Live Drawing at the Brick: Finding Inspiration in the Heart of Downtown

Last month, I had the pleasure of attending a live figure drawing class at the Brick, located in the heart of downtown. Held on the last Tuesday of every month, this class offers artists of all levels a chance to connect, practice, and grow in a creative, welcoming environment. Whether you're a seasoned artist or someone just looking to dip your toes into live drawing, this class is a perfect space to explore and express your creativity. About My Experience Walking into the Brick, I was immediately struck by the energy of the space. Artists were setting up their easels, sketchpads in hand, with a mixture of anticipation and excitement in the air. For only $10, it’s a great opportunity to sharpen your skills while working from two live models, offering a variety of poses and gestures throughout the evening.

The class is structured with short and long poses, giving you the chance to warm up with quick sketches and dive deeper into more detailed studies as the night progresses. The models bring such a great range of dynamic poses—each one a fresh challenge to capture the essence of the human form in a way that feels both spontaneous and meaningful.

Connecting with Fellow Artists One of my favorite aspects of the class is the community vibe. During the breaks, artists take time to mingle, chat, and share their work with one another. It’s inspiring to see everyone’s unique approach—whether it’s a focus on gesture, intricate details, or bold abstraction. These conversations spark new ideas and often lead to insights that help me grow as an artist. It’s a space where we support each other, providing feedback or just admiring the different styles that emerge.

Live drawing offers a special kind of challenge. There’s something about working with real models that pushes me to be more present, to capture the movement, energy, and emotion of the moment. It’s less about perfection and more about the experience—being in sync with the model’s pose, trusting your instincts, and letting go of the fear of making mistakes.

At the Brick, the casual yet focused atmosphere helps keep that balance. You can take your time and explore different techniques, all while surrounded by a supportive group of artists who are there for the same reason: to practice and grow.

Things I'm Looking Forward To: If you’ve been thinking about joining a figure drawing class or want a regular space to practice, I highly recommend the live drawing sessions at the Brick. It’s a relaxed, affordable way to hone your skills, meet other creatives, and simply enjoy the art of drawing from life. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this is a space where creativity flourishes.

The next session is on the last Tuesday of the month—mark your calendars, grab your sketchpad, and come be part of this creative community! Who knows what kind of inspiration you'll find?

Live Drawing at The Brick Live drawing at the Brick has become one of my favorite ways to reconnect with my practice. The combination of live models, a supportive community, and the buzzing energy of downtown makes it a truly unique experience. If you're interested in joining us for a session, I encourage you to sign up for the upcoming classes!

On the last Tuesday of each month, two different nude models take turns holding 25+ poses, with breaks included to mingle, grab refreshments, and share your work with fellow artists. You can find the upcoming dates here.

Just bring your sketchpad and favorite drawing gear—chairs and a limited supply of pencils/paper are available to borrow, and easels are welcome. To reserve your spot, check out the event details on Eventbrite at Alright DrawNite - Life Drawing.

Mark your calendars and join us in drawing San Antonio together!