What are open sketch sessions?

Open sketch sessions are organized to provide artists with the opportunity to draw or paint from life in a professional studio setting with like-minded artists. While instruction is not provided, we endeavor to create a studious atmosphere where high-quality work and serious study is encouraged. 

Can anyone join, or only DARA students?

Sketch sessions are generally open to anyone. All participating artists agree to abide by DARA’s Studio Policies as a condition of participation. DARA reserves the right to refuse admittance to any individual whose behavior is determined to be out of line with these policies.

Please note that artists under the age of 18 must provide written permission from a parent or legal guardian in order to attend.

What rules do I have to follow in order to attend?

Our Studio Policies for open sketch sessions are outlined in full detail here (available in Nederlands and English.)

Will I receive any feedback on my work?

There is no formal instruction provided during sketch sessions, but the atmosphere of our community is friendly and inquisitive - generally other artists in attendance are happy to give feedback if asked.

I want to attend! How do I sign up?

From the Sketch Sessions page, click the sketch group you are interested in joining. In our booking app, select the date(s) you want to attend, then enter your name, email address, and (optional) phone number.

At checkout, you can pay for the session with iDEAL, ApplePay, or with a credit card. It's possible to book yourself in for a session up to 1 hour before the session starts (if there is space available.)

Can I join a session if I have not booked online?

No, you must book and pay in advance in order to attend the session.​

Can I pay for a session in cash instead of paying through your booking app?

No, payments must be made at the time of booking the session online.

What if I can no longer attend a session, and I have to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the session starts and receive a full refund. A link to cancel can be found in the confirmation email and/or SMS sent to you at the time of your booking.

All cancellations made when there are fewer than 24 hours before the start of a session are not refunded.

What materials should I bring?

DARA provides easels, stools, drawing boards, and trolleys to place your supplies in. All other materials are up to you to bring.

Important: It is your responsibility to fully review which art materials are prohibited for use inside the DARA studio. For health and safety reasons, these policies are strictly enforced.​

Can I leave my supplies at DARA?

No, unless you are a currently enrolled student in an ongoing course. Otherwise, all artwork and supplies must be taken home with you at the end of the session.

DARA does not agree to provide storage space to anyone who is not currently enrolled as a student. By 'currently enrolled,' this means you are following a course with us at the present time. It does not apply if you used to follow a course or intend to enroll at some point in the future. DARA accepts no liability for any items left in the building by non-students after the session ends.

Can I bring a friend or family member with me to class?

No, sessions are only open to registered participants. In order to maintain a comfortable, safe, and focused classroom environment, guests are not permitted to join the session.

If someone will drop you off and/or pick you up from the school, he or she is requested to stay in the lounge area at the entrance of the studio while the session is ongoing.

Can I bring my pet to class?

No. Pets are not allowed in the building. If you have a service animal, please contact us before the start of the session.

Can I take pictures of the models?

Clothed Models: You must ask the model for permission before taking a picture. Do not ask in the middle of the pose and interrupt the group - ask before the pose starts. If the model says no, you must respect that.

Nude Models: You may not record any images of the model under any circumstance. There are no exceptions, so do not ask. You will be kicked out with no refund if you violate this rule.

Artwork: Do not take photos of your own work in the middle of the pose. From the model's point of view, it's not clear if you are including him or her in the photo, so wait until a break in the pose to be respectful. If you want to photograph someone else's work, you must ask the artist for permission first.

Can I park at the studio?

Yes. Parking on the street in front of our building is free. If there are no spaces available on the street, there is a public parking lot with 24/7 free parking near our building (about 7 minutes walking distance) at Pascalstraat.

What is the easiest way to reach DARA by public transport?

By bus:
The nearest bus stops at Haarlem Schouwtjesbrug (Buslijn 80 Amsterdam Elandsgracht-Zandvoort Centrum) directly across the street from our building.

By train:
The nearest train station is Heemstede-Aerdenhout. From the station, you can board bus 80 (direction Amsterdam Elandsgracht) and depart in three stops at Schouwtjesbrug. Alternately, walking to DARA directly from the station takes about 25 minutes.