Being new to this site and not yet very adept at finding my way around it, I still didn't find anything on modelling nude for art classes.This is something I heartily recommend to those who are not shy about taking their clothes off in front of a group of fully-clothed artists. I immensely enjoy being naked of course and to actually be paid something for the privilege is a real bonus. Ideally I would prefer a summer day posing outside in someone's secluded garden but more often than not it's a case of a draughty church hall on a winter's evening with inadequate heating ! Still one has to start somewhere. Usually the model him- or her-self gets to offer the pose the budding artists will draw so you can choose something that will be comfortable since of course you will need to keep still for the duration of the pose. Most groups do a variety of pose lengths, from a couple of minutes (when you can offer quite a dramatic pose) to 30 to 40 minutes when you will need to settle yourself comfortably. In my experience art groups both private and adult education classes are always searching for potential models for art classes. Why not offer your services ? I should be pleased to hear from anyone who has experience of this type of work with perhaps some amusing anecdotes to tell !
I do not do it on a regular basis but once a year Pevors Farm has an Art weekend which Trish and I have attended over the past 4 years and we are going again this year. Trish likes doing the arty side whilst I cannot draw at all so I and another guy take turns at being a model. I quite enjoy it in naturist surroundings because the artists are usually in their natural state as well
Norman
Norman
That's very interesting and something I've wondered about but never really investigated. I tried a bit of modelling for a professional photographer last year and found it quite difficult to get a relaxed natural looking pose - and that of course was only for a few moments, not half an hour! Nevertheless, I shall give it a try. Thanks for the inspiration!
I have modelled for a life drawing class and after initially feeling really rather 'exposed' with a lot of people staring at my body really enjoyed it!
The class was a good male/feale mix, young and old. Certainly the people who attended the class were very appreciative. Some of the 20 minute poses were hard to hold.
As an artist myself with a keen appreciation for the nude and a long-time and regular attendee of life drawing classes, I've always thought that I'd love to experience life on the other side of the easel by posing... even if only once.
I'm not sure whether there would be any takers reading this from my part of the UK? It would be an interesting challenge, and I'm not sure how many guys as young as me (late 20s) actually do life modelling. I might be disastrous at it, but I guess you don't know until you do it.
A first experience of modelling can be had at naturist resorts that have drawing classes. I have tried drawing (spectacularly unsuccessfully, I'm afraid) in my resort in Provence, where participants take turn in posing. You may be called upon to pose for half an hour, about once every 3 or 4 days I'd say. A great experience finding yourself at different times on the two sides of the fence.
i would be interested in posing for life modelling
That sounds like a very good idea now all I have to do is find out if there is any artists who live locally or art classes that do life classes. I would love to try out the modelling side of things. Don't know if I would be any good at it till I try. So is there any tips anyone can give me as to were to look to find artists or life modelling classes that need a model
Steve
Steve and Janet
As a beginner, I think your best way would be to approach local Universities and Colleges of Further Education, asking whether their Art departments provide Life drawing classes, and if so, for the contact details of the Tutors running them. Then discuss with the tutors to see what sessions you might be able to do. be prepared to go on a reserve list to start with, as they probably lined up models for current sessions in advance of confirming the classes in the prospectus. Good luck! There are agencies, once you are an experienced model.
Agree with Col, but be prepared to have to wait a while, since nowadays you may have to go through a DBS check(formerly CRB) especially if there may be under 18's in the classes.
I have attended many life-drawing classes as an amateur artist, but never as a model. But this summer at Euronat I posed nude for a class of about 8 naturists doing portraits. So they were just doing my face and I only had to keep my head position and facial expression constant for 15 minutes. But even this I found surprisingly difficult to do. I enjoyed the experience but am more convinced than ever that to be a good model and to be able to choose a pose that one can sustain for up to half an hour is much more difficult than one might think and could require a lot of practice.
Doug & Rodica
Sounds interesting and something I'd also like to have a go at. Anyone care to share about their first time and how it felt being the only one naked in the room? What pose did you choose and how difficult is it to stay still?
Naked Paul, my first time modelling was a bit of a learning curve. I am being used to being nude in front of people, but a room full of clothed people staring at your body and using their pencils to gauge proportions took some getting used to! I chose a few poses and the class teacher asked me to do some. Several 5 minute poses, then a 15 minute then a 30 minute which is quite hard! But have a go it is worth it for the experience!
Thanks for the advice. My motto in life is that you only get one chance, so if there's something you want to have a go at try it - you might like it! I'll definitely be looking out for art classes in my area and give it a go.
Paul
I have been doing this for some years and find it very enjoyable but hard work, also it is difficult to find out who to contact initially to offer your services.
Usually the artists are quite protective of the models, especially now that temperatures are dropping. The poses vary from a few minutes- which allows for more adventurous positions; to ones which need to be sustained for up to an hour- so a fair degree of stamina is required.
I would recommend anyone who feels inclined to give it a go- you will be surprised at how liberating it can be!!