DC Adult Art Classes-Painting, Photography, Drawing

Skip navigation!

Dreary days, perfect for Netflix binging, can leave you in a creative dry spell. Now that it's lovely outside, we’re on a mission to give our right brains a workout by heading back to art class — and not the Brush N Blush kind (although we’re admitted connoisseurs of white zinfandel and watercolors.) Thankfully, D.C. has an abundance of artsy opportunities for the taking — we're talking art classes for grown-ups that cover everything from figure drawing and oil painting to photography and watercolors.

To bring out your inner artiste, we've rounded up eight courses perfect for beginners looking to broaden their artistic horizons. So, pack up some paints and read on to discover your favorite new extracurricular activity.

AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

Fear of commitment? Drop in to the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop to learn the proper way to use your collection of oil paints, or pick up a performing art, like singing or ballet.
Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th Street SE; 202-547-6839.

One of our favorite places to sharpen our skills is Utrecht art store in Metro Center. Take advantage of the in-store Sunday classes, which cover a variety of mediums and attract a cool crowd of local artists. Check out the Store Events section of the website for full details.

Utrecht Art Store, 1250 I Street NW; 202-898-0555.

Corcoran College of Art + Design boasts an impressive lineup of continuing education art classes, so if you’re looking for rigorous instruction, these courses will be worth the investment. You’ll find everything from ceramics and traditional studio art to interior design, digital media, and botanic illustration.

Corcoran College, 500 17th Street NW; 202-639-1800.

If you’re looking for artistic inspiration, check out the Arlington Arts Center, where artists from all over come to work in the center’s studios for short-term residencies, and often offer workshops to students. You’ll also find basic classes in mediums such as acrylics and drawing, as well seasonal courses.
Arlington Arts Center, 3550 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington; 703-248-6800.

Photos: Courtesy of Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, Utrecht, Corcoran College of Art & Design, Arlington Arts Center.

The Art League School in Alexandria offers drop-in classes and full courses in traditional and non-traditional arts, ranging from basic drawing and darkroom photography to tapestry and stonesetting.
The Art League School, 105 North Union Street, Alexandria; 703-683-2323.

AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

Check out the Washington Studio School for traditional classes in painting, drawing, and sculpting, plus some harder-to-find creative courses, such as silent film.
Washington Studio School, 2129 S Street NW; 202-234-3030.

For the aspiring artist on a small budget, check out the Dupont Drawing Group. It’s a $5 self-instructed class that meets on Tuesday nights on a drop-in basis. Expect a live model and no instructor.
The Dupont Drawing Group, 2201 P Street NW; no phone. Find a class schedule here.

True beginners should check out Yellow Barn Studio at Glen Echo Park for friendly fellow students and affordable, basic classes, like Learning to Draw and Intro to SLR Photography. Want something more offbeat? Try your hand at pottery or glassblowing.
Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo; 301-634-2222.

Photos: Courtesy of Yellow Barn Studio, Art League School, Washington Studio School, Corcoran College of Art & Design