Figure Drawing Classes, Workshops, and Open Studios in Pennsylvania
(from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia)
This is a directory of art schools, ateliers, and studios where artists can paint, sculpt, or draw live art models.
Life Drawing groups come and go, and schedules change, so it is wise to confirm with the organizer before attending.
Please report any defunct groups or broken links to directory artmodelbook.com
See submission guidelines if you would like a free listing.
Pennsylvania - sorted by Zip Code
South Arts
The Historic Schoolhouse
2600 South Park Road
Bethel Park, PA 15102
margo.barraclough gmail.com
412-835-9010
Uninstructed
Open Portrait & Figure Drawing/Painting Sessions. The human
anatomy is a very exciting subject to draw and paint. It has been
said that if one can master the human figure, one can draw anything.
So if you are passionate about learning how to draw the human body,
specifically the face, then you will find these sessions helpful.
An art model will hold the same clothed or costumed pose for three hours
for you to draw or paint.
Thundersketch
4023 Butler Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15201-3224
Contact: littlemagpiephoto yahoo.com
412-519-2684
Uninstructed
Life drawing in a relaxed bar setting. Models are costumed or in street clothes and
pose in sets that range from 1 to 10 minutes per pose, with the evening concluding
with a half-hour pose by one or more model. Models pose on an elevated stage with
the musical accompaniment of DJ Zombo. Tables and chairs are provided, artists bring
their own tools and supplies. Models are men and women 21+. Artists must also be at
least 21 to attend. Thundersketch will generally be scheduled the second Sunday
evening of each month.
The Academy of the South Side
Brew House
2100 Mary St., Suite 301
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
academyofthesouthside gmail.com
412-498-2446.
Instructed and Uninstructed
Classes include Figure Painting and Figure Drawing. "Founded
in 2005, The Academy of the South Side provides year-round affordable,
high quality instruction in painting and drawing through classes,
workshops, and open model sessions for students of all ages and
skill levels. Housed in a beautiful studio on the 3rd floor of the
historic Brew House Association building on Pittsburgh's South Side,
The Academy aims to not only educate but to inspire. Beginners and
professionals alike develop and hone their skills through single
classes or more concentrated study, building on a foundation of
studio practice focusing on painting and drawing the human form from life.
Panza Gallery
115 Sedgwick Street
Millvale, PA 15209
412-821-0959
panzagallery mac.com
Uninstructed
Life Drawing every Thursday evening 6:30-9:30pm. $10. Coffee, french pastries & drinks served.
Enter side door to lower gallery. No sign-up required. All artists welcome, 18 and older.
Carnegie Museum of Art
4400 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-4080
412-622-3288
Instructed and Uninstructed
Instructed classes include Drawing the Figure/Inside and Out.
Uninstructed Open Model Studio. Use this studio time to extend a morning session of figure study or to work on
your own in your choice of medium. The first half of the class will consist of short poses by the draped or undraped
art model, directed by a monitor. In the second half, a model holding one long pose will enable the artists to work
on a more complete drawing or painting.
Carnegie Mellon University, School of Art
5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
artscool andrew.cmu.edu
412-268-2409
Uninstructed
The School of Art runs open figure drawing sessions during the academic year (Fall and Spring semesters)
usually on Sunday nights. Check the link above for the current schedule.
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
Trust Arts Education Center
803 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
education pgharts.org
412-471-6079
Instructed
The Trust hosts Second Saturday Art Workshops such as Drawing the Clothed Figure
and Figurative Watercolor Painting. See website for upcoming workshops.
Pittsburgh Center for the Arts School
The Scaife Building
1047 Shady Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Registrar: Betsy van den Blink betsy pittsburgharts.org
412-361-0455 x324
Instructed and Uninstructed
Open Figure Studio with a nude model. Drop-in session Sundays 1:00-4:00pm. $15. Prior experience recommended.
Students work in the medium of their choice at their own pace. A monitor will time poses and offer instruction as needed.
Light refreshments will be served.
Instructed classes include Sculpting the Figure. Working from a live model, students will create small-scale
figurative sculptures using high-fire clay. The first two sessions focus on honing observation skills, human anatomy and
techniques for sculpting in clay. The model will keep a single pose for the final four sessions.
The Hoyt Institute of Fine Arts
124 East Leasure Ave
New Castle, PA 16101
724-652-2882
Unistructed
We meet every other Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00pm when the Hoyt is in session, so 4 times each Fall, Winter,
Spring and Summer. The studio is small so we are limited to 10 artists. Session is 2 hours and we normally do multiple poses.
We try to get a variety of models of all shapes, sizes, ages. We have male and female art models and they are nude.
No instruction. Any medium except solvents. Cost is $15 for non Hoyt members, $10 for members. Tipping model is encouraged
but not necessary; $1-$2 is usual. There are easels and tables available. We normally have background music and are pretty
informal. They Hoyt is in a quiet residential area with plenty of free parking.
The Open Studio
Gmeiner Art and Cultural Center Workroom
134 Main Street
Wellsboro, PA 16901
openstudiogroup gmail.com
570-404-2191
Uninstructed
Portrait/Figure sessions take place every 1st and 3rd Monday of the
month from 2:00-5:00pm. We do 20 minute sets with 6 minute breaks.
Models offered: male, female, costumed and nude. Joining the Open
Studio is free but $5 is charged for Portrait/Figure sessions.
Easels, tables and chairs are available.
Open Studio also offers still life and critique sessions, occasional instructed drawing classes, trips,
and a dynamic, supportive atmosphere. We're also always looking for new models.
Council for the Arts
159 South Main St.
Chambersburg, PA 17201
programs councilforthearts.net 717-264-6883
Instructed
Classes include: Drawing and Painting the Figure; Beginning and Intermediate Portraiture.
York Art Association
220 South Marshall Street
York, PA 17402
yaa1 comcast.net
717-755-0028
Instructed
Classes include figure drawing. Focusing on one part of the anatomy each week.
We will talk about how the bones and muscles make up the form of the human body.
Using nude models at the beginning will help the student to see the human form, which will be clothed for the last weeks of class.
The Lancaster Art and Workshop Meetup
The Stahr Performing Arts Center (formerly Stahr Armory)
438 N Queen Street
Lancaster , PA 17603
Uninstructed
Life Drawing on Thursday nights 6:00-8:00pm. See schedule on Meetup.
Pennsylvania College of Art & Design
204 N. Prince Street, P.O. Box 59
Lancaster, PA 17608
ce pcad.edu
717-396-7833
Instructed
Art classes include Figure Drawing.
The Barnstone Studios
52 N. 2nd Street, Suite 3
Coplay, PA 18037
610-261-1030
Instructed
Art classes include Figure Drawing I and II.
Antonio Salemme Foundation
542 Hamilton Street, Suite 203
Allentown, PA 18101
salemmeart verizon.net
610-433-4150
The Salemme Foundation hosts open drawing sessions in its beautiful,
airy space every Sunday except major holidays from 2:00-5:00pm. Cost
is $9 per session, or subscriptions are $60 for 9 weeks. Experienced
art models of both genders execute five 2-minute gesture poses, two
5-minute poses, and a ten-minute pose; the remainder of the session
is spent in 20-minute poses. Bring your own art supplies; we supply
chairs (no easels), music and good cheer.
Baum School of Art
510 Linden Street
P.O. Box 653
Allentown, PA 18105
registrar baumschool.org
610-433-0032
Instructed
Art classes include Figure Drawing and Figure and Portrait Sculpture.
PoconoArts Council
18 North 7th Street
Stroudsburg, PA 18360-2110
info poconoarts.org 570-476-4460
Instructed
Art classes include Figure Drawing.
The Afa Gallery
514 Lackawanna Ave.
Scranton, PA 18503
ted tedmichalowski.com
570-969-1040
Uninstructed
• Life Drawing. Tuesdays 7:00-9:00pm. $5. Art models will be nude, with occasional drapery, partial costume,
or accessory. Art models of any body type or experience level are welcome to inquire to pose.
• Drawing Social. Sundays 6:00-9:00pm. $5 general, $2 with valid student ID. Combines a drawing group with a
live musical performance: the performers being the subject as well as the entertainment. Every Sunday presents a
different ensemble of progressive, improvisational, and experimental musicians. All ages and skill levels are welcome.
The non-drawing are also very welcome to relax and enjoy the show.
New Visions Studio & Gallery
201 Vine Street
Scranton, PA 18503
newvisionsstudio gmail.com 570-878-3970
Instructed
Figure Drawing for Adults: Whether you're a skilled drawer or just looking to give it a shot, come experience
our open figure model drawing session. This one-day class features nude models in varying poses for anyone to
come and practice. Anatomy of Drawing: Drawing skills are built by overcoming fear of failure. This class
will use figure models and still life to build confidence, creativity, and observation skills.
Drawing 101 for Kids & Young Adults: This class will improve your drawing through observation of art models, still life,
and landscapes. Please contact gallery for dates.
Gold Light Studios
512 Scott Road
Perkasie, PA 18944
jmurdoch goldlightstudios.org
267-221-6046
Uninstructed
Draw from a live art model every Monday and Wednesday.
These are sold in one to two month increments, or drop in for $15 per session.
Monday 10:00am-1:00pm. Short pose nude model. Poses range from 5 minutes to 1 hour.
Monday 1:30-4:30pm. Long pose portrait model. Same model and pose for 4-8 weeks.
Wednesday 10:00am-1:00pm. Long pose nude model. Same model and pose for 4-8 weeks.
Main Line Art Center
746 Panmure Road
Haverford, PA 19041
sbrennan mainlineart.org 610-525-0272 ext. 23
Instructed and Uninstructed
Classes included Figurative Sculpture, Figure Drawing & Gouache
Painting, and Figure Modeling I & II.
Uninstruced Open Life Studio is an opportunity for artists at all
levels to work independently to maintain or improve their life drawing
skills in a variety of techniques and media. The group warms up
with short gestural drawings and moves on to longer poses. Models
interested in posing for our classes should contact Katie Groppi
610-525-0272 ext. 17 or kgroppi mainlineart.org
Abington Art Center
515 Meetinghouse Road
Jenkintown, PA 19046
info abingtonartcenter.org
215-887-4882
Uninstructed
Model Workshop. Thursday 9:30am-12:30pm. This is a chance for experienced
artists to come together and draw from the nude art model. Everyone
gives each other support and feedback to improve their work in this
creative environment. Each morning starts with several croquis followed
by more sustained poses. For AAC members only. Limited to 20 students.
Artists of Yardley
949 Mirror Lake Road
Yardley, PA 19067-5514
Monitor: Renee Egan serelene comcast.net
Uninstructed
Open Studio: Live Model on Monday evenings 6:30-9:30pm.
Students will practice life drawing with live clothed and nude models.
Come on out and improve your drawing, painting, charcoal etc. using a live model!
Walk in students are welcome. Participants will pay $12 per session with cash or check.
Contact to get on the e-mail notification list.
Wayne Art Center
413 Maplewood Avenue
Wayne, PA 19087
info wayneart.org 610-688-3553
Instructed and Uninstructed
Instructed classes include Introduction to the Figure, Figure Drawing,
Adult/Teen Figure Drawing, Drawing the Figure & Portrait, Figure
in the Landscape, Figure Within an Interior Environment, Drawing
& Sculpting the Figure, The Figure in the Environment.
Uninstructed: Drawing and Painting Open Studio.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
128 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
continuinged pafa.edu 215-972-7632
Instructed
Classes include Elementary Figure Drawing and Painting, Figure Painting, Terra Cotta Figure Sculpture,
The Long Pose: Two Figures, and Master Class with Sidney Goodman.
The University of the Arts
320 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
precollege uarts.edu 215-717-6430
Instructed
Pre-College Saturday School for high school students. Art classes include Figure Drawing and Figure Sculpture.
Moore College of Art & Design
20th Street and The Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
ce moore.edu
215-965-4030
Instructed
Figure Drawing. Develop strong observational skills and learn
about composition and proportion through interpreting the human
figure, the traditional prerequisite to all visual disciplines.
The unclothed model allows for the study of gesture as well as skeletal
and anatomical structure. Students will learn how to capture a pose
with quick gestures, develop a quality of line with contours and
solve foreshortening problems by understanding aspects of perspective.
Short drills will lead to long poses and the development of more
complete, detailed drawings using a variety of drawing media. This
class uses both nude and clothed art models.
Rittenhouse Drawing Group
240 South 20th Street (just off Rittenhouse Square)
Philadelphia, PA 19103
rittenhousedrawinggroup googlegroups.com
Uninstructed
The Rittenhouse Drawing Group has been meeting since 2008 in the
Rittenhouse Square neighborhood in Philadelphia, PA. Artists meet
on Tuesday nights from 7:00pm-9:00pm and draw from the live art model.
Drawing sessions are largely self-directed, however informal instruction
is available by Mark Bullen. No materials are provided, however
the current host may be willing to provide basic materials in a
pinch. Drawing spots and easels are available on a first come first
serve basis—arrive any time after 6:40pm. Drawing begins promptly
at 7:00pm. There is a fee of $10 per session. For complete information
please join our Google Group.
Dupree Studios
3617 Haverford Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19104
james dupreestudiosinc.com
215-386-1804
Unistructed
Open studio figure draiwng Tuesdays and Thurdays 6:30-9:30pm. $15/session.
Dr. Sketchy's Philadelphia
World Cafe Live
3025 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Uninstructed
Cabaret drawing events. Sessions take place on the second Saturday of each month, 3:00-6:00pm.
This is an affiliate of Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School, founded in New York City.
James Oliver Gallery
723 Chestnut Street, 4th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-923-1242
Instructed
Figure Drawing Wednesdays 6:30-9:00pm. Models of differing sizes and ages all welcome. $12.
The Philadelphia Sketch Club
235 South Camac Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5608
215-545-9298
Uninstructed
The Philadelphia Sketch Club offers six workshops a week on various
days and times for the convenience of participants. No registration
is required. Studio Workshops. $9/session; $8 Sketch Club members
($5 students with valid ID). Easels and drawing boards are provided.
Bring your own materials. Lockers available for a small fee.
Life Model: Monday 6:30-9:30pm, Tuesday 12:00noon-3:00pm, Wednesday 6:30-9:30pm, Saturday 9:30am-12:30pm.
Costumed Model: Thursday 12:00noon-3:00pm.
The Plastic Club
247 South Camac Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
plasticclub att.net 215-545-9324
Uninstructed
The Plastic Club offers painting and drawing workshops year-round for a nominal fee. $8 per session, $7 for members.
No registration is required. Easels, boards, tables provided. The schedule is:
Tuesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, drawing and painting from a clothed model;
Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, Thursdays and Fridays, 6:30-9:30pm, and Saturdays 1:00-4:00pm, drawing and painting from life models.
Studio Incamminati
340 North 12th Street (southwest corner, 12th and Callowhill streets)
Philadelphia, PA 19107
info studioincamminati.org
215-592-7910
Instructed and Uninstructed
Uninstructed Open Studio sessions. Sundays (except selected dates)
1:00-4:00pm. Draw or paint from live art model in a studio setting with
other artists. Just bring your own art supplies, an easel and taboret
are provided. $10 per each 3-hour session which is payable at the
studio, or Purchase a 10-visit discount card for $70.
Instructed classes include Long Pose Figure Drawing in Graphite,
Introduction to Figure Drawing in Charcoal, Studio Anatomy The Body
at Rest - The Torso, and Oil Painting- Still Life and Figure.
Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial
719 Catharine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147-2811
info fleisher.org 215-922-3456
Instructed
Classes and workshops include Figure Drawing - Introduction, Figure
Painting- Introduction, Figure Sculpture - Introduction, Alla Prima
Figure Painting, Painting and Drawing from the Figure, Figure Drawing
- Intermediate, Figure Painting - Intermediate, Figure Drawing -
Advanced, and Painting the Model in a Setting.
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