanced lessons in sketching faces, drawing realistic poses, and crafting artwork to sell. This program focuses on preparing you for a manga career and also teaches you important business-related subjects, such as creating an art portfolio.
Virtual Drawing Classes
If you don’t live in the cities mentioned above or if you can’t find an in-person class that appeals to you, consider online drawing classes. You can take these courses from anywhere you want, as long as you have a computer. Each is taught by a skilled artist who can provide live, online support for your artistic development. Pros of this approach include:
- More diverse array of classes from around the nation
- No need to commute through big-city traffic
- Ability to work anywhere you want, including in coffee shops
These benefits make online courses an excellent option for a budding artist. However, they do have some drawbacks. For example, you typically must supply your own materials in these classes. Furthermore, connecting with your teacher personally can be a little harder online. That said, these classes are a great alternative to in-person courses for many people.
On that note, let’s examine three excellent online drawing classes that may appeal to you. Each includes a unique approach and focus, such as teaching basic skills or enhancing your innate talent. Choose among these options carefully before signing up. Note that each class has a size limit, so make sure you sign up as soon as possible after making a decision.
Available Online Drawing Classes
Drink & Draw Online is an online course provided by The Gallery Girls, one of the most active art training groups in the nation. Their program includes personalized support from a skilled artist and the chance to socialize with others online. The Gallery Girls encourage bringing a drink, dressing up, and making jokes with your fellow classmates to improve this experience.
If you need more hands-on support learning drawing, The Art Studio NY’s Beginner’s Drawing in 90 Minutes class should work well for your needs. You get personalized one-on-one support from a live, online instructor. You’ll also meet other learning artists and master various techniques, including shading, mark marking, cross-hatching, and drawing various shapes.
People interested in drawing as a hobby may appreciate Pastimes for a Lifetime’s Online Intro to Drawing Class. This course covers basic drawing skills, including sketching, shading, producing dimension, and even creating 3D artwork on a 2D surface. This class accepts children, teenagers, adults, and senior citizens of all ages.
Private Group Drawing Classes
Are you interested in group drawing classes that can teach your employees a new skill? Private drawing courses not only teach your employees proper artistic techniques but can build teamwork and enhance morale. For example, your team might learn to draw and critique each other’s artwork and engage in spirited and friendly debates about various art techniques.
Thankfully, CourseHorse provides various live, online group classes that can teach your employees multiple drawing skills. Drawing classes for private groups include various sizes, focuses, and technology needs. For example, Virtual Group Drawing & Sketching has room for up to 255 people and will teach you how to draw still life, landscapes, faces, and more.
Other classes focus on slightly different subjects. These include the 250-person Virtual Cartooning & Doodling Workshop, a 1.5-hour course that will teach your team how to draw fun cartoon faces and characters. Alternatively, Virtual Watercolor Workshop teaches up to 255 people how to draw, paint, and design images using watercolor paints.
Working with CourseHorse provides many unique benefits. For example, you can change your group size after booking, if necessary, without extra cost. CourseHorse also charges no booking fees, supports multiple computer platforms, and provides you with event confirmation in 24 hours. In this way, you get the support your team needs to book a great drawing class.
Don’t see a class that suits your company? Don’t worry, you can contact CourseHorse to learn more about how to set up one that makes sense for you. You can reach out to them using their online contact form and discuss the unique classes available for you. Just as importantly, you can learn more about any available programs that interest your team.
What Will I Need to Learn Drawing?
Learning drawing requires buying a handful of supplies that make your course easier to complete. You can find most of these items at general supermarkets but can also purchase higher-quality products from art supply shops. Furthermore, online stores may also provide similar supplies at reasonable prices, especially when buying in bulk. Things you’ll need for your art class include:
- Art Pencils: These unique drawing tools help you create lines of various density and widths and often come in multiple colors and designs.
- Drawing Paper and Pads: Specialized drawing paper typically comes in thicker builds, which makes erasing and redrawing your artwork easier.
- Erasers: Kneaded and regular erasers help you clean up mistakes without smearing your drawing and include multiple sizes and styles.
- Sketchbook: A sketchbook lets you draw while you’re on the go, such as if you see a beautiful tree at a park or an attractive building while walking through your city.
- Pencil Sharpeners: Fully powered and manual pencil sharpeners help you keep your drawing utensils sharp, which makes drawing precise pictures easier.
- Drawing Board: A drawing board lets you work from any vantage point and supports your sketchpad or drawing paper to minimize tears.
- Supply Carriers: A high-quality art supply carrier lets you collect all your items and makes transporting them to class much easier.
- Reference Photos: Various photos, paintings, or artistic drawings work well as a reference when creating your own unique artwork.
Thankfully, most in-person drawing classes provide these supplies for you. That benefit is one of the biggest reasons why many people prefer learning drawing in this way. Note that some programs may not provide these items or only some of them. So, read the syllabus carefully before signing up to ensure you have everything you need for your first day in class.
Is it Difficult to Learn Drawing?
Learning to draw can be challenging if you lack natural artistic abilities, though some people can draw well almost from birth. That said, it’s not impossible to learn drawing techniques through hard work and practice. Drawing classes focus on teaching people without inherent skills how to visualize an image, sketch it on a two-dimensional surface, and shade it properly to give it depth and form. Though it may take some frustrating failures and challenges to learn these methods, a high-quality drawing class can give you the background you need to master this artform. So, even if you never become the next Picasso, you can get good enough to create art you enjoy and can easily share with anyone, including friends and family members.
