Drop-In Workshops
Santa Cruz Art League supports every level of an artist’s journey.
Our drop-in workshops are open to artists of all levels. Pre-registration is available for those who wish to reserve a space, but is not required. Click on the calendar below to register.
Those new to life drawing are encouraged to read our Studio Model Etiquette guide.
Session will not be held on holidays. Scroll down to see the calendar of upcoming dates and read descriptions of our drop-in workshops.
Monday Morning Drop-In Figure Drawing
Select Mondays, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Facilitator: Katell Le Bourdonnec
Fee: $25
Each session will be one 3-hour long pose for painting and drawing with a live model. The model will be either nude, partially clothed or fully clothed. This session provides an opportunity for artists to create more detailed studies or focus their drawings or paintings.
Attendance is limited to 8 people, so come early or register in advance to be sure of a space. Easels are available. Painters, please do not use strong-smelling solvents.
Monday Evening Drop-In Figure Drawing
Weekly Mondays, 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Facilitator: Mark Sangster
Fee: $20
Drop-in session of drawing or painting from a live nude model including long and short poses. Beginner to professional artists welcome. Instruction and/or critique will not be offered.
Attendance is limited to 12 people, so come early or register in advance to be sure of a space. Easels are available. Painters, please do not use strong-smelling solvents.
Thursday Evening Long Pose
First Thursdays of the month (some exceptions), 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Facilitator: Mark Sangster
Fee: $20
An evening of long poses for painting and drawing with a live model holding either one 2-hour or two 1-hour poses during the evening. This session provides an opportunity for artists to create more detailed studies or focus their drawings or paintings.
Attendance is limited to 8 people, so come early or register in advance to be sure of a space. Easels are available. Painters, please do not use strong-smelling solvents.
Thursday Evening Head Study
Select Thursdays, 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Facilitator: Mark Sangster
Fee: $20
This evening provides a great opportunity for artists to focus on drawing or painting the head. Join us for a session with a live, clothed model holding two 1 hour poses.
Attendance is limited to 8 people, so come early or register in advance to be sure of a space. Easels are available. Painters, please do not use strong-smelling solvents.
Thursday Evening Gesture Study
Select Thursdays, 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Facilitator: Mark Sangster
Fee: $20
This session provides a great opportunity to practice capturing the essence and simplicity of the pose, rather than rendering the complexity and detail of the form. More like poetry than prose! The format for this evening will be a series of 1 minute poses, transitioning to 2, 3, and 5 minute poses.
Attendance is limited to 8 people, so come early or register in advance to be sure of a space. Easels are available. Painters, please do not use strong-smelling solvents.
More Information:
If you would like to receive our monthly figure drawing event email, click here
The Art League works with a strong pool of male and female models. If you have experience in modeling and would like more information on joining our model pool, please email admin@scal.org
2026 Holiday Closures: December 22 & December 29 (SCAL closed for holiday break), January 19 (Martin Luther King Jr Day), February 16 (Presidents' Day), May 25 (Memorial Day), September 7 (Labor Day), October 12 (Indigenous Peoples' Day).