Drawing Classes in Chicago, IL

Soft pastel is a unique medium that combines the qualities of drawing and painting. Dry pigments look like velvet catching the light. Create pastels from nature, photographs or memories as you explore composition, color, light, shadow and perspective. An advanced studio class with significant independent work.

Our introductory course is designed for absolute beginners. In this course students will acquire an understanding of basic concepts and begin to develop their drawing skills. We shall start at the rudimentary level by understanding the potential of the materials we’ll use, namely pencil and charcoal. We shall further study elements and principles...

Draw from your imagination and create images that develop from your mind’s eye. Invent images from memories, dreams, and percolating ideas using a variety of materials and surfaces that fit your concepts such as: charcoal, pen and ink, oil crayons, tar paper/experimental papers.  Reference materials are encouraged as you build your images....

Learn the fundamentals of drawing before picking up a paintbrush. For the first half of the course, we will use dry media and focus on measuring, value, and perspective. During the second half, you will transition into painting with a water-based media such as acrylic or watercolor. We will cover color theory, and focus on still life and landscape....

Expand your skill and learn to draw the figure! This supportive, multi-level class welcomes students who are new to drawing the human figure as well as those with experience. Introductory exercises will prepare students to create increasingly complex drawings as the session progresses using a range of black and white media with the optional introduction...

Learn how to maximize your time as you sketch and draw the landscapes during your travels. Emphasis includes how to extract your vision from the landscape using elements of composition; how to render basic forms of the landscape and incorporate line, gesture, and value; and how to add color. Using water-based pens and colored pencils, you will begin...

Take your drawing skills further by exploring the possibilities beyond charcoal and graphite. We will spend time working with portable and expressive tools, ideal for urban sketching: pen and ink, markers, pastels and colored pencils. Discover which ones work best for you and your creative goals. Explore the creative options of different types and...

Designed for the student who wishes to pursue figure painting or drawing in greater depth with two- and three-week poses allowing for thorough study of the model. Painting students will be encouraged to draw with the brush in full color. Drawing students can work with charcoal, conté crayon, pencil or pastel. Every class will start with 30 minutes...

This studio class offers time to work on projects of your personal preference with the availability of individualized instruction and technique. Students are encouraged to explore line, composition, color, and scale. Group critiques and references to classic and contemporary art are included.  Bring your choice of medium (acrylic, pastel, charcoal...

Turn your stick figures & doodles into artwork. It's not hard & in this class you'll get plenty of attention & encouragement. We'll introduce you to basic drawing by studying a variety of objects, styles & techniques. The skill you develop in this class will increase your ability to draw quickly, accurately & to your satisfaction....

Develop Seeing as a practice of mindfulness through drawing and painting, based on the work of Ellen J. Langer,  “All it takes to become an artist is to start doing art.” –from On Becoming an Artist

Ideal for learning fundamental drawing skills, regardless of previous experience. Using historical and contemporary art references, weekly exercises will range from familiar subjects like still-life and landscape to exploring the realm of abstract and conceptual art working in black and white, and color. Recommended supply list: 18" x 24" newsprint...

Students will create dynamic, multi-layered compositions with a variety of materials: watercolor/acylic/water soluable oil paint, ink, images, found objects, and pastels. Techniques explored will include photo transferring, collage, monotype printing, drawing, painting, and assemblage. Emphasis is on conceptual practice and personal process.

Bring your own picture book story to take it to the next level - publishing! Learn about creating sequential scenes and a picture book mock-up. The class will cover thumbnail layouts, storyboarding, and using a scanner/computer to create book concepts.  Bring to first class:  9 x 12 inch or larger sketchbook tracing paper pad kneaded...

Have you always wanted to take an art class, but worry that you aren’t artistic enough, or can’t draw a straight line? Make art and explore your creativity in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. Over four weeks, we will explore multiple media, such as drawing, collage, painting, and fiber.  No artistic experience necessary; all...