Atelier Cadet
Drawing classes for beginners in Paris since 2019
Drawing and watercolour classes for beginners in Paris, from €33, materials provided.
Classes are taught in French, with English instruction available on request.
The Method
Learning to draw is a skill that can be developed through a structured method, carefully designed exercises and regular practice. Atelier Cadet's teaching approach draws in particular on the research and method of Betty Edwards, developed in her internationally renowned book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain.
Each session is led by a professional artist and combines practical exercises, technical guidance and creative practice. Participants learn how to construct a drawing and work with a range of artistic materials and tools. The aim is to understand the fundamentals of drawing, build solid foundations and make progress with every session, even when starting from scratch.
Rue Cadet: Where It All Began
Atelier Cadet was born beneath the glass roof of a small studio on the top floor of the Hôtel Cromot du Bourg in Paris. Portraiture, life drawing, watercolour, pastels and observational drawing were all part of its early practice, with one central ambition: to help everyone learn to draw step by step, without feeling self-conscious or afraid of making mistakes.
Today, Atelier Cadet is expanding beyond the studio, bringing its workshops to inspiring locations across Paris.
Drawing for Beginners
Classes specially designed for beginners who want to learn to draw without feeling intimidated. Through guided, progressive exercises, discover the fundamentals of drawing, learn how to observe, construct shapes and master proportions. No previous drawing experience is needed!
Café Croquis
These sessions are specially designed for beginners, with simple exercises, personalised guidance and step-by-step support to help you develop your observation skills and create your first sketches.
Hot drinks and all drawing materials are provided. A creative way to start the day.
Paris Croquis
Paris's covered passages, gardens and remarkable architecture become your drawing subjects. Learn progressively how to create your first sketches and capture the essence of a Parisian scene.
Each session begins with technical exercises, which you then put into practice in your own drawing. Indoors during the winter months and outdoors in the warmer seasons.
Drawing at the Museum
Discover artworks from a different perspective.
Take time to draw alongside the sculptures in the magnificent Great Nave of the Musée d'Orsay. Learn how to begin a sketch, observe shapes and proportions, and translate what you see onto paper.
No previous experience is necessary. The exercises are designed to help beginners get started, experiment and make progress without worrying about making mistakes.
Modèle vivant
Drawing clothing, costume and movement.
These life-drawing sessions introduce you to drawing through silhouettes, clothing and poses. Learn about body proportions, observe posture, capture movement and translate the lines and volumes of clothing into your drawings. Progressive exercises help beginners get started without feeling intimidated and gradually develop their observational skills.
Atelier Cadet is run by Adèle, a visual artist with degrees from ENSAAMA Olivier de Serres and the École des Beaux-Arts. She has taught in the Art and Space department at the École des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD) in Paris, at the City of Paris Fine Arts Workshops (ABA), and at the École supérieure d’art et de design de Tours (TALM).
She has also served on diploma examination panels at the Écoles des Beaux-Arts in Nantes and Angers, as well as selection panels for various public and private institutions, including foundation courses, art schools, arts sponsorship programmes and art centres.
With over 15 years of experience teaching drawing, she also prepares students for entrance examinations to leading art, applied arts and fashion schools. Her teaching is tailored to each individual, respecting their pace, interests and unique creative approach.
Maxence is an author and illustrator whose work explores a tender, poetic universe, shaped by a sensitive observation of everyday life and a deeper reflection on the world around us. He is the writer and illustrator of Derrière le champ, published by Casterman, and is currently working on a new children's book. His distinctive style brings together the poetry of everyday life, a keen eye for the details of the real world and metaphysical questions.
Why choose Atelier Cadet?
Would you love to learn to draw but aren't sure where to start? Atelier Cadet is for you.
Founded by a professional visual artist, Atelier Cadet offers classes specially designed for beginners. You don't need to know how to draw or have any previous artistic experience. Through practical exercises and technical guidance, you'll gradually develop your skills, learn the fundamentals and gain confidence in your drawing.
Our teaching approach draws in particular on Betty Edwards' method. Shapes, proportions, perspective, shading and volume: each session introduces new techniques, gives you the opportunity to practise and helps you see your progress.
Classes are limited to ten participants to ensure individual attention and personalised guidance. Our professional artists support you at every stage, in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere where everyone can progress at their own pace.
Come to learn to draw, and discover that you can.
Reviews of Atelier Cadet
JT
J’adore les cours avec Adèle. On y apprend une pluralité de techniques. On ne s’ennuie jamais. L’ambiance est très agréable. Et l’atelier est idéalement situé dans le centre sur la ligne 7. Je recommande +++
Cécile L
Conseils précis et avisés dans une ambiance agréable sur fond de music jazz fip avec ambiance tamisée le soir et reproductions d œuvres picturales ainsi que jolis modèles vivants à recopier sur papier...
Michael L
J’ai bénéficié d’un accompagnement de grande qualité de la part d’Adèle. Ses cours de préparation aux écoles d'art m’ont permis de préparer efficacement mon portfolio, que j’ai pu présenter à l’oral avec succès. Elle a enseigné en école d'art et sait de quoi elle parle.
Hanady A
J’ai commencé avec Adèleen septembre et j’apprécie beaucoup la diversité de ses cours, ses bon conseils et son excellent accueil. Elle met tout le matériel à disposition et nous avons pu experimenter plusieurs techniques jusqu’à là. Hâte de continuer :)
Tania D
Adèle dirige très bien ses cours. Les thèmes sont variés avec des conseils à l'ensemble des élèves. On a aussi des polycopiés pour chaque thème étudié ce qui permet de faire le suivi car les 2 heures de cours passent vites. Adèle est pédagogue, souriante, ce qui apporte une bonne harmonie à ses cours. Je recommande.
Manon B
J’ai pris des cours avec Adèle pour préparer mon dossier d’admission en Master aux grandes écoles section design. Grace à ses conseils avisés et son expertise tant artistique qu’académique je suis aujourd’hui Admissible aux art décoratifs. Je recommande sans aucune hésitation ses cours qui m’ont permis de constituer un portfolio qui me représente et dans lequel chaque projet a été patiemment retravaillé.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attend if I'm a complete beginner?
Absolutely! Atelier Cadet is specially designed for adults who want to learn to draw, even if they feel they have no particular talent or don't know where to start. Classes begin with simple, guided exercises to help you master the basics, understand shapes and proportions, and learn how to construct a drawing. You'll progress step by step, whatever your starting point.
How many participants are there in each class?
Groups are limited to a maximum of 6 or 8 participants, depending on the class format. This allows the artist to give individual attention, correct techniques, offer practical advice and adapt exercises to each participant's level.
What method does Atelier Cadet use to teach drawing?
Atelier Cadet's teaching approach draws in particular on Betty Edwards' method, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. It combines observational exercises with technical instruction to help everyone understand how to construct a drawing. Shapes, proportions, perspective, shading and volume are introduced progressively through demonstrations and practical exercises. The aim is to build solid foundations and develop greater independence.
Are drawing materials provided?
Yes, all the necessary materials are provided for classes where this is included. You don't need to prepare anything – just bring your enthusiasm for drawing!
Where do the classes take place?
Atelier Cadet expands beyond the studio, bringing its workshops to inspiring locations across Paris: cafés, museums, covered passages, gardens and other iconic spots. Each class has its own meeting point, which is clearly indicated on the booking page and in the information sent after registration.
Do you offer life-drawing classes?
Yes. Several classes and workshops focus on life drawing, including portraits, figures in movement and costumed characters. You'll learn how to construct a figure, understand proportions, capture a pose and convey movement through drawing. All sessions are guided and suitable for beginners.
Do I need to know how to draw already?
Not at all. No previous experience is necessary. Whether you're starting from scratch, returning to drawing after several years or looking to overcome certain difficulties, our progressive exercises and personalised guidance will help you develop at your own pace.
What will I learn at Atelier Cadet?
You'll discover the fundamentals of drawing: observing and constructing shapes, understanding proportions, working with perspective, shading and volume. Depending on the class, you'll also explore different techniques and materials, including pencil, charcoal, watercolour, colour and sketchbook drawing. Each session combines explanations, practical exercises and your own creative work.
Can I give a class as a gift?
Yes! Atelier Cadet classes and workshops can be purchased as gift vouchers. An original gift offering the chance to discover drawing, learn a new technique and explore Paris in a different way.
