SF Sketch Schools: Where The Future Picassos & Van Goghs Make Their Mark

23^rd Street Studio
3747 23rd Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 824-3408
www.23rdstreetstudio.com

One of the top figure drawing studios in the Bay Area, the 23^rd Street Studio is well equipped, professionally operated and provides access to exceptional life models to work with. The studio offers instruction and non-instruction figure drawing classes on both a full term (22 weeks) or drop-in basis. Professional artist Michael Markowitz is the instructor with a teaching viewpoint unlike most traditional figure drawing classes. According to the 23^rd Street Studio Teaching Philosophy, "This course uses the experience of figure drawing to explore the creative process, the nature of perception and of identity," with a "great deal of content and structure." Markowitz' teaching philosophy helps studio artists explore the "underlying state of mind and body where creativity is natural and inevitable." Students will release their ideas about how they drew before, as they begin exploring drawing as a fully creative process. Fees for each 22-week, once-a-week, three-hour session are: non-instructional group, $350, instructional course, $500, and drop-in to the non-instructional group is $17 per three-hour session. Drop-ins are possible when available space permits. Check the website for additional information, including figure drawing schedules.

Root Division is a visual arts non-profit organization that connects community and creativity to offer arts education, exhibitions and studio space at below-market rates, plus emerging artists will find additional opportunities to develop their work and contribute to the community. The Adult Education component of Root Division offers affordable classes covering a range of art mediums, techniques and professional skills. The Drawing 101A and 101B classes ($185 each) meet for six sessions each, with instruction in drawing fundamentals and study of key areas to focus and increase your skills. Visit the website for drawing class dates and times, and to register.

The Sharon Art Studio is San Francisco's largest public community center for the arts, offering affordable classes and workshops for creative souls of all ages and artistic levels. The facility is jointly operated by the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department (SFRPD) and the Friends of Sharon Art Studio (FOSAS), and is located in a lovely, historic building in Golden Gate Park. More than an excellent art learning resource, the Sharon Art Studio is for the community it serves. There are always new people attending classes at the Sharon Art Studio, taking their places alongside the regulars, even some who have been attending classes for 15 or more years. Several adult drawing classes are offered from five to 10 weeks, $55 to $150 per class. Classes are offered by seasonal terms and fill up quickly, so if a class is full, check back for the next registration period. Become a member and help support this wonderful city resource and reap the benefits: discounts on all classes, priority registration, discounts at local art stores and invitations to special events and previews. View the Winter 2015 Catalog here, although some classes will already be full. Check back to the Sharon Art Studio website for the next open registration period. Scholarships also available, check website for details.

The Sketch Collective
3410 Geary Blvd, Suite 208
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 762-0727
www.sketch-collective.com

The Sketch Collective is an art studio that focuses on teaching children the nitty-gritties of drawing. Each child gets a customized program that incorporates the essential skills needed to use art to capture the world as each one of us sees it. The Sketch Collective also offers drawing classes and short workshops in other skills and crafts. Classes are year round and offered for eight and 10 weeks in fall, winter and spring sessions, and a five-week session of summer camps. Visit the website to view classes and to register.

Are you a Meetup member? If not, the New Year is a great time to start. The Meetup community of virtually endless informal groups offers several groups for sketch artists and folks working in other mediums. Meetup is an organization that brings people, activities and events together. There are several Meetup drawing groups open to new members, including: The San Francisco Figure Drawing Group, Social Drawing, SF Sketchers, Quick Draw SF and Bar Sketching, Bird Sketching, and more. There are also several art groups meeting around the Bay Area. Visit the website to join Meetup and easily find a group that is the right fit for you. Meetup membership is free to join, although individual groups may collect nominal dues or fees to keep the group active and growing. Go to the Meetup site to search for drawing groups in San Francisco, and the information will appear. Follow the group's invitation to join and you will see location and meeting dates for upcoming sessions.