The 9 best drawing classes in NYC

This Upper West Side art school channels a relaxed, low-pressure vibe that feels welcoming to artists of all skill levels. Offerings include studio sessions, like the six session Fear-Free Drawing 101 workshop, and field trips, like the Beginner’s Drawing at the Met class where you can take inspiration from centuries of art.

Total beginners might want to sign up for a workshop at this fine arts studio in Chelsea. The classes here are small—just three to 10 students—so you can get plenty of individualized attention from your instructor. Learn the foundations in an introductory drawing and painting class, then move on to a live model class to finesse your composition and draftsmanship.

This community of more than 7,000 amateur artists regularly meets to practice figure drawing in live model sessions. Bring your own sketchpad and pencil and get ready for some hands-on practice. Beginners might want to opt for the regular weekday and weeknight classes, which include a series of 20 minute poses culminating in a 40 minute long pose, while more experienced artists can go straight into the three-hour long pose drawing classes.

New York School of the Arts keeps the traditional discipline of art but also explores new media. They offer a range of classes for a variety of ages and levels of experience, with a wide choice of classes to choose from. From techniques of printmaking to contemporary watercolor, you can try your hand at almost anything, including their introduction class to Adobe Photoshop (sign us up please). You'll be taught in small groups to ensure each of you get the hands-on help you want and depending on the class, most of the materials and resources will be provided. 

Since Trestle Gallery in Sunset Park exhibits works by local contemporary artists, it’s only natural that the gallery extend its reach into the community with public art classes. Run by highly trained teaching artists, workshops like Introduction to Drawing allow amateurs to practice techniques like tonal drawing and cross-hatching in both still life and figure drawing.

It’s not too late to pursue your art school dreams: Even part-time artists can take continuing education classes at the prestigious Parsons School of Design. Enroll in Drawing I to practice the techniques of perspective, foreshortening, gesture, portraiture in still life and live models.

The West Side YMCA offers an impressive slate of visual arts classes, including a basic drawing workshop that would be ideal for beginners. The class meets in Central Park so you can take inspiration from both the natural landscape and art reproductions as you learn to sketch. Later, you’ll discover how to turn your drawings into watercolor paintings.

Founded in 1982, this school is best known for its graduate studies in fine arts, but also offers a vibrant continuing education program. The course catalog includes everything from strategic drawing to animal drawing to historical figure drawing, so prospective students have plenty of options to choose from. And since all the classes at the New York Academy of Art are taught by faculty members who are also working artists, you know you’ll get a stellar education.

Founded in 1859, this institute for higher education has long been known as one of the country’s most progressive colleges. Though it no longer offers free undergraduate tuition, Cooper Union still has a reputation for pushing the boundaries of convention—something that students in its continuing education will certainly notice. Sketching courses include the relatively basic Drawing for Absolute Beginners course, a weekly Drawing on Location workshop that meets all over the city and even an introduction to The Graphic Novel.