Life Drawing in Calgary

Life drawing, also called figure drawing, means drawing from a live model who holds a series of poses. Calgary has a steady scene for it, with regular drop-in sessions run by studios, art-supply shops, community arts centres, and artist-run groups. Times and fees change between terms, so use the links below for the current schedule.

Where to draw from a live model in Calgary

  • Swinton's Art Supply
    Weekly drop-in figure drawing with a live model. Visit
  • Atelier Artista
    Drop-in figure sessions with short and long poses. Visit
  • Calgary Life Drawing
    Community figure drawing at Sunalta Community Hall. Check their Instagram for current dates. Visit
  • Wildflower Arts Centre
    Registered figure drawing classes at this City of Calgary arts centre. Visit

Local community & resources

  • Calgary Figure Drawing (Facebook group)
    An active local group where artists and models share sessions and connect. Visit
  • Calgary Arts Development classifieds
    A local board where figure-drawing sessions and art-model calls are posted. Visit

Related in Calgary

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For models and artists in Calgary

Most figure sessions and classes in Calgary work with both new and experienced models. Reach out to the organizers directly, or create a free profile so Calgary artists and studios can find you. If you run a session or class that needs a model, you can post it on ArtModels.ca.

Common questions

Life drawing is drawing or painting from a live model, usually nude, who holds a sequence of poses. It is also called figure drawing. Working from a real person trains your eye for proportion, gesture, and form in a way that drawing from photos does not.

Most people, and most Calgary sessions, use the two terms to mean the same thing: drawing from a live model. Where they differ, life drawing stresses working from a model in the room, while figure drawing can also describe drawing the human form from photos or imagination.

No. Drop-in sessions are open to all levels and nobody is grading you. The model holds timed poses, from quick one-minute gestures to longer holds, and you draw at your own pace. Plenty of people come just to draw regularly and loosen up.

Most sessions work from a nude model, since drawing the unclothed figure is the point of the practice. Some run clothed, costumed, or themed poses instead. Each venue states its format on its page, so you can choose what suits you.

Bring a pad of paper and something to draw with, such as charcoal, conte, or pencil. Some venues set out chairs, boards, and easels, while others are more basic, so check the venue page before your first visit.

Most sessions and studios hire art models, and many are short on them. You do not need a portfolio or training to start, just comfort holding still and a dependable schedule. Create a free profile so Calgary organizers and studios can find you when they need a model.

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Create a free profile to be found by Calgary artists and studios, or to find sessions and classes that need a model.

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