List of Figure Drawing in Pittsburgh!
Here is a semi-exhaustive list of figure drawing sessions in the Pittsburgh metro area! This does not include drawing classes which are different.
Figure drawing sessions are a low cost and low barrier event for artists of all skill levels to practice translating the human figure from the 3D to the 2D plane. This is a fundamental communication skill and gives us a deeper understanding of form and texture. Regardless of your artistic aspirations—drawing teaches a different way of thinking and observing the world. With the pandemic... being where it is, sessions have been slowly coming back on board. I'm trying to bring back a comprehensive list of these regular figure drawing sessions! If I missed one, let me know. I want to promote everyone!!
Updated April 17th 2024
Mia Drawing Events (Sharpsburg; pop-ups)
Monthly portrait sessions every third Tuesday at ZYNKA Gallery in Sharpsburg (904 Main Street) $15 a session; models vary by month so follow her on IG for updates.
Follow @stclairmermaid | @liveartpgh on Instagram!
Wilkins School (Regent Square)
These Mondays in 2024 from 6:30–9:30PM
April 29
May 13
7604 Charleston Ave, Wilkinsburg $10 + voluntary gratuity for the model. Get on their mailing list by reaching out to facesbyjack@aol.com; billkaraffa@comcast.net for regular updates.
Red Fish Bowl (Lawrenceville)
Wednesdays 7:30–10PM $10
4327 Butler Street (Lawrenceville; not wheelchair accessible)
RSVP on their website here. This event is focused on gestural drawing with short poses. From their site: "Poses from 10 seconds to 30 minutes. This will allow artist to warm up hand-eye coordination and leave artists with many figures to work from. Instruction, tips, and critiques will be given by the artist host (a multi-disciplined artist/illustrator). Artists should bring sketch books, easels, and supplies.
South Arts Figure Drawing Sessions (Bethal Park)
Every other Wednesday 6:30–9PM
2600 South Park Road, Bethal Park (Unclear about wheelchair accessibility)
From their website: "Come and practice your drawing skills with a live model. The model may be nude or in costume. Figure Drawing Sessions meets every other Wednesday Evenings, 6:30-9 pm. $12 per session. This is not a class but a drawing session.
Contact Bill for more info: billkaraffa@comcast.net
Gilberti Fine Art Studio
Maple Leaf (Millvale)
$15
Get on the mailing list for regular updates about this event. Reach out to fpionati@yahoo.com to get on the list.
Saturday Portrait Sessions (Lower Lawrenceville)
Free portrait session the third Saturday of each month at The Port 3620 Butler St. (Lower Lawrenceville) from 10AM–12PM.
Participants take turns being the model (clothed only).
Irma Freeman Center (Garfield/Friendship)
Starting again!
I heard a rumor that there's a session on Sunday April 21st, 2024 from 1–4PM
CMU Sunday Night (Oakland)
Sundays during the semester 6–8:30PM
College of Fine Art Building on CMU campus; third floor (Room 308; wheelchair accessible.)
2024 Dates Left
April 21st