Berlin has never lacked for either aspiring artists or people willing to take their clothes off for money. But this winter you can bring these two things together in a creative social setting at a couple of local live drawing workshops.
Starting on January 9, the Monday night workshop “Drawing From Life” offers an intimate experience, with small three-hour classes led by Berlin Collective artist and curator Mira O’Brien.
O’Brien takes a technical approach, working intimately with her students analysing the model through negative space, gradation and contour lines and really trying to present the science behind capturing figure and form.
Beginning with nature morte still lives, the classes progress to life figures and even animals at the Natural History Museum. Classes are capped at 10 students, so that everyone gets one-on-one time with Mira.
Costing €80 for four classes (a referral gets you a discount), it’s not the cheapest option but great for those who seek a more private, serious, hands-on experience.
Berlin Collective “Drawing from Life”, Wrangelstr. 31A, Kreuzberg, U-Bhf Görlitzer Bahnhof, Jan 9-Feb 27, Mon 18-21:00. berlindrawingroom.blogspot.com
If you’re looking for something a bit more casual, where you can have a glass of wine and maybe even score a date, we suggest the Wednesday night “Life Drawing Berlin” classes at the Agora Collective.
Founded by artist and curator Jack Howard, the weekly classes are €14 each (€10 for members) – a flexible and wallet-friendly option for the starving (wouldbe) artist. Artist SP Williams coaches a ragtag 10-15-strong crowd of 20-somethings in a low-lit studio space.
The two-hour classes cover the mechanics of drawing, but the emphasis is on observing the form and learning to capture the whole environment and the essence of the figure. So sharpen up your pencil and let your inner artist take over.
Agora Collective “Life Drawing Berlin”, Mittelweg 50, Neukölln, U-Bhf Leinestr., Wed 19:30-21:30
