Montreal’s Figure Drawing Workshops – 2024 Edition

Syn Studio’s Figure Drawing Events are back!

After a long hiatus, Syn Studio’s Figure Drawing Workshops are finally up and running again!  To begin, we are only offering these events occasionally (we are aiming for once a month) with hopes of getting back into a biweekly schedule like we used to do before the pandemic.

Figure Drawing Workshops provide the perfect avenue to practice anatomy, as well as other fundamentals such as lights and shadows, and perspective. You can train your eye to observe the human body in a physical space, measure the proportions and understand the relationship between the different muscle groups in action.  It’s also a great chance to mingle with other artists.

The varying lengths of time allotted for drawing poses throughout the workshop also provides a unique learning opportunity:

Short poses – Require quick thinking, and will push you to focus on the movement and emotion of a pose.
Long poses – Provide the opportunity for more meticulous work where you can explore shapes and shadows in depth.

Workshops are also a fantastic opportunity to relieve stress, meet fellow artists, pros and amateurs alike, see their own process and artwork, and become a part of the ever-growing Montreal Art community!

For more practice, here is a list of great places that currently conduct regular workshops in Montreal:

1. Cestar Collège – Syn Studio

“Great artists are not born, they’re made!”

Where: 3440 Ontario St E, Montreal, QC H1W 1P9 – Near Joliette Metro
When: Exact Dates To Be Announced – Friday 6PM to 9PM – 15$ (Tickets available online only, Limited seating)
Contact: [email protected]

Syn Studio Figure Drawing Workshops

2. UQAM Centre de Design Atelier libre

“For life drawing addicts who are compelled to feed their habit every Wednesday evening and Saturday morning.”

Where:1440 Sanguinet, Room DE-2250, UQAM Design School, Berri-UQAM Metro
When:
-Wednesday 6:45PM to 9:45PM – 10$
-Saturday 11AM to 2:00PM – 10$
-Saturday 2:30PM to 5:30PM (Long poses) – 15$
Contact: David Chait (Workshop organizer) [email protected]

Facebook group for the workshops

3. Sunday Workshops at UQAM

“Come and draw with us! No reservation or registration, just show up.”

Where: UQAM pavillon Judith Jasmin, room J-7130, 7th floor
When: Sundays 11AM to 2:00PM (Sept. to Dec. & Jan. to May)
Cost: $13

Facebook page for the workshops

4. Dr. Sketchy Montreal

“Dr. Sketchy is the unconventional figure drawing workshop with over 110 branches worldwide! In Montreal, we organize monthly events and are also available for private sessions.”

Where: MainLine Theatre, 3997 boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal, Québec H2W 1Y4
When: Once per month, Saturday, 2PM to 5PM (Consult the Dr. Sketchy Blog or Facebook page to see the next event)
Cost: $12
Contact: (Dr Sketchy Montreal e-mail) [email protected]

Facebook Page for Dr. Sketchy Montreal
Blog for Dr. Sketchy Montreal

5. Ubisoft Life Drawing Sessions

Where: Bernard Landry room, 1st floor of the Peck building (5480 St-Dominique Street)
When: Mondays 6pm-9pm (Please arrive by 5:50pm)
Cost: $10 cash, to be paid during the break

Ubisoft Life Drawing Facebook Page

6. Monday Night Life Drawing Meetup Group at Montreal Art Center

“Do you want to practice your art, drawing skills and have fun? Come to the Montreal Art Centre!! We have an amazing place for you to do both at the same time.”

Where: 1844 William Street, Montréal, QC
When: Mondays 6:30pm – 9pm
Cost: 17$
Contact: 514-667-2270

Facebook page for the Montreal Art Center

7. Dear Musa

“Dear Musa is a collective curating intimate and refined events that fuse social and artistic experiences. With a focus on elegance and thoughtful design, we offer a few events, including monthly life drawing experiences, creating spaces where meaningful connections flourish. At Dear Musa, every detail is crafted with heart, bringing beauty to the forefront of each experience. More than just events, it’s a sophisticated invitation to engage genuinely, fostering a community where creativity, conversation, and connection intertwine seamlessly.“

Where: The venue is disclosed 24 hours before the event to those who have signed up.
When: Exact Dates To Be Announced – Mondays 6:30pm – 9pm
Cost: $75 – includes art supplies, grazing table and wine

Sign up for the Musa Newsletter here!

8. Queer Bodies Montreal

“QUEER BODIES’s mission is to create safe, inclusive and festive spaces to practice life drawing together, from a queer and non-binary perspective. Costumed or naked, they will perform immobility in a series of poses.“

Where: MAI cafe-bar, 3680 Jeanne-Mance St, Montreal, QC H2X 2K5
When: Sundays 5pm-7:45pm, followed by a discussion period with the models
Cost: Free!

Queer Bodies Booking Site

9. L’Orbite Anti-modèle

Where: L’Orbite, 406 Rue Notre-Dame Est, H2Y1C8
When: Tuesdays 6:30pm – 9pm
Cost: 17.50$

Anti-modèle Website

10. Montreal Figure Drawing at Anticafé Montréal Quartier des spectacles

“Come to the spacious Anticafé Loft to take the time to relax and sketch!”

Where: Anticafe Montreal, 294 Ste Catherine Ouest, Montréal H2X 2A1
When: Wednesdays 7pm-9pm

Cost:
-$15 general
-$10 for students
Contact: (Anticafé phone number) 514 500-9045

Facebook page for the Anticafé
Facebook page for the workshops

Figure Drawing is an important artistic training exercise used by artists across skill levels and mediums to hone their skills.  Whether you are a concept artist, an illustrator or a comic book artist, understanding the human body and gaining the ability to depict it accurately at rest and while in motion will make your art appear more dynamic and realistic.

Syn Studio has just begun to host figure drawing workshops at our new location.  We will be announcing our next event very soon so keep your eyes open on our social media accounts.

Another great way to stay up to date on these figure drawing events and other art concept art news is by signing up for our newsletter.  You’ll be the first to know about upcoming events and new classes, job listings in the art industry, and other exciting news!  Sign up below!