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BOSTON FIGURATIVE
ART CENTER

All sessions take place in a fun and welcoming environment.

Many of our sessions are "open studio" format; there is no instructor. Artists are free to work however they like, in whatever media they prefer.

Our drawing and painting sessions are not classified by skill level. All levels are welcome, from beginners to experienced artists.

Some basic materials are available at the studio, however, if you have preferred materials, please bring them. We supply any furniture you might need: easels, drawing boards, chairs, drawing horses, and so on. We also provide drinks and snacks.

You may preregister and prepay to ensure your place. Drop-ins are also welcome, space permitting.

Note that the front door to the building is always locked. The host's name and number is posted outside the front door; call or text when you arrive and someone will come down to let you in.

Also, parking on Vernon Street is normally limited to 2 hours on weekdays and Saturdays, except for those vehicles with a Somerville parking sticker. Free parking is available in the lot at the rear of the building. Enter from Central Street, around the corner from 6 Vernon Street. BFAC is not responsible for parking tickets or damage to vehicles.


Sessions

    • September 05, 2023
    • September 26, 2023
    • 6 sessions
    • 6 Vernon Street, Somerville, MA 02421
    Register

    This class will remain open for drop-ins through the last session, but please contact the teacher for information on a pro-rated fee. She can be reached via her website, www.lucindadraine.com

    This is a class for anyone from beginners to more advanced students who would like to advance their ability to draw using traditional French Academic methods such as Bargue drawing and sight size techniques.  The instructor will guide students in copying from the masters and in gaining control over the drawing process from start to finish. Classes will meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-9:30pm in September, and also two Saturday afternoons (9/16 and 9/23) from 2:00-5:00pm at the MFA to draw from their classical statuary collection.  Please join us to transform the way you see and draw through some of the same time-tested traditions that honed the skills of artists from J.A.D. Ingres to Eugene Delacroix.

    Fee:  $280.00.  Class will be limited to 6 students.

    Please note, this class will take place in instructor Lucinda Draine's studio down the hall from the BFAC studio, in the same building.



    • September 06, 2023
    • September 27, 2023
    • 4 sessions
    • BFAC studio, 6 Vernon Street, Somerville, MA 02145
    Join waitlist

    This class will open a window on the classic technique of using black, red and white charcoal in combination with toned paper.  Kev Fang, a graduate of Art Center College of Design and now working for Hasbro, will demonstrate how he creates beautiful sheets of figure studies using this technique.   Students will learn about simple anatomy tricks, tips for using the media most economically and effectively, and page composition. The goal of the class is for each student to go home with some beautifully composed pages of figure studies worthy of framing. 


    Time: Four Wednesday nights in September, 7:00 to 9:30


    Cost: $120 for four classes.


    Location: 6 Vernon Street, Somerville, MA


    Materials:  

    Please bring 5 sheets, 18 x 24 inch toned paper (Canson Mi-Tientes Dark Gray for charcoal, Strathmore Blue or Tan for colored pencils)

    A regular white sketch pad/sketchbook for notes

    General's 6B charcoal pencils, Generals white charcoal/chalk pencils, Prismacolor premier Tuscan red pencils

    Kneaded eraser


    Session 1: Figure drawing basics, basics of rendering, short poses (colored pencil)

    Session 2: Short poses continued, rendering continued (charcoal)

    Session 3: Long pose basics and two one-hour poses

    Session 4: 2hr long pose final

    • September 06, 2023
    • September 27, 2023
    • 4 sessions
    • Hisel Flynn architects, 17 Waltham Street, Lexington, MA 02420
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Please note that this class is being offered in Lexington, not in the Somerville studio. There are a few spots offered here as the class is already populated by a number of returning students. If the class is full this month, please put your name on the waiting list, and we'll do our best to accommodate you soon.

    This workshop is an opportunity for people of all drawing abilities, from absolute beginner to pro, to come together around the act of drawing from a live model in a meditative way, by slowing down and paring away everything external to the process of observation and creation.

    Like a yoga class, the workshops will emphasize compassion and non-judgement, and the deep focus that harnesses the naturally meditative aspects of drawing from a live model to relax the mind and body. Attendees will sit together in a warm and comfortable space, listening to calming music, and observing as the teacher demonstrates simple ways to relax into the process of drawing.

    Each participant is free to follow their own meditative and learning path during the sessions. Come draw and relax your heart, brain, and spirit through an experience of communal learning. 

    Please bring drawing materials- pencils, paper, eraser, etc.  Some simple materials are also available if you need them.

    Fee: $120 for the 4-week series; please register in advance.  If you'd like to drop in to one or more classes, please email the instructor: Damon@bostonfigurecenter.org


    • September 23, 2023
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Boston Figurative Art Center, 6 Vernon Street, #23, Somerville, MA 02145
    • 4
    Register

    Drawing as Meditation Workshop

    Instructed by Adam LoRusso

    Drawing is an inherently meditative activity, and in this workshop, artist and meditation practitioner Adam LoRusso will help participants experience life drawing as a way to deepen their awareness and enjoyment of the present moment. 

    With calming music, pleasant warm lighting, and gentle encouragement,  students will be guided through meditations and techniques to help them see and draw more easily and with more confidence. Compassion, non-judgment, and an emphasis on the process rather than the product will create the ideal environment to start learning to draw, or to enhance enjoyment of a long-standing drawing practice.

    Beginner to advanced artists are welcome; no experience is necessary. Limited to 12 students.

    Please bring any materials you like to draw with. Easels, drawing horses, drawing boards, and simple refreshments will be provided.

    Fee: $60, monthly paying BFAC members $50

    • September 23, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Boston Figurative Art Center, 6 Vernon Street, #23, Somerville, MA 02145
    Register

    Saturday Evening Short Pose Session

    Come draw with us on Saturday evenings! The model will take poses ranging from 1 minute up to 20 or 25 minutes (or longer if time permits).

    $25 ($15 for monthly members and students)

    Please limit guests to one per member.

    • September 24, 2023
    • 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Vernon St. Studios, 6 Vernon St., Somerville
    Register

    Sunday morning long-pose sessions feature a fun and welcoming environment, for passionate painters and draftsmen of all skill levels to hone their craft. We welcome all mediums, oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, pen and ink, pencils, iPad and even silverpoint should you choose. Please register in advance so that your easel spot will be assured. However, we always make space for everyone.

    • September 25, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Vernon St. Studios, 6 Vernon St., Somerville
    • 20
    Register

    Monday Evening Short Pose Session

    Dynamic short poses, starting with 1 minute poses end ending the evening with 20 or 25 minutes (or longer if time permits).

    $25 ($15 for monthly members and students)

    Easels/chairs/benches as well as snacks and beverages provided. Please bring your own materials. All skill levels welcomed.

    Pre-register to ensure your place. Day of drop-ins are welcome, space permitting. 



    • September 26, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • 6 Vernon Street, Somerville, MA 02145
    • 19
    Register
    If you want to explore and cultivate your creativity but art feels intimidating, come join us to create a community of people who feel the same! With this group, we will study live models while doing interactive exercises in a social, low-stakes setting. Snacks, drinks, music, and some basic supplies (paper, pencils) will be provided, so show up empty handed or with your favorite medium. This is for all skill levels - no experience necessary, and newbies encouraged!


    Particularly geared toward folks who are looking for some community connection and a place to start with their art, the student rate of $15/session will apply to anyone who's a recent college grad or would have a tough time paying the normal $25 rate.  All are welcome, and some financial aid is available if you're struggling.

    • September 28, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Vernon St. Studios, 6 Vernon St., Somerville
    Register

    Come join us for our Thursday night life drawing sessions! All levels welcome, no prior drawing or painting experience necessary. We will start with a few quick warm-ups, and then move into a long pose for remaining 2.5 hours. If you bring oil paints, please use an odorless medium.

    • September 30, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Boston Figurative Art Center, 6 Vernon Street, #23, Somerville, MA 02145
    Register

    Saturday Evening Short Pose Session

    Come draw with us on Saturday evenings! The model will take poses ranging from 1 minute up to 20 or 25 minutes (or longer if time permits).

    $25 ($15 for monthly members and students)

    Please limit guests to one per member.

    • October 02, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Vernon St. Studios, 6 Vernon St., Somerville
    • 20
    Register

    Monday Evening Short Pose Session

    Dynamic short poses, starting with 1 minute poses end ending the evening with 20 or 25 minutes (or longer if time permits).

    $25 ($15 for monthly members and students)

    Easels/chairs/benches as well as snacks and beverages provided. Please bring your own materials. All skill levels welcomed.

    Pre-register to ensure your place. Day of drop-ins are welcome, space permitting. 



    • October 05, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Vernon St. Studios, 6 Vernon St., Somerville
    Register

    Come join us for our Thursday night life drawing sessions! All levels welcome, no prior drawing or painting experience necessary. We will start with a few quick warm-ups, and then move into a long pose for remaining 2.5 hours. If you bring oil paints, please use an odorless medium.

    • October 07, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Boston Figurative Art Center, 6 Vernon Street, #23, Somerville, MA 02145
    Register

    Saturday Evening Short Pose Session

    Come draw with us on Saturday evenings! The model will take poses ranging from 1 minute up to 20 or 25 minutes (or longer if time permits).

    $25 ($15 for monthly members and students)

    Please limit guests to one per member.

    • October 09, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Vernon St. Studios, 6 Vernon St., Somerville
    • 20
    Register

    Monday Evening Short Pose Session

    Dynamic short poses, starting with 1 minute poses end ending the evening with 20 or 25 minutes (or longer if time permits).

    $25 ($15 for monthly members and students)

    Easels/chairs/benches as well as snacks and beverages provided. Please bring your own materials. All skill levels welcomed.

    Pre-register to ensure your place. Day of drop-ins are welcome, space permitting. 



    • October 09, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Vernon St. Studios, 6 Vernon St., Somerville
    • 20
    Register

    Monday Evening Short Pose Session

    Dynamic short poses, starting with 1 minute poses end ending the evening with 20 or 25 minutes (or longer if time permits).

    $25 ($15 for monthly members and students)

    Easels/chairs/benches as well as snacks and beverages provided. Please bring your own materials. All skill levels welcomed.

    Pre-register to ensure your place. Day of drop-ins are welcome, space permitting. 



    • October 12, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Vernon St. Studios, 6 Vernon St., Somerville
    Register

    Come join us for our Thursday night life drawing sessions! All levels welcome, no prior drawing or painting experience necessary. We will start with a few quick warm-ups, and then move into a long pose for remaining 2.5 hours. If you bring oil paints, please use an odorless medium.

    • October 14, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Boston Figurative Art Center, 6 Vernon Street, #23, Somerville, MA 02145
    Register

    Saturday Evening Short Pose Session

    Come draw with us on Saturday evenings! The model will take poses ranging from 1 minute up to 20 or 25 minutes (or longer if time permits).

    $25 ($15 for monthly members and students)

    Please limit guests to one per member.

    • October 19, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Vernon St. Studios, 6 Vernon St., Somerville
    Register

    Come join us for our Thursday night life drawing sessions! All levels welcome, no prior drawing or painting experience necessary. We will start with a few quick warm-ups, and then move into a long pose for remaining 2.5 hours. If you bring oil paints, please use an odorless medium.

    • October 21, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Boston Figurative Art Center, 6 Vernon Street, #23, Somerville, MA 02145
    Register

    Saturday Evening Short Pose Session

    Come draw with us on Saturday evenings! The model will take poses ranging from 1 minute up to 20 or 25 minutes (or longer if time permits).

    $25 ($15 for monthly members and students)

    Please limit guests to one per member.

    • October 26, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Vernon St. Studios, 6 Vernon St., Somerville
    Register

    Come join us for our Thursday night life drawing sessions! All levels welcome, no prior drawing or painting experience necessary. We will start with a few quick warm-ups, and then move into a long pose for remaining 2.5 hours. If you bring oil paints, please use an odorless medium.

    • October 28, 2023
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Boston Figurative Art Center, 6 Vernon Street, #23, Somerville, MA 02145
    • 12
    Register

    Drawing as Meditation Workshop

    Instructed by Adam LoRusso

    Drawing is an inherently meditative activity, and in this workshop, artist and meditation practitioner Adam LoRusso will help participants experience life drawing as a way to deepen their awareness and enjoyment of the present moment. 

    With calming music, pleasant warm lighting, and gentle encouragement,  students will be guided through meditations and techniques to help them see and draw more easily and with more confidence. Compassion, non-judgment, and an emphasis on the process rather than the product will create the ideal environment to start learning to draw, or to enhance enjoyment of a long-standing drawing practice.

    Beginner to advanced artists are welcome; no experience is necessary. Limited to 12 students.

    Please bring any materials you like to draw with. Easels, drawing horses, drawing boards, and simple refreshments will be provided.

    Fee: $60, monthly paying BFAC members $50

    • October 28, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Boston Figurative Art Center, 6 Vernon Street, #23, Somerville, MA 02145
    Register

    Saturday Evening Short Pose Session

    Come draw with us on Saturday evenings! The model will take poses ranging from 1 minute up to 20 or 25 minutes (or longer if time permits).

    $25 ($15 for monthly members and students)

    Please limit guests to one per member.

    • November 04, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Boston Figurative Art Center, 6 Vernon Street, #23, Somerville, MA 02145
    Register

    Saturday Evening Short Pose Session

    Come draw with us on Saturday evenings! The model will take poses ranging from 1 minute up to 20 or 25 minutes (or longer if time permits).

    $25 ($15 for monthly members and students)

    Please limit guests to one per member.

    • November 11, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Boston Figurative Art Center, 6 Vernon Street, #23, Somerville, MA 02145
    Register

    Saturday Evening Short Pose Session

    Come draw with us on Saturday evenings! The model will take poses ranging from 1 minute up to 20 or 25 minutes (or longer if time permits).

    $25 ($15 for monthly members and students)

    Please limit guests to one per member.

    • November 18, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Boston Figurative Art Center, 6 Vernon Street, #23, Somerville, MA 02145
    Register

    Saturday Evening Short Pose Session

    Come draw with us on Saturday evenings! The model will take poses ranging from 1 minute up to 20 or 25 minutes (or longer if time permits).

    $25 ($15 for monthly members and students)

    Please limit guests to one per member.

    • November 25, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Boston Figurative Art Center, 6 Vernon Street, #23, Somerville, MA 02145
    Register

    Saturday Evening Short Pose Session

    Come draw with us on Saturday evenings! The model will take poses ranging from 1 minute up to 20 or 25 minutes (or longer if time permits).

    $25 ($15 for monthly members and students)

    Please limit guests to one per member.

    • December 02, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Boston Figurative Art Center, 6 Vernon Street, #23, Somerville, MA 02145
    Register

    Saturday Evening Short Pose Session

    Come draw with us on Saturday evenings! The model will take poses ranging from 1 minute up to 20 or 25 minutes (or longer if time permits).

    $25 ($15 for monthly members and students)

    Please limit guests to one per member.

    • December 09, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Boston Figurative Art Center, 6 Vernon Street, #23, Somerville, MA 02145
    Register

    Saturday Evening Short Pose Session

    Come draw with us on Saturday evenings! The model will take poses ranging from 1 minute up to 20 or 25 minutes (or longer if time permits).

    $25 ($15 for monthly members and students)

    Please limit guests to one per member.

    • December 16, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Boston Figurative Art Center, 6 Vernon Street, #23, Somerville, MA 02145
    Register

    Saturday Evening Short Pose Session

    Come draw with us on Saturday evenings! The model will take poses ranging from 1 minute up to 20 or 25 minutes (or longer if time permits).

    $25 ($15 for monthly members and students)

    Please limit guests to one per member.

    • December 23, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Boston Figurative Art Center, 6 Vernon Street, #23, Somerville, MA 02145
    Register

    Saturday Evening Short Pose Session

    Come draw with us on Saturday evenings! The model will take poses ranging from 1 minute up to 20 or 25 minutes (or longer if time permits).

    $25 ($15 for monthly members and students)

    Please limit guests to one per member.

    • December 30, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Boston Figurative Art Center, 6 Vernon Street, #23, Somerville, MA 02145
    Register

    Saturday Evening Short Pose Session

    Come draw with us on Saturday evenings! The model will take poses ranging from 1 minute up to 20 or 25 minutes (or longer if time permits).

    $25 ($15 for monthly members and students)

    Please limit guests to one per member.

    • January 06, 2024
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Boston Figurative Art Center, 6 Vernon Street, #23, Somerville, MA 02145
    Register

    Saturday Evening Short Pose Session

    Come draw with us on Saturday evenings! The model will take poses ranging from 1 minute up to 20 or 25 minutes (or longer if time permits).

    $25 ($15 for monthly members and students)

    Please limit guests to one per member.