What is Dr. Sketchy of Austin?

Each session of Dr. Sketchy’s is a life drawing class turned cabaret extravaganza. Artists draw glamorous underground performers, compete in contests, and win booze and prizes. From its humble Brooklyn beginnings, it’s spread to 100 cities on five continents- including London, Rome, Tokyo, Paris, Sao Paulo and Melbourne. Austin Sketchy was one of the first branches, founded in 2006.

Each session has a different theme. The models are chosen for their looks and talent, and are (un)dressed in spectacular costumes. There’s good music, cocktails and sometimes dance numbers and singing, and sporadic wacky contests (best incorporation of cupcakes? best left handed drawing?). Being good at drawing does not matter: this “Anti-Art School” is open to everyone!

Do I have to be an artist to attend Dr. Sketchy’s?
All kinds of artists are welcome at our sessions, from the complete amateur to the advanced. Gregarious people just like you have rediscovered their creative talents while busily sketching costumed performers in bars the world over.

Who comes to Dr. Sketchy session?
Our audience generally consists of college students, professional animators, fine painters, comic book artists as well as folks who want to practice or just like sketching beautiful women with crayons. We don’t discriminate. We are one big happy family and we want you to join us! This is not some stoic figure drawing group where people don’t interact. We share our work, make new friends and even network professionally.

What should I expect from a session?
Our sessions are very popular and usually sell out. Our normal audience is 40-50 people and we highly suggest paying via paypal to hold a seat. Cover at Dr. Sketchy is $10 per person and that will hold one chair for you at the session. Please bring your own art supplies. You are also welcome to bring easels but please note that you will need to stand behind all of our seated attendees.

Can I photograph your hottie models?
Photography at the sessions is not allowed, as it is distracting to other artists. If you want reference photos to finish up your sketches, please visit our Austin Sketchy Flickr pool.

I LOVE Dr. Sketchy’s! Can I be a volunteer?
YES! Email drsketchysaustin at gmail.com and drop us a line. We need help promoting, setting up props, and wrangling people at shows. We can offer you free admission!