DIARY: Drawing Al Fresco NYC
Drawing in Battery Park City Parks has begun for the season! Organized by the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy, this long-running series is a city favorite. Free classes in figure drawing with a live model, as well as nature drawings take place weekly, with all materials provided.
Many people are challenged when trying to draw the human figure. The Battery Park City Parks Conservancy offers everyone a chance to improve their skills through an outdoor figure drawing class.
Each week a different model will strike both short and long poses for participants to draw. An artist/educator will be on hand to offer suggestions and give critiques throughout the class. All drawing materials are supplied.
Meets in South Cove near Battery Place and Second Place on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 4:30 pm and is for adult participants (age 18 and up).
Get inspired by the beautiful expanse of the Hudson River & New York Harbor and by the verdant Wagner Park, with its very special Hot and Cool gardens; each flower-filled and colorful throughout the season. All art materials are provided by Battery Park City Parks. Participants can practice already known techniques or try new ones using water colors, pastels, colored pencils, and other media. An artist/educator will offer ideas, instruction and critiques regarding technique.
Meets in Wagner Park, Wednesdays, 11 am to 1 pm near the Museum of Jewish Heritage. Please note that this program is for adult participants (age 18 and up).
Paint in watercolor, or use pastels, chalk, and charcoal to capture the magical vistas of the Hudson River and the unique landscape of the South Cove. An artist/educator will help participants of all levels with instruction and critique. Art materials provided.
Meets at South Cove on Saturdays from 10 am to noon.
Plein Air Painters of NYC was organized by a group of artists who met at Art Students League of New York and went on to found this Meetup, which gathers every Saturday for a day of artmaking. There is no membership fee, but you must sign up in advance to get information about the next outing. From the website:
We’re a dynamic community of artists dedicated to capturing the vibrant essence of the cityscape. Our mission is to unite artists from diverse backgrounds and skill levels for engaging plein-air painting sessions and enjoyable social gatherings.
At our events, we set up our easels, paint en plein air, and share our artistic visions. Afterwards, we gather for drinks or a bite nearby to foster connections and camaraderie. Come immerse yourself in the beauty of the city, connect with fellow artists, and unleash your creativity with Plein-Air Painters of NYC.
On Sundays in Spring and Fall, from 11:30 AM to 1 PM, Tree Wonder hosts free drawing sessions at the base of the English Elm in Washington Square Park. The focus is Manhattan’s oldest tree, the majestic English Elm, said to be more than 300 years old. Each session is led by an invited artist who shares drawing techniques with participants or inspires them with prompts to draw from. Free drawing materials and paper are always provided and all ages and experience levels are encouraged to participate!
These drawing sessions began in the spring of 2022 and the Tree Wonder community has since produced over 2,000 drawings of the monumental English Elm! Click here to explore our archive of drawings of this historic tree.
Urban Sketchers is a global community of sketchers dedicated to the practice of on-location drawing. We share our love for the places where we live and travel—one drawing at a time. And NY Urban Sketchers, which has a local unit and one that operates out of Westchester, invites people to join together for a full day of sketching, DIY lunches, and conversation. This Saturday, they will meet in Hudson Yards at The Vessel. Bring your own sketchbooks and drawing materials. Note: there is something of a competition to draw and paint with the tiniest possible watercolor palette. You will see some surprising setups here! Info and calendar HERE
The Wandering Sketchbook Club invites artists of all abilities to join for Columbus Circle Sketch Session – Figure Drawing Focus
When: June 28th 11am-1pm
Where: Meet near the monument at the center of Columbus Circle (we’ll have a small sign or sketchpad so you can spot us easily!)
What to Bring: Sketchbook, pens/pencils, portable stool if you like, and anything else you love to draw with.
Vibe: Chill, artsy, and community-centered. Come as you are. Stay as long as you like.
Whether you're a seasoned figure artist or just curious, this is a chance to sketch, connect, and get inspired in one of NYC's most dynamic public spaces.
RSVP on the Meetup page to save your spot, and feel free to invite a friend