Cart is empty 14 Top Art Classes and Studios Around Sydney
Known as the cultural heart of Australia, Sydney has a dynamic and thriving art scene, and the city now provides a growing number of opportunities for artists of all levels and abilities to come together and create. Sketching, painting, sculpting, photography, pottery, glass making, scrapbooking... wherever your interests lie, the harbour city is bound to have a course or class that caters for your passion.
This guide to art classes in Sydney provides a comprehensive list of artistic venues and classes that Sydney artists of all abilities can hopefully use as a resource to further their interests, meet fellow artists and stimulate their creativity. From still life classes to formal art courses, it offers something for every artist from the raw beginner to the Archibald Prize winner. Venue, cost and contact details are included for each entry, along with a short description of what you can expect to find. We've collated a range of options of art workshops, art schools and art classes for a range of people from art professionals to children. So whatever you're looking for, we've got you covered. Browse some of the best art classes in Sydney below.
1. Sydney Community College – Learn to use paint and other art courses
Where: Sydney Community College, 2A Gordon Street (corner of Victoria Road) Rozelle NSW
When: A variety of weekend, daytime and evening painting classes starting every week
Cost: Costs vary per class
Classes are available from beginner to advanced levels where you can learn how to paint in a variety of mediums and with practical exercises to develop observational skills and paint handling techniques. Classes include Oil Painting, Acrylics, Painting for Beginners, Drawing and Painting, Watercolours, Chinese Brush Painting, Hand Lettering, Botanical Art and Abstract Art.
Aside from it’s extensive range of paint classes, Sydney Community College offer a multitude of other creative classes covering jewellery making, origami, illustration, glasswork and much more. Whether you create your own glass platter, decorate your home with your handmade stained glass windows, design fashion jewellery or learn to etch, Sydney Community College has the glass art course for you.
2. Friend in Hand – Life drawing
Where: Friend In Hand Pub, 58 Cowper St, Glebe NSW
When: Every Monday 6.30pm sharp
Cost: $15 donation
Image source: Friend in Hand
An informal social drawing group for artists of all levels of experience. Comprises 3 hours of life drawing, beginning with quick one-minute poses and ending with two 20-minute poses. Great models, great music and great atmosphere, all accompanied by a nice glass of merlot (BYO drawing supplies).
3. The Art Studio – Painting and drawing art classes
Where: The Art Studio, 94 Marine Parade Maroubra Beach, NSW
When: Tuesday evenings from 7.30 to 9.30 pm
Cost: Adult classes are $350 for 6 classes, with an introductory art class for $35. All drawing and painting materials supplied (canvases can be purchased at the studio). Drop-in classes are available at $55 per class – bookings essential.
An informal and friendly art course designed for those interested in gaining a better understanding and appreciation of fine art. You’ll feel inspired not only by the studio itself, but the gorgeous views it boasts of Maroubra beach. Classes explore drawing and painting with a variety of materials and techniques including acrylic, oil paint and wet and dry drawing materials such as ink, pastels and charcoal. Students are encouraged to work on their own art projects and develop their own personal style. The Art Studio also offers daily kids and teens classes, along with art parties and venue hire for creative functions.
4. Cork & Chroma – Paint & sip studio
Where: Cork & Chroma, 55 Holt Street Surry Hills NSW
When: Daily, or book your next group creative night out
Cost: Varies, from $48
Learn the basics of painting with acrylics on canvas in a relaxed social setting, with no artistic experience required. You’ll receive step-by-step instructions, with plenty of room for your own personalised touches, and by the end of the night, you will have created a masterpiece to take home. The best part? You can bring your own drinks!
5. The Pottery Shed
Where: The Pottery Shed, 7 Nickson Street, Surry Hills, NSW
When: Monday through Sunday throughout the day
Cost: First 3 classes $49 each, casual sessions $39 and advanced classes $49, with all materials included
The Pottery Shed's classes are founded on the principle that everyone can learn to skillfully manage and use clay by understanding its purest properties. The basic course at The Pottery Shed for beginners is comprised of three 2-hour classes covering throwing, trimming and glazing. Students are then encouraged to develop their skills through returning sessions until they understand the process. They can also add advanced skills during weekly Master Classes in large vessel throwing, hand-building, pottery decorations and mould-making with slip-casting.
6. Studio Make – Drop-in activities for all ages
Where: Studio make, 9/380 Pittwater Road, North Manly
Times and prices vary
Studio Make offers a big range of drop-in classes for youths and adults. Drop-in activities include plaster painting, ceramics, sand art pictures, tote bags and more and are available without a booking, while creative workshops include every type of art and craft from terrarium making to dream catchers.
7. Scrapbook Cottage
Where: Scrapbook Cottage,1/7 Anella Avenue Castle Hill NSW
Various dates, times and prices
Scrapbook Cottage offers both beginners and intermediate scrapbooking classes for children and adults covering a range of scrapbooking techniques and including a variety of different themes; from card making workshops to Disney Fan Club marathons. They also run Kids Club classes in the school holidays which are a huge hit with children and parents alike.
Kil.n.it – Creative ceramics
Where: Kil.n.it, Glebe Town Hall, 160 St John’s Road Glebe NSW
Various dates, times and prices
Kil-n-it offers a variety of pottery classes including beginners courses, kids’ projects, private events, workshops and community classes to those with an explorative attitude to ceramics. Their classroom can accommodate up to 10 students at a time and can be privately booked for special events, birthday parties and corporate days with a difference.
9. MCA – Sundown Sketch Club
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), 140 George Street The Rocks NSW
When: Monthly event
Cost: Varies depending on event (discounts for members apply)
Enjoy spectacular views of Sydney Harbour with wine and cheese while exploring your creative potential in these highly popular fine art classes at the MCA. You’ll be guided by MCA Artist Educators as you participate in the month’s theme, which could be anything from life drawing to architectural exploration. You’ll learn to see things as an artist by participating in a variety of tasks and activities that allow you to fine-tune your perceptive skills to become a more confident drawer.
10. Sydney Jewellery School – Metalwork and silversmithing
Where: Sydney Jewellery School, Suite 7, 2-6 Hunter Street Parramatta NSW
A variety of metalworking classes, price varies by class
Sydney Jewellery School offers a wide range of metalwork and silversmithing classes, with something for every budding designer and jewellery maker. Their carefully considered class selection has helped thousands of creative enthusiasts realise their artistic potential since opening in 2006.
Classes include Creative Casting Techniques, Beginner Metalwork – 101, Metalwork 102, Electroplating & Electroforming, Mokume Gane Patterns in Metal, Stacker Rings, Wax Carving, TOOL TECH Dremel & Foredom Tutorial, Scribbly Freeform Chains, Stone Setting – Bezel, Surface Finishes for Metal and Metal Etching.
11. Waverley Woollahra Art School – Painting
Where: WWAS, 138 Bondi Road Bondi, NSW
A range of painting and drawing classes, prices vary by class
If you want to learn to paint or perfect your existing skills, WWAS has a course for you. Classes include Watercolour Painting, Botanical Drawing & Painting, Exploring Painting, Painting – Open Studio, Painting & Drawing, Landscape Painting, Painting Fundamentals, Painting the Figure, Painting for Expression, Introduction to Portrait Painting, Watercolour Afternoons and Paint Towards Abstraction.
12. Art Est. Art School and Gallery – Painting, ceramics & more
Where: Art Est. Art School, 4/67-69 Lords Road, Leichhardt NSW
Extensive range of art classes for adults, prices vary by class
Art Est. has every aspect of artistic creativity covered with their huge range of daytime, evening and weekend art classes and workshops. Classes include Life Drawing, Still Life, Painting in Oils or Acrylics, Portraits, Landscape Painting, Watercolour Painting, Figurative to Abstract, Classical Painting Techniques, Printmaking, Pastel Landscapes, Collage, Felting Techniques, Travel Sketching, Impressionist Landscapes and Botanical Illustration.
13. Julian Ashton Art School
Where: Julian Ashton Art School has two campuses;
The Rocks - Level 2, 117 George St (opposite the MCA)
Headland Park - Building 17, Artist Precinct, Read Place, cnr of Best Avenue Georges Heights/Mosman.
Art classes for everyone over eighteen years of age, price varies by class
Founded in 1890, Julian Ashton Art School is Australia’s oldest continuous fine art school. With a choice of two campuses, they offer a variety of day and evening classes for adults including Basic Drawing & Painting, Life Painting & Portraiture, Oil Painting, Watercolour Painting, Sculpture Modelling and Landscape Painting.
14. Tania Wursig – Art classes and weekend workshops
Where: Rozelle Studio, 1st Floor, Prosper Lane, Rear 660 Darling Street Rozelle NSW
When: Tuesday and weekends
Cost:
- Term rate – $600
- Weekend Workshop rates – one weekend $400, two weekends $700
Learn to paint with renowned Tahiti-based artist Tania Wursig at her studio in Rozelle. Classes and workshops include exercises to stimulate your creativity, painting and drawing instruction, working with mixed media, methods to capture your inspiration, learning about painting fundamentals, colour, light and tone, identifying and working toward your strengths and finding your own visual language and expression.
Hope this guide to art classes Sydney has brought you some inspiration - now it's time to get crafty!