Whether you’re an art school grad looking to get back into figure drawing, a practicing artist needing reference for your next figure-based series, or you just want to do some sketching, open figure drawing sessions are a low cost, low commitment option for artmaking.

Below, we've compiled a list of open figure drawing sessions in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Bring your own drawing supplies, and be aware that many groups are in small settings, so visit once to check out the space before you bring your extra-large canvas and smelly oil paints. These sessions do not require pre-registration and are charged on a per-session basis.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

The Warehouse
Where: 1019 7th Street NW, on the second floor, at the Mt. Vernon Square stop of the Yellow line
When: Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m.
How Much: $10 per session
More Info: Sponsored in part by the National Gallery of Art Recreation Association, and organized by the Charles Ritchie Studio. Chairs are provided, but bring easels and drawing boards if you need them. Please arrive promptly, because the doors are locked during the drawing session.

Dr. Sketchy's at the Palace of Wonders
Where: 1210 H Street, NE
When: Every third Sunday of the month. Doors open at 7 p.m.; sketching begins at 8 p.m.
How Much: Free
More Info: Models perform as burlesque dancers, and are not fully nude. Drinks are available at the bar, and prizes are given for most creative artwork. See guidelines and more details here.

MOCA DC
Where: 1054 31st St. NW in Canal Square, Georgetown

Session One
When: 1st Sunday of the Month from 2 to 7 p.m.
How Much: $10 per session

Session Two
When: Wednesday evenings from 7 to 10 p.m. – long pose
How Much: $12
More Info: Wednesday evenings are long poses; Sunday afternoons offer a variety of poses. Contact Dave Quammen at mocadc01[at]comcast.net for more information.

Dupont Drawing Group
Where: 2201 P Street NW at the Church of the Pilgrims on the third floor in a private painting studio.
When: Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
How Much: $5 per session
More Info: All visitors are required to be escorted while entering and leaving the building. No reservations are required; however, we suggest contacting Paul Reuther at dupontdrawinggroup[at]gmail.com if you plan on attending, so that you can be let into the building.

Washington Studio School
Where: 2129 S St. NW, 2 ½ blocks north of Dupont Circle metro
When: Friday evenings from 7 to 10 p.m., when classes are in session. Winter sessions run through April 5, 2008.
How Much: $18 per session
More Info: Email admin[at]washingstonstudioschool.org or call (202) 234-3030 for more information.

MARYLAND

The Yellow Barn Studio and Gallery at Glen Echo Park.
Where: 7300 MacArthur Blvd at the intersection of Goldsboro Rd and MacArthur Blvd.
When: Friday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. until March 20 for the Winter class schedule. Spring/Summer classes and drop-in figure drawing sessions begin again in May.
How Much: $15 per session non-members; $12 Yellow Barn Members
More Info: Contact Robyn at (301) 371-5593 for more details.

Montgomery College
Where: The 2nd floor of the Art Building located at 51 Mannakee St. in Rockville
When: Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
How Much: $6 per session
More Info: The session begins with short 3 to 5 minute poses, and continues with a long pose for the remainder of the time. Contact Barbara Seligson at (301) 738-0016 for more information.

VIRGINIA

McLean Project for the Arts at the McLean Community Center
Where: 1234 Ingleside Avenue in McLean

Session One
When: Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
How much: $8 per session, or $60 for McLean residents and $55 for non-residents for the full 10 session series
More Info: Winter series runs until April 8; Spring/Summer series runs from April 15 to June 17.

Session Two
When: Thursday afternoons from 1 to 4 p.m.
How much: $9 per session, or $63 for McLean district residents and $70 for non-residents for the full 10 session series
More Info: Winter series runs until April 10; Spring/Summer series runs from April 17 to June 19.

Arlington Arts Center
Where: 3550 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, 1 block from the Virginia Square stop of the Orange line
When: Wednesday evenings from 7 to 10 p.m. Sessions run according to the AAC’s class schedule. The Spring schedule runs until May 21, with no class on March 19.
How Much: $15 per session or $60 for a 6-session pass

Reston Community Center at Lake Anne
Where: 1609-A Washington Plaza in Reston
When: Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m.
How Much: $6 for Reston residents and $8 for non-residents

Photo by ohad*