Figure Drawing Basics: 3-Week Class

BFAC Members get 25% off! To register multiple people, please complete checkout separately for each participant. You can use the same email address!* If you're new to figure drawing and you want to boost your confidence before going to an open figure drawing session, this class is for you! Normally taught as 1-session workshops, this 3-week class will be an even deeper dive into figure drawing. Illustrator, cartoonist, and figure drawing instructor Chris O’Neill (@thumbsoneill) will teach all the foundational skills you need - from mark-making, to proportions, to light and shadow, to expression and style.

Boston Figurative Art Center

Portraiture Drawing: 2-Week Class

*25% discount for members! To register multiple people, please complete checkout separately for each participant. You can use the same email address!* Join us for a 2-week class with fine artist and instructor Shea Stoner, where you'll build foundational skills in mastering the art of portraiture. We'll be teaching the block-in method, which is the essential foundation of a strong drawing—a clear pattern of light, shadow, and simplified shapes that can represent up to 90% of the final image. By reducing the subject to two main values and organizing its major forms, artists make complex information easier to understand and ensure the drawing reads clearly from the start. In academic practice, a precise block-in can even stand in for the sitter, allowing the artist to finish the piece without the model present. Throughout this course, we’ll use a set of guiding questions and measurements to build accurate, convincing block-ins that support every stage of the drawing process. &nbsp; SUPPLIES LIST: We will be working with graphite and chalk on toned paper. Please do not hesitate to ask questions in advance about the supplies: sheastoner@gmail.com PENCILS 1. Pencil holder -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Mars-Technico-Holder-780/dp/B000WL4WEC?crid=25U5KDCQQOSQV&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8aUNiDPpZ7S90u6yur4Qljloe1hwtcvpOntTanIrwF4CKJXT4rDUxDgT4ZCwOkuehk1U7UTy7YYcK6MHvVZj6ibGvPOSZ_71D4dzoEiyuwA_Plw7k4dmM8d9v-ebigmYGmK01r49bv-RjrAVtIsFRau7VPkIM815piTCZRQ1btHXB7brtTxodkRKKwqJxDlPfq_vYePhOAKdcaZrn-H0FxFHx6z7kYa9rb_psu17jkmlWdyp7tlgMfwrmxv80nCBoQfQ7CwpP-09weBvAUOY4Y5WkGWxXeuidLnr1cE1AjWJMkKCtimjQyHQVLINRTZWMRD2zcE9doE3m3ZGglg0X9RdAKOorfMSRUBUFvBQMycB294DFlI4CGkfmYar1wy1yw6_UDnvbIsM7DK894YNBUaPrKMGnzl8x61uP-1BBu6F6uFiQZW5WH3RUJdrsWB1.XQuhQ72mSkAsFcx34bqlMjtpbxrTvPEfzOQsRi5Nnl0&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=staedtler%2Blead%2Bholder&amp;qid=1740501570&amp;sprefix=staedtler%2Blead%2Caps%2C132&amp;sr=8-6&amp;th=1&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=juliebeck-20&amp;linkId=ecef43f8b5d186325e92036a627036f3&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl">Amazon Link</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dickblick.com/products/staedtler-mars-technico-780-lead-holder/">Blick Link</a> 2. Staedtler Mars Lumograph Pencil Set 3. 2 General’s White 558 Charcoal Pencil -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/2-Pack-General-Pencil-Charcoal-Pencils/dp/B07FPYKS39?crid=15GLQ7ENY08KJ&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.RbxDzFRmLeqD4ZhLcPMGhsCOfTnX67h3fZIgE-rNx4k6xFdIqV5sY5L6QNDq6xoIuUJhR2SEZJscEXkwsXGpZ73PRklovOkjNdITXiHWUHE-LjCQoy_2ewbedI4eXE5MyJZoZqFMAzNTiTY8yBwndOvxpgHJsvC_BXGCy73-0aWhLyjiHF_P4cHI5k_Mqp2Qx3LnGyuTgn9DxFUbULxoPwyqyMKfWJUmx0x2tGOBUcy6lgQPgHERM9gnKUqtADadSksb18NNmcJQwlt9USlkhcwqRwgQuF2TTWocutaz7tc4vJNHFsRLfj2pQ6PCnj7ZELtNP16uxGbEc4bdrACWT7pMNEUCBVsTZlmmHHjlNzcXYGrrgLnk_QvbSJgmMNN8FJKQy6kTLFiVsv0ApZ4D5Vk3ihwUUZ8VZe9Rs7TREZME2l-L_9BEX0yPx-nFKlv8.RcPzktxCzQJ3m0xfkzEjVq4OW-mG2moSQH4AD54qytI&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=generals+white+charcoal+pencils&amp;qid=1740501162&amp;sprefix=generals+white,aps,114&amp;sr=8-7&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=juliebeck-20&amp;linkId=206d694837d01a69c426d7a3f2dee778&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl">Amazon Link</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dickblick.com/products/generals-white-charcoal-pencil/">Blick Link</a> MISC 1. Masking Tape 2. Faber Castell Pencil Eraser- 3. Drawing Tools Set Includes the items listed below -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Art-Alternatives-Drawing-Accessories-Set/dp/B005FHLPSY?crid=1TYHQ3A4KWJK4&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zYvZ-5ipRYD58Zg4MJCmJGrkO5c1gQoFW-4GvZHPeOnoplm8ow_zlAPqO_E0LIEif1SwtTmrUg-X-cbjI3xE5pymG85ReahmXwu4GeymZnbX2TeFTsSRN8FIzKlRTTazHjlp0rGXtqDTFsCioZNwK7y_JXJwGcwd2buemzktgtbCSOqwfBgFrSDtqiAbMyEO0PqV0onIym-l-8m9oB_fvxPpNkorsrqNdZ6_odRzWRY-Pb6O0gA2ykwM1xeS9gPi7b1Snb96SyTIUd4enG3MXuwlFZl4UoqYejXtXks_C3jttEWB36L7u7-XGQc-WPx4nQ3I2xlx0NjFqn-D3vU-_Feg07YjVPAnT17Xz2iwm5fPnOmfAXW6V2TiSqHdS0GnHpBvuZDjLAJJDjX4NIGRyvFH6dvITRH_9SPWt94IM40QLIlsopss6NcqzYCsKBSl.AIIGu-0MpRMmr7KvqSm8nTHabm0JQ3D2HpGD3_1m9IQ&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=Art+Alternatives+Drawing+Tools+Set&amp;qid=1740503700&amp;sprefix=art+alternatives+drawing+tools+set,aps,197&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=juliebeck-20&amp;linkId=0fa8de81d54cc33905b15cd8f2dabfd8&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl">Amazon link</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dickblick.com/products/art-alternatives-drawing-tools-set/">Blick Link</a> a. Blending Stumps b. Gummy/Kneaded eraser c. Sanding Block (for pencils) PAPER 1. Strathmore Mixed Media Grey -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Strathmore-462-309-Toned-Mixed-Sheets/dp/B06XRKKVW2?crid=16BWJTK9RA2T2&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.f2OBwsahUoVdaC87G3pXmqyJcN_nsY5PJjHIDPr3Nyx5_cEPhPurvqc_UeWlh5QQ7iYd2z3v4N-XpPiR3kS4ep-Yge_CDXhuiTl61_e2m4eQcuASV1GWB8Y0wENKbFPcrNVJOkiY8QV0IaZ7D0z22k1ObOqLEBAr_xuymVv5PQS4PQfgtRCfHoYyzVkjVo0Z56hOQw09Fd_5AV2wqZ-ugiJ3eIENZZgown8B3gMpsT2NSCQymlf3qLFU8sNGE1esl6njJ2eqmUWI_HfmZqcgwsrNDW8Sa01QAoZ5FebB9gcDKiVm9yGcwZT-6mKhnjPzgae9WUDb3NCNCqvuxuAWppwf3CBaU5xfTl0zqMZyq2dCLZBal45YZejjwdLbGHUQlx2cU6IgkCIyhfjzjvklPZwOOz_huA-aGWFzZqsOcoDO-W4LnrgXiJHnzlQi9KQW.UXqEeipiAgguC5krbJjwIXjl7GFNZmEU-E8yN4wTfrM&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=stonehenge%2Bpaper%2Bgrey&amp;qid=1740534909&amp;sprefix=stonehenge%2Bpaper%2Bgrey,aps,246&amp;sr=8-1&amp;th=1&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=juliebeck-20&amp;linkId=43920fb3b602703498aae842b0d63811&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl">Amazon Link</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dickblick.com/items/strathmore-400-series-toned-mixed-media-pad-gray-9-x-12/">Blick</a>

Paint & Sip

Members: $20 Non-Members: $35 Join artist and instructor Halle Cooper for a night of guided painting and wine! If you haven’t heard of a “Paint and Sip,” it’s basically a Bob-Ross-style painting lesson. We will all be painting the same beginner-friendly picture, and the teacher will guide you through, step by step. Follow along exactly, or add your own twist as you go. It will be so easy you can even do it a little tipsy! (but not if you drove!) It’s a great time for non-painters and professional artists alike. Just a fun, low-stakes, creative activity to do with your friends (or a great way to make new ones!) Supplies included.

Watercolors: Landscapes (2-Week Class)

*25% discount for members!&nbsp; To register multiple people, please complete checkout separately for each participant. You can use the same email address!* In this beginner-friendly class taught by Adam Lubkin, we'll discover the magic of painting landscapes in a calm, supportive environment. You'll develop core skills in color, composition, and distilling nature's overwhelming beauty into paint, while learning to work with watercolor's fluid, unpredictable nature. The class focuses on slowing down, trying new things, and finding joy in the process. No experience necessary - beginners encouraged!

Oil Painting Portraiture Bootcamp (6-Week Class)

*25% discount for members!&nbsp; To register multiple people, please complete checkout separately for each participant. You can use the same email address!* This 6 week class will guide students through the time honored traditions of layered portrait painting! We will learn about the range of materials and their application in a step by step painting process. Indirect Oil Painting is a time tested methodical approach to painting in successive layers to achieve specific natural effects. Students will focus on both paint handling and drawing with value. The students will begin with a full grisaille (black and white) underpainting, and then begin to build their color layers through mindful application of paint and medium. Our goal is a portrait with both structure and presence. ***We will skip the week of July 4th***

Intro to Watercolors

Non-Members: $50 Members: $40 Join artist and instructor Adam Lubkin to learn the basics of watercolor painting! Adam will break down the process into simple steps, going over the foundational principles of the medium: light, color, shape, and edges. Prompts and references will be provided, and you will receive individualized feedback and advice so that you walk away with a piece you are proud of. Basic drawing experience is expected, but no painting experience is required. All supplies are included.

Paint & Sip Brunch

Members: $20 Non-members: $45 Join artist and instructor Halle Cooper for guided painting and brunch! If you haven’t heard of a “Paint and Sip,” it’s basically a Bob-Ross-style painting lesson. We will all be painting the same beginner-friendly picture, and the instructor will guide you through, step by step. Follow along exactly, or add your own twist as you go. It will be so easy you can even do it a little tipsy! (but not if you drove!) It’s a great time for non-painters and professional artists alike. Just a fun, low-stakes, creative activity to do with your friends (or a great way to make new ones!) Supplies included. Brunch will include mimosas, tea sandwiches, pastries, and fruit! Reach out with any dietary restrictions or concerns. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early!

Hammer Textured Rings Workshop

Join Analise of Mind’s Eye Collective for a hands-on beginner jewelry workshop where you will create your own bespoke sterling silver rings! In this 2-hour class, you'll learn the basics of jewelry making to form, stamp, texture, and solder sterling silver into a ring. You'll have the opportunity to stamp a name, word, or textured pattern on to your rings to create something unique to you. Come with ideas in mind or take the time to experiment and be surprised! Perfect for date night, girls' night out, or a fun gift-making experience, this class is limited to just 6 people to ensure personalized attention. No experience is needed, and all materials and tools are provided. By the end of the session, you'll take home a distinctive set of 3-4, time permitting, of your very own handcrafted sterling silver rings.

BYOBook

Welcome to BYO(Book)! A non-traditional book club centered around a love of reading with no assigned book 📖 The general structure is that the first 30 minutes are a meet/greet between participants where we can share what we’ve been reading, ask people for recommendations, or just simply meet new people! Then, the following 1.5 hours are dedicated time to read whatever your current novel/article/magazine/manga/comic/etc. is of your choosing. Snacks and beverages provided! There will also be a rotating stack of books available so that if you’d like to pick up something new just for the night you can! See you there!

Stitch 'n B*tch

This one’s for all of you sewing/crocheting/knitting/textile lovers! Join us for a biweekly meet-up, BYOCP... (BYOCP = bring your own [unfinished or not-yet-started] creative projects!) Do you have unfinished textile or sewing projects? Do you like to complain about how many unfinished projects you have? Do you wish you could commiserate with a fun group of people in a low-key setting? Join us for a relaxing and social evening co-working session in the “living room” at the BFAC. Professional artist and fashion designer Mary Kahle of Kahle Studios will be on site to trouble-shoot and provide feedback! All experience levels and ages welcome! Snacks will be provided. Timed breaks will be enforced. (LOL we don’t need to include this)

BFAC Members get 25% off! New to figure drawing? Maybe you’ve been practicing, but feel stuck or in need of a new perspective? Illustrator, cartoonist, and figure drawing instructor Chris O’Neill (@thumbsoneill) shares his approach to nailing proportions, making faster drawings, getting loose, and having more fun at figure drawing! Each class, Chris focuses on a fresh topic, so learn something new every time you come! This workshop will include three demos and individual instruction for each student throughout the evening.

Mother's Day Paint & Sip

*25% discount for members! Celebrate Mother’s Day with a Paint &amp; Sip! Perfect for a pair, or for the whole family. Artist and instructor Halle Cooper will guide you through a painting, start to finish. Follow along exactly, or add your own twist as you go! It’s a great time for non-painters and professional artists alike. Just a fun, low-stakes, creative activity to do to celebrate the moms in your life :)

Mother's Day Cyanotype Workshop

*25% discount for members! Celebrate Mother’s Day by creating beautiful handmade prints in this special hands-on cyanotype workshop! Perfect for beginners and groups, this class will leave you with 5-10 unique cyanotype prints or bookmarks and a heartfelt, handmade way to celebrate the mothers in your life! In this workshop, you’ll learn how to transform blank paper into rich blue images and bookmarks using light-sensitive chemicals and the power of sunlight. Arrange natural and found objects, such as flowers, leaves, lace, jewelry, and more, to create thoughtful, one-of-a-kind designs perfect for gifting. Pre-made and blank stencils will also be available to help inspire your compositions and make them even more personal.

Queer Figure Drawing

*Pay-what-you-can (suggested $15) at the door, and free for BFAC members* Queer artists, queer models, queer vibes. Join us for our monthly Queer Figure Drawing Night: a drop-in figure session at BFAC for queers, by queers. Anyone who comes to draw can opt into a 5-20 minute modelling slot (clothed or nude), in an environment that prioritizes your comfort and empowerment. Art supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own!

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

World Cup Watch Parties 🎉⚽️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Where

bostonfigureart

Experiences

Figure Drawing Basics: 3-Week Class

Portraiture Drawing: 2-Week Class

Paint & Sip

Watercolors: Landscapes (2-Week Class)

Oil Painting Portraiture Bootcamp (6-Week Class)

Intro to Watercolors

Paint & Sip Brunch

Hammer Textured Rings Workshop

BYOBook

Stitch 'n B*tch

Figure Drawing Basics: 3-Week Class

Mother's Day Paint & Sip

Mother's Day Cyanotype Workshop

Queer Figure Drawing

Stitch 'n B*tch