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23rd Street Figure Drawing Studio
Category: Education Specialty Schools Art Schools Art Schools [Edit]
3747 23rd St(between Chattanooga St & Mersey St)
San Francisco, CA 94114
Neighborhood: Noe Valley
(415) 824-3408
- Hours:
Mon-Tue 9:30 am - 9:30 pm
Wed 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
12 reviews for 23rd Street Figure Drawing Studio
12 reviews in English
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Review from Emily H.
Belmont, CA
2/24/2012
This studio has got to be one of the best places in the Bay Area to practice figure drawing. As a former art major, I had been craving a new environment to draw great models, and Michael provides only the best.
Along with this roster of world-class models, the 23rd Street Studio offers a roomy drawing space, dramatic lighting, eclectic music, and a long break during which artists are free to chat, review movies, tell dirty jokes, sip tea, and eat cake.
...But... did I mention the models?? Their beauty? Their skills? Their grace? Their unending repertoire of poses?
Go for the models, stay for the cake. -
Review from Monica V.
Los Angeles, CA
9/30/2010
If you are looking for a unique experience that forces you to break out of your current artistic habits then this is the place for you. The instructor, Michael, guides his students to explore the model and pose from within themselves. Any artist, novice or seasoned, can benefit from his teaching.
Instructional and non instructional classes offered, always with great models. There is music that is played during drawing (chosen by the model from the instructor's large collection) and snacks and beverages provided during break. The atmosphere of the studio, as well as it's location, is safe and comfortable. -
Review from Theresa H.
San Francisco, CA
7/11/2010
I've only been once, but I'll review it anyway! The guy who runs it, Michael, is an incredible, incredible draftsman. His work is so unique, and he makes it look effortless. Overall, I actually was impressed with a lot of the people who were there.
But really, you don't go to look at other people's work, so you? I just want to go, put on my headphones, draw, and be left alone. This was a little too 'cozy' to do that. Everyone seemed to know one another really well, making me feel very much like an outsider.
The model rocked, she had such a great muscular body. But I found the poses too short. Then in the middle, we took a break and went into the kitchen to sit around and eat cookies or something. I'm sorry, but for the price (which was the highest one I've ever paid) I expect to draw A LOT more than we did.
And the music... we listened to some kind of Andean flute music or something. The whole experience was a little too hippy-dippy for me. I found that Michael talked to me like I was a child when I had to do something like ask where the bathroom was. I mean, I'm not psychic. So 3 stars. Not a terrible place, just not what I was looking for. -
Review from Jon C.
San Francisco, CA
7/1/2010
Everything about this space is as good as you can imagine. Comfortable drawing spaces, warm lighting, great models, a nice "homey" atmosphere, classic music from all kinds of genres...
If you are looking to get back into drawing from the live model or a perfect space to continue your practice, you've got to give this place a shot! -
Review from Emmelin C.
Orinda, CA
6/10/2010
Michael Markowitz isn't really much of a "teacher." He's far more effective and inspiring than that, Michael Markowitz is a catalyst. He's going to kindly ask that you put all of your pretensions and expectations aside, and that you push yourself out of your usual habits. I promise you that if you just trust him, you will grow tremendously.
The models are beautiful, as is the studio. You aren't going to find a better figure drawing studio in the state of California, or in the United States for that matter. I came to Michael at the malleable age of 16, and he is the very reason why I was able to get a scholarship to the #1 ranked painting and drawing program in the country. I can tell you from experience that what I learned from Michael's studio will never amount to any number of 3500$ college class that I've taken here. I've walked out of several figure drawing groups here in Chicago, as none of them were as stimulating 23rd street. I know that I am one of many people who have left Michael's studio and felt this way. The way I feel in Michael's class is a kind of intuitive euphoria, something that I can never get to in the dry and sterile environments I've found here.
It's been a real privilege to be around such an incredible studio, and an incredible person. I would recommend this class to the young and the old, and certainly either the novice or experienced. -
Review from Regina S.
San Francisco, CA
6/22/2010
Comfortable and professional environment + great models.
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Review from Antonia K.
Petaluma, CA
6/22/2010
In 15 years of modeling on both coasts and abroad, Markowitz' studio has been the most nourishing, fun, inspiring studio I've worked at. When modeling for his teaching classes, I always get wisdom I can apply to the modeling itself, to the creative process across media, and to Life. Michael creates a space ~ through music, lighting, available props, and a sense of community ~ that brings out the best in models and artists alike.
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Review from Michelle B.
Montclair, NJ
6/22/2010
For 7 years I was privileged to be a student at 23rd Street Drawing Studio (then I moved to New York). The lessons I learned and the experiences I gained while drawing with Michael Markowitz and our group of students continue to have a profound effect on my life.
23rd Street Drawing Studio is a vibrant space filled with Michael's enthusiastic guidance, students open to discovery, and amazing models that generously offer their time, energy and expression to participate in a collaborative creative process that is often transcendent and always evolving. Michael's instruction gave me a tangible context with which to engage and connect with the present moment, without judgement, allowing my individual creative energy to flow freely. Our classes gave us a place to share our insights and frustrations, our ideas and our thoughts in a friendly, warm environment (tea, cake and great music included!).
One the benefits I am most grateful to have gained from drawing with Michael is that I have a stronger sense of inner confidence and infinite faith in the creative process. Awareness of this faith allows me to proceed with a sense of curiosity and playfulness, and this brings me joy.
In the 8 years since I've left San Francisco, I have never found a drawing studio, not even in New York City, that comes close to the energy and atmosphere of 23rd Street. -
Review from John C.
San Francisco, CA
6/22/2010
I have been attending on a drop in basis for almost a year now whenever I have the time and there is a free space.
The atmosphere is relaxed and inspiring. The models are extremely professional. Michael and his models pick great eclectic music all evening. Never boring. The students always seem a friendly bunch.
It's one of my favorite ways to unwind. A great way to spend an evening. Also fantastic value for money.
I only wish I could make it more often. -
Review from j-bird y.
San Francisco, CA
6/22/2010
Wow, what a gem! The overall quality is unparalleled. I took countless figure drawing and anatomy classes while completing my BFA at a well known figurative art school, but none were as inspiring to be in as this studio is. Whether you take instructional or non-instructional classes from Michael, you will be guaranteed an excellent model, great music, and the company of talented artists from all walks of life. It's a rare and very special creative environment to be a part of....I'm so glad to have found it!
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Review from Ami B.
San Francisco, CA
6/25/2010
Having drawn and modeled all over North America and Mexico over the last 15years, I can with all honesty say that the 23rd Street Studio has been by far my favorite experience. Michael creates a wonderful, comfortable and creative atmosphere with great music, tasty treats and extremely talented models. I have been drawing and modeling at this studio for 6 years now, mostly in the non-instructional groups, but having sat in on his instructed groups as well, I can testify to the uniqueness and power of Michael's teaching style. I would highly recommend this studio to artists as well as models, and I will continue to be a part of this community as long as I live in the bay area.
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Review from Kari P.
San Francisco, CA
6/25/2010
Michael Markowitz is a master drawing teacher. In his studio, equipped with gorgeous music and exquisit models, he creates an atmosphere that compels me to see and draw better than I would anywhere else. His forte is to get me to think and uncover what is blocking my connection to myself and my creativity. I began his figure drawing class as an absolute beginner, expecting to learn the rules of form, composition and perspective. I learned all of this, but only indirectly. His exercises are never laborious or tedious, his exercises taught me to see from levels I did not know existed and, before I knew it, I was making beautiful and original drawings that were deeply connected to myself and the world I live in. I cannot recommend him and his figure drawing studio enough
