15 of the best drawing classes in New York City
Drawing classes in NYC offer a wide range of opportunities for artists of all levels to enhance their skills and unleash their creativity. These classes, taught by experienced professionals, provide a supportive environment to learn new techniques and explore personal style, making drawing classes in NYC a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their artistic abilities. So, if you're in NYC, consider joining a drawing class to take your art to the next level.
- 1. Drawing New York
- 2. New York School of the Arts
- 3. MorningSun Art School
- 4. Art Strong NYC
- 5. Bridgeview School of Fine Arts
- 6. New York Academy of Art
- 7. SPRING STUDIO
- 8. The Art Studio NY
- 9. Parsons School of Design
- 10. Mach Art Academy
- 11. Grand Central Atelier
- 12. The Cooper Union
- 13. Ashcan Art in Flushing
- 14. New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture
- 15. Pottery Classes & Studio at West Side YMCA
1. Drawing New York

This community of over 7,000 amateur artists meets regularly to practice figure drawing in live model sessions. Bring your own sketchpad and pencil and get ready to practice. Beginners may want to opt for the regular weekday and weekday classes, which include a series of 20-minute poses culminating in a 40-minute long pose, while more experienced artists can skip straight to the three-hour long pose drawing.
2. New York School of the Arts

The New York School of the Arts maintains the traditional discipline of art but also explores new media. They offer a variety of classes for a variety of ages and experience levels, with a wide variety of classes to choose from. From printmaking techniques to contemporary watercolor, you can try almost anything, including their introductory Adobe Photoshop class (please sign up). You will be taught in small groups to ensure that each of you gets the practical help you want and, depending on the class, most materials and resources will be provided.
3. MorningSun Art School
Empowering creativity and confidence through personalized art education

MorningSunArt is an excellent art school that has been instrumental in developing the art skills of many students, including myself since my elementary years. The teachers at MorningSunArt are highly skilled, professional, and consistently maintain a positive attitude. They provide step-by-step instruction in art techniques and offer guidance throughout the learning process. Moreover, MorningSunArt offers both in-person and online classes, and they even assist with high school and college applications.
As a student of MorningSunArt since the age of five, I can attest to the school's exceptional quality. Mr. Z, my teacher, has been instrumental in encouraging me to pursue a career in the arts. The personalized instruction and guidance I have received at MorningSunArt have been invaluable in developing my artistic skills and preparing me for further education in the field. I highly recommend MorningSunArt to anyone looking to enhance their art skills or pursue a career in the arts.
4. Art Strong NYC

5. Bridgeview School of Fine Arts

6. New York Academy of Art

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 New York Academy of Art classes are taught by professors who are also working artists, you know you'll get a stellar education.
7. SPRING STUDIO

8. The Art Studio NY
Discover your inner artist with NYC's top-rated art classes!

The beginner's drawing class offered at The Art Studio NY is a wonderful experience. The studio has a warm and welcoming atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease. The instructors are highly skilled and experienced, able to expertly guide students in developing their drawing skills. They are patient, encouraging, and effective in bringing out the best in each student, making the class ideal for those new to drawing.
The Art Studio NY's drawing classes are highly recommended for anyone looking to learn or improve their drawing skills. The instructors are knowledgeable and passionate, able to teach a variety of techniques and styles. Students can expect to leave each session with a newfound understanding and appreciation for drawing, as well as a sense of accomplishment from their progress. The classes are well-structured, yet flexible, allowing for a personalized learning experience that caters to each student's individual needs and goals.
9. Parsons School of Design
Design a better world with innovative, real-world learning.

This course from Parsons School of Design focuses on teaching drawing as an experiential and process-oriented skill, emphasizing the importance of seeing as the foundation of learning to draw. The course content is contemporary, yet it is placed in the context of historically relevant precedents. This approach provides students with a well-rounded understanding of the role and significance of drawing in art and design.
Parsons School of Design is committed to equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in today's rapidly changing society. By fostering collaboration with peers, industry partners, and communities around the world, the school creates a dynamic learning environment that mirrors the real-world setting of art, design, and business. Located in New York City, a global hub of art and design, Parsons offers students a unique opportunity to learn and grow in a vibrant and multicultural setting.
10. Mach Art Academy

11. Grand Central Atelier

12. The Cooper Union
A hub for innovation and creativity since 1859.

The Cooper Union's art school offers a unique and individualized art curriculum that focuses on developing each student's artistic practice. The faculty is composed of highly accomplished artists who have exhibited their work at prestigious museums such as the MOMA and Guggenheim. This ensures that students are learning from experts in the field who can provide them with valuable insights and guidance.
The small class sizes at The Cooper Union allow for a more personalized and focused learning experience. Students are able to receive individualized attention from their professors and engage in in-depth discussions about their work. Additionally, the school's location in New York City provides students with access to a wealth of artistic resources and opportunities, making it an ideal place to study art. Overall, The Cooper Union's art school is highly regarded for its rigorous and supportive learning environment.
13. Ashcan Art in Flushing

14. New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture

15. Pottery Classes & Studio at West Side YMCA

The West Side YMCA offers an impressive variety of visual arts classes, including a basic drawing workshop that would be ideal for beginners. The class meets in Central Park so you can draw inspiration from both the natural landscape and art reproductions while learning to draw. Later, you'll discover how to turn your drawings into watercolors.