Always wanted to try your hand at life drawing but been too sheepish to give it a go? Whether you’re a first-timer or a body-sketching pro, these fabulous life drawing classes in London are the perfect opportunity to paint, sketch and draw bodies of all shapes and sizes without feeling too bashful. Besides, if you’ve watched an episode of Channel 4’s Naked Attraction, you’ve probably seen it all before.
As a nude model takes centre stage in front of a huddle of budding artists, you’ll get the chance to practice your hand-eye coordination, improve your focus and develop your artistic skills. From wine-infused classes to more off-the-wall workshops with neon paint involved, our list of the very best life drawing classes in London reveals all there is to see when it comes to nude sketching in the city.
However, if nudity is not your cup of tea but painting, neon colours, and a fun night out is, then you’ve got to check out Neon Brush—one of London’s newest paint and sip experiences that turns your canvas into a fluorescent masterpiece.
1. Neon Life Drawing
These dazzling classes bathed in neon lights are putting an innovative and psychedelic twist on the more traditional life drawing workshops. They have everything the average life drawing class has – life models, an expert tutor and a blank canvas. But it doesn’t stop there. You’ll walk into a darkened room and be given a stash of neon-glowing pastels, chalks, pencils, pens, crayons and paper to draw and paint under UV light. Oh, and we should probably mention that the life models come covered head to toe in UV-reactive paint and fluorescent accessories.
Although a talented artist will be on hand to offer creative tips and tricks, you’ll have total free rein over your blank canvas. These classes essentially take the perfectionism of traditional life drawing, scrunch it up and throw it in the bin. So, if you like to play (or paint) by your own rules, then try out one of these neon life drawing classes that are giving the everyday art class a unique and colourful makeover.
🎨Multiple locations in London
Grab your tickets to these magnificent neon life drawing classes here.
2. Full Bodied: Life Drawing & Wine Tasting
This life drawing class lets you release your inner artist with a pencil or paintbrush in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. Skilled artist Yaz will be your art teacher for the evening and will guide you through a number of exercises to perfect your body-drawing skills before the life model takes centre stage to bare all. On arrival, you’ll be greeted with Champagne or prosecco before making your way through three glasses of carefully-curated wines throughout the evening. So, let the the creatives juices and bottles of bubbly flow at this fabulous life drawing class perfect for those artists who like a tipple or four.
🎨95 Charlotte St, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 4PZ
Find out more about Full Bodied: Life Drawing & Wine Tasting here.
3. Royal Drawing School
The Royal Drawing School is offering a range of courses to encourage novice artists to let out their creative flare and further their understanding of drawing. Most classes span over the course of seven sessions so that you can perfect your sketching skills while potentially making some new friends along the way. Each week, artists will be given a new challenge from an expert tutor to help put their new-found talents into practice and see their art with a new perspective. Not only that, but the team of expert art teachers will share their tricks of the trade and recommend the best spots in London to enjoy the finest art that the city has to offer.
🎨19-22 Charlotte Rd, London, EC2A 3SG
4. Art Academy London
Want to get into life drawing but not sure where to begin? The courses available at Art Academy London are a great choice for those yearning to improve their drawing technique but just need an encouraging nudge. In addition to offering expert tips and insider art knowledge, tutors here encourage their students to use a wide range of materials including graphite and charcoal. They do this not only to challenge their artists in training, but also to show that there’s no one right way of doing things when it comes to art. So, put down the pencil and push yourself to new artistic heights at these brilliant classes suitable for both advanced sketchers and complete beginners.
🎨165A Borough High St, London, SE1 1HR
5. Brixton Life Drawing
Set up by besties Anya and Bex, Brixton Life Drawing offers a fun and friendly environment to anyone looking to express their artistic talents. Much to the relief of their loyal customers, BLD took their classes online when the pandemic forced us all indoors in early 2020. Nowadays, you have the option to enjoy a class with fellow life drawers at the studio or get sketching from the comfort of your own home with their online classes. From first-timers to Van Goghs in the making, all abilities are welcome. Just come with an open mind, passion for art and interest to learn and see where the evening takes you.
🎨123 Acre Ln, Brixton Hill, London, SW2 5UA