About this Event
What This Session Is & Who It's For
Figure/Ground is an open life drawing group with no instructor, no lessons, and no critiques. We operate out of Gallery 1065 in the Blourcourt area and the space is set up for independent practice, giving local creatives a straightforward, low-pressure environment to draw from a live model.
You do not need an art degree, formal training, or prior experience to be here. Whether you draw every day or are picking up a pencil for the first time, our group is friendly and welcoming. The studio is set up for you to focus on your own work and build your skills at your own pace. Just show up and see how you like it.
Session Structure
The session lasts for two hours. To keep things comfortable, we take a 5-minute break every 30 to 40 minutes so the model can rest and artists can stretch or sharpen pencils.
- First Hour: Quick, energetic warm-up poses (1 to 6 minutes each) to get you moving and loosened up.
- Second Hour: Longer, sustained poses (10 to 20 minutes each) giving you more time to settle in and work on a single drawing.
- Post-Session (Optional): A 30-minute window at the end to check out everyones work, mingle, and spend some time with your fellow artists. It is a casual opportunity to see what others made and share your own work if you feel like it. There is absolutely no pressure to participate.
Materials Provided
We provide the essentials so you can just show up and create. Your ticket includes:
- Newsprint Paper (best for charcoal and pencils)
- Basic drawing materials (charcoal and pencils)
- Drawing boards and bulldog clips
You are also welcome to bring your own favorite sketchpads or tools. Water-based paints like watercolour and gouache are welcomed (we just ask that you help keep the space clean). For everyone's safety and comfort, oil paints and chemical solvents are not allowed at this time due to insufficient ventilation.
Registration & Capacity
The gallery can accommodate up to 15 participants. While drop-ins are welcome, space is limited and the only way to guarantee a spot is to RSVP beforehand. Ticket holders and advance reservations will be prioritized at the door over drop-ins if the session reaches capacity.
Event Details
- Time: 6:00pm to 8:30pm (2 hours of drawing followed by the 30-minute optional social)
- Location: Gallery 1065, 1065 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON
- Admission: $20
- Age Requirement: 18+
Studio Etiquette
To ensure a comfortable and respectful environment for both the artists and the model, please note these two guidelines:
- No Photography: Cameras and phone photography are strictly prohibited while the model is posing.
- Punctuality: Please do your best to arrive 5 to 10 minutes early to find your seat and get settled. The doors will lock at the start time for everyone’s safety. If you are running late, please knock on the front door and we will let you in.
If you have any additional questions, please email [email protected]
Event venue & nearby stays
Gallery 1065, 1065 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Canada
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.