Drawing New York — Local services in New York

I’ve been to Drawing New York a handful of times so far and have really enjoyed each session. Firstly, the building itself is gorgeous and inspiring just to be in. I started with some of the non-instructed figure drawing sessions and found them to be really welcoming, and focused but also fun. When I felt like I hit a wall, I decided to try the instructed figure drawing session and even just one class helped drastically improve my skill! I guess I would say I’m intermediate, having drawn a lot more in my youth, and after many years of drawing only sporadically I am now trying to reach the next level. What impresses me so much about Simon is that he can meet you at your particular skill level within each class, as well as all the various skill levels of all the other students that may be present. You never feel out of place even if you drop in here and there. He’s clearly very passionate about what he does, he brings humor and ease to the class and really knows how to teach you just the right thing at the right time to really kick your drawings up a notch. I love the exercises he has us do, the demonstrations and how he explains things. I walk away from each of his classes feeling significantly more confident in my ability to draw and hopeful that I can become better than I imagined...

I've always wanted to try joining a figure drawing session, and I'm so glad my first experiences were with Drawing New York. The atmosphere at these sessions is so comfortable, friendly and welcoming, I felt right at home from the start. Even as a shy introvert, I've never felt out of place - both Simon and Jeff truly understand the art of creating a space that is neither excluding nor pressuring, but just the right amount of calm yet open and joking, and it was easy to come out of my shell. During my short four weeks in NYC, I couldn't help but join 5 sessions, and they are some of my fondest memories. Every session had its own unique model, and I feel like I learned so much simply by participating and challenging myself - it was just the right space for it. Before my first session I was worried what and who to expect, but I felt right at home and I truly believe what their website says: "All levels are welcome"! And it surely helps that the sessions are located at one of the most gorgeous and most inspiring buildings I've visited in the entire city - a nice bonus for sure! I'd give a hundred stars if I could. I hope I can come back and join...

I've attended figure drawing sessions at the Art Students League and at Draw New York. DNY is in a much more personal space, where you can work more closely to the model and also where you can get to know the other would-be artists you're drawing with.

The monitors who I know from my meetings, Jeff and Simon, are great about creating a casual, welcoming environment. There's always cool, non-intrusive background music, cookies, and friendly humor setting the tone.

One other point that can't be ignored is that the National Arts Club, where the meeting are held, is an amazingly beautiful turn-of-the-century brownstone Mansion on Gramercy Park with regular art exhibits that leave you feeling immersed in an artistic/esthetic sensibility from the moment you arrive.

I highly recommend the DNY figure drawing meetings for beginners and advanced artists who want an opportunity to draw and to spend time with nice...