If you want guidance with how to draw people, join me and sign up for one of my figure drawing classes.
If you want independent study, below is a list of figure drawing co-ops in our area, and one online resource.
Classes: I teach some figure drawing classes at The Atelier Studio Program of Fine Arts in Minneapolis, MN.
Gestural Figure Study in the summer and fall terms.
Registration is OPEN for summer 2024. Class Starts May 21, 2024.
Costumed Figure Drawing and Painting in the winter term.
Sign up for my newsletter to be notified about classes, personal projects, available art (originals and prints), and shows.
I also teach about color mixing and oil painting, and Imaginative Art and Illustration https://theatelier.org/study/classes/
There is an accessibility ramp and an elevator in the building that The Atelier is in.
Free off-street parking.
Want more figure drawing practice?
Below are additional options for drawing the human figure from life, including some figure drawing classes that I teach.
Independent study: below is a list of some figure drawing co-ops, and one portrait co-op in and around the Twin Cities. These are all unguided drawing opportunities (no teacher).
This is the information I’ve collected as February 2016, updated January 2024. I haven’t been to all of them so can’t vouch for their awesomeness. At the very least this list can act as a starting point for folks looking for places to study the human figure. Be sure to check out their sites for information about location, if equipment is supplied or not, and anything else of interest to you.
MCAD in Minneapolis
When: Mondays 7:00 – 9:00 pm, or Sundays 1:00 – 5:00 pm
Cost: varies but as of this post it’s generally under $10 pr session
I’ve been to this in the past. It’s pretty good. Read more about it and see their price list on the MCAD site.
https://www.mcad.edu/academics/continuing-education/figure-drawing-coop
Florence Hill Drawing Co-op Studio 103, NE Minneapolis
When: Every Sunday, 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Cost: unknown (I haven’t been in several years. Last I was there it was $7-$10).
California Building, 2205 California St. NE, Studio 103, Minneapolis, MN 55418
I’ve been to this one in the past. It’s pretty good! There are a lot of regulars (some have attended for decades) so I recommend asking where you might set up to draw.
Florence is very welcoming. http://www.florencehill.com/events.html
Portrait Co-op at Zeller Studio in Hopkins, MN
When: Saturdays (Check their website for current times and cost)
I’ve been to this in the pas. It’s pretty good!
https://www.zellerstudio.com/collaborative
Minnesota Figure Study Collaborative at Zeller Studio in Hopkins, MN
They have a few pricing options (half-day, full-day, and drop-in). I have not been to this. https://www.zellerstudio.com/collaborative
Saturday Long Pose Figure Co-op
When: third Saturday of each month, 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Cost: unknown
This was organized by Tom Wolfe and takes place in the same studio as Florence Hill’s co-op, Studio 103 in the California Building. You can contact Tom for more information and to be added to his mailing list for the the long pose sessions: Tom Wolfe tomwolfeart@aol.com
Old Town Artists Open-Studio Life Drawing Sessions
Check their website for more information. I have not been to this one, but a student told me it was pretty good. There are regular attendees so I recommend asking where you might set up to draw. https://www.otartists.com/p/life-drawing.html
GPS (Geek Partnership Society) Figure Drawing Salon
This is currently on hiatus. The site states that they’re searching for a new location to host this event.
https://geekpartnership.org/programs/gps-arts-initiative/gps-arts-programs/
On your computer
When: whenever you want
Cost: a small donation if you’re so inclined
Personally I don’t think anything beats studying from life but sometimes a person just can’t. This site is a pretty handy resource if you can’t make it to a co-op. The photos are pretty good though there is some distortion to some of the figures so watch out for proportions when drawing. https://line-of-action.com/