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Sketch Classes NYC

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Unleash your creativity and hone your artistic skills with sketching classes in NYC. From beginner sketching techniques to advanced figure drawing, learners can explore various mediums and styles to express their unique visions and gain confidence in their artistic abilities.

2 classes in-person in NYC have spots left, and 5 classes live online are available.

SketchUp Level 1 - Essentials

ONLC Training Centers @ 2 Park Ave, New York, NY & Virtually Online

Learn the essential skills needed for general modeling, layout, and architecture using SketchUp, one of the easiest 3D tools to use. This 3-day course provides a complete overview of SketchUp's features, with ample time for practice and review. Perfect for beginners with little or no 3-dimensional drawing or SketchUp experience.

(7) Beginner 18 and older
$1,195

3 sessions

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Introductory SketchUp 3D Modeling

FIELD COLONY @ 1001 Bloomfield St, Hoboken, NJ

Discover the world of 3D modeling with SketchUp at FIELD COLONY. Learn how to generate precise and realistic 3D models, import furniture and lighting, and enhance your design capabilities. Join the new wave of 3D designers and bring your ideas to life.

(42) Beginner 18 and older

SketchUp for Beginners: Master the Basics

SketchUpTrainer - Virtually Online

5 weeks of SketchUp training specifically created to get you started using SketchUp the right way. Learn good habits as you take these skills into any workflow or design.

(11) Beginner 18 and older
$495

5 sessions

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Real-time Rendering with Enscape 3D fr SketchUp

SketchUpTrainer @ Virtual Classroom

Unlock the power of real-time rendering and bring your architectural designs to life with Enscape 3D. Learn how to create stunning visuals and immersive experiences in SketchUp with this comprehensive course. Elevate your rendering skills and take your designs to the next level.

(11) All levels 18 and older
$495

5 sessions

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Sketching and Painting: From Nature to Cityscapes

Evanston Art Center

Unlock your creativity as you learn a variety of techniques to transform your drawings into stunning artwork. From botanicals to cityscapes, this intermediate-level online course at Evanston Art Center will guide you through the use of different media and provide creative challenges to enhance your skills. Join us and discover the joy of bringing your sketches to life.

(83) Intermediate 18 and older
$180

5 sessions

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FSN-101 Fusion 360 Design: Sketch

Team D3 @ CAD LIVE

Learn the fundamentals of sketching in Fusion 360 with this course. Discover the role of sketches in 3D modeling, how to create and modify sketch geometry, and how design intent and dimensions influence sketch behavior. Perfect for beginners looking to enhance their design skills.

Beginner 18 and older

FSN-103 Fusion 360 Design: Assemblies & Sketch

Team D3 @ CAD LIVE

Master the art of creating and editing assemblies, along with the skills to create and edit drawings using Fusion 360 in this comprehensive course by D3 Technologies. Learn different design methodologies, how to manipulate parts, and the use of drawing templates to create professional drawings. Enhance your design skills with this must-have course.

Beginner 18 and older
30 sketch classes that have ended
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Creative Sketching and Painting

92nd Street Y @ 1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY

In this illustration-based class, discover a more stylized approach to drawing. Each week, focus on a different material and method of mark making. Materials include pencil, marker, pen, ink, china marker and colored pencil. We look at illustration, lettering and collage to incorporate their styles into our sketchbooks. Explore creative play in an accessible, engaging community. For the Supply List, please CLICK HERE

(1061) Intermediate 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$249

6 sessions

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Drawing on Your Tablet

92nd Street Y @ 1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY

You already use your iPad as a photo album, an e-reader and an entertainment center. Why not use it as a sketch pad? Learn how to use the best drawing app’s around to create beautiful drawings, on the go or at home. This is an introduction to digital drawing. The focus will be on the digital tool as a drawing device - connecting traditional techniques and mark-making to technology. Please note that this is not a class on short-cuts or on comparing...

(1061) Beginner 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$240

2 sessions

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Fashion Sketching (2-Hour Private)

The New York Sewing Center @ 246 W 38th St, New York, NY

Unlock your creativity and master the art of fashion sketching with personalized lessons at The New York Sewing Center. Bring your own project and learn at your own pace with expert guidance from our instructors. Discover the joy of creating exactly what you want in a private studio setting.

(311) All levels 10 and older
No upcoming schedules
$120
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Sketch Class: SketchUp + V-Ray

New York School of Interior Design @ 170 E 70th St, New York, NY

This course builds upon the SketchUp suite of courses, allowing students to visualize their computer models with V-Ray, a state of the art computer program. Create compelling 3D architectural drawings with this popular third-party renderer.  Learn how to take a single scene with interior elements and add lights, move cameras, and enhance objects by adding translucent and reflective surface qualities. Leverage each of the V-Ray tools and its...

(176) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$675

7 sessions

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Special: Soul Sketch - Drawing 101 ($50 Off)

The Art Studio NY @ 145 W 96th St, New York, NY

Express yourself through this instructional and soulful drawing class as you enjoy inspiring, energizing “happy hour” drawing and sketching classes with NYC’s #1-Rated art classes. Drawing is one of the most expressive and famous modes of artistic expression since the beginning of time. Explore your creative freedom while you are guided through an artistic drawing adventure for all artistic levels, total beginners and the seasoned artist...

(631) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$185

7 sessions

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Studio Time with a Live Model

The Compleat Sculptor @ 110 West 19th Street, New York, NY

What Typically Happens at a Life Modeling Session? Live model sessions will explore unique possibilities of the ‘quick sketch’; occasionally poses for 2-weekends, or with multiple models will be offered.  

(44) All levels 13 and older
No upcoming schedules

Building A Portfolio 11 - 15 yrs

West Side YMCA - Community Arts @ 5 W 63rd St, New York, NY

This fall, we are offering a new program for kids - ages 11 to 15, titled Building A Portfolio. This studio class is designed to help middle school students create the skilled portfolio drawings, paintings and sketchbook required for placement in specialized art high schools. Students will improve their ability to draw from observation — still-life arrangements, landscape/street scenes (weather permitting) and live models — using a variety of...

(30) All levels 11 - 15 years old
No upcoming schedules
$170

7 sessions

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Sunset Sketch: Outoor Pastel Art 101

The Art Studio NY @ Pier 63, New York, NY

Celebrate summer and join us along the Hudson River piers in this inspiring outdoor pastel art class! In this class, you will: Receive beginner art instruction based on your needs and interests Tap into your inner-artist and enjoy the magical medium of color pastels Learn step-by-step color pastel techniques Walk away with a finished artwork with your signature on it! Feel relaxed, nurtured and inspired by the stunning scenery of sunset...

(631) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Footwear Design

Brooklyn Shoe Space @ 224 Roebling St, Brooklyn, NY

Perfect for shoe lovers, and future shoe designers. This session will get you in the sketching groove, and will accomplish multiple designs, from both women's heels and athletic sneakers. You will also learn how to color in your sketches. It's normally a comfortable size class, so we can cater towards the style you wish to sketch. Come prepared to dive into sketching! Bring some reference images with you!  You'll be ready to take on the Technical...

(191) All levels 15 and older
No upcoming schedules
$280
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Footwear Design and Collection Building

Brooklyn Shoe Space @ 87 Richardson Street, Brooklyn, NY

Unleash your creativity and craft cutting-edge shoe designs at a renowned institution that fosters innovation in footwear. Elevate your skills and knowledge with hands-on experience guided by industry experts.

(191) All levels 15 and older
No upcoming schedules
$500

5 sessions

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Sneaker Sketching

Brooklyn Shoe Space @ 224 Roebling St, Brooklyn, NY

3-hour course to learn the fundamentals of sketching athletic footwear (children and adults) with an industry professional. Discuss proportions, lasts, and current trend market for athletics and outsoles. Practice sketching and review.

(191) Beginner 15 and older
No upcoming schedules
$250
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Art + Design Table Seating

GG & POP @ 345 E 104th St, New York, NY

August 18th, we’ll be joined by artist Natalia Nakazawa! Working in painting, textiles, and social practice, Natalia Nakazawa explores ideas of transnationality, cultural identities, storytelling, archives, and patterns of migration. Book this event with friends, have a date night or go solo for this 2-hour event. GG & POP Table Seatings are self-guided art and design experiences inspired by the work of a New York city artist. Enjoy music,...

All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$110
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Drawing Explorations

Brooklyn Botanic Garden @ 1000 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY

Drawings can be made with various goals, as studies for paintings or three-dimensional work or as immediate expressions in response to a subject or idea. This class explores numerous approaches to drawing, from quick sketches to extended, finished works on paper, using a variety of media.  Some experience is recommended. Are materials provided and included in cost of the class? No. Because this class will be exploring various approaches...

(165) Intermediate 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$245

6 sessions

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Reviews for Sketch Classes in NYC

Sketch Classes in NYC are rated 4.5 stars based on 2,752 verified reviews from actual CourseHorse.com purchasers.

  • Introductory SketchUp 3D Modeling

    Reviewed by Lisa C. on 4/8/2020
    Aaron was so easy to follow and understand! I learned sketchup in one class! Of course it takes more practice but I now know the basics!
  • Introductory SketchUp 3D Modeling

    Reviewed by Sandra W. on 10/13/2019
    The instructor was great. I learned so much. The venue was also fabulous.
  • Introductory SketchUp 3D Modeling

    Reviewed by Roe P. on 6/30/2019
    Class was great , teacher was kind , caring , patient . Classes are more personal, and give you the time to really understand the material.
  • Creative Sketching and Painting

    Reviewed by Mary Ann T. on 6/5/2019
    Creative Sketching and Painting wasn't what I thought it was. We dabbled in more mediums than just drawing and painting so I really enjoyed that it was different every class. I always look forward going to class cause I find this very calming and mediating creating something in a quiet environment. Takes me away from the hustle and bustle for a moment.
  • Introductory SketchUp 3D Modeling

    Reviewed by Chandana B. on 5/3/2019
    Field Colony has an excellent instructor. He was very patient and accommodating. I highly recommend!
  • Introductory SketchUp 3D Modeling

    Reviewed by Lily R. on 1/20/2019
    The instructor was very thourough and accomodating as I learn a new program. He catered it to what I wanted to learn and gave me helpful tips! I enjoyed the class and learned a lot.
  • Studio Time with a Live Model

    Anonymous review on 1/27/2018
    There were only 3 others attending besides myself, and I was the only one drawing and not sculpting. I signed up for what I thought would be a completely uninstructed live model drawing session... which I basically what I got. However the sculptors received copious tips/instruction, which was fine but a heads up if talking would bother you when you’re in the zone. There was also a cat that roams the place, as a note for anyone with allergies. The model was great, 15 minute posing then a short break.

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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