Palette & Chisel in Chicago offers open drawing sessions and workshops everyday. One of my twitter friends, @alvinthethird, told me all about it. When he started posting multiple drawings from the Quick Sketch sessions, I had to give it a try. I've been going to my local art group since 2001, and the set up for figures has become routine. They start with a few quick gestures and then get into a long pose for the rest of the session. Sometimes this is a good thing (when I cheat and draw the face only). But that is the problem, I get my heart set on drawing a portrait instead of taking time to draw the body.
Palette & Chisel's Quick Sketch session does start with gestures and works its way to a long pose. The gesture timing is perfect for getting multiple figure sketches completed. Much like Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School, your brain is stimulated by the constant change in the poses. I think I surprised myself at what I was able to accomplish (but I know I need more practice).
If you find yourself in the Chicago area looking for a place to do life drawing, I'd recommend checking out Palette and Chisel.
