[color=rgb(45, 45, 45)]For a figure drawing model, we need a person who poses as the subject for artists to sketch. Experience and over 18 years of age is required[/color]
[color=rgb(45, 45, 45)]You act as a live model, posing for observation. Figure drawing models often pose nude or partially nude to help emerging artists capture the human form, draw anatomy, mark proper lines and practice their artistic abilities, often in a classroom setting. [/color]
[color=rgb(45, 45, 45)]Sessions can last up to three hours, in a studio or drawing class. As a figure drawing model, you pose for extended periods of time and provide a range of gestures to highlight different parts of the body and show muscles, angles and natural shapes. [/color]
[color=rgb(45, 45, 45)]You maintain a focused and thoughtful demeanour throughout the drawing session, recognizing the importance and value your contribution has for the artist capturing your image.[/color]
[color=rgb(45, 45, 45)]Sessions can last one to three hours long and usually begin with a series of short poses, ranging from 30 seconds to a few minutes as a warmup for artists to sketch figures quickly. You can use this time to generate new poses.[/color]
[color=rgb(45, 45, 45)]The session moves into more lengthy poses from there, some lasting 20-30 minutes each. During this time, an artist captures as many details as possible, spending more time per drawing than during the warmup. Here is where your practice and experience matter, as you hold poses steady. In sessions without an instructor, you come up with variations of poses each time you change positions.[/color]
[h3][b]Do you have to be a certain size?[/b][/h3]
[color=rgb(45, 45, 45)]The field of figure drawing modelling encourages and welcomes all body sizes and shapes—diversity gives an artist more practice, variation and representation of everyday life. Since life drawing is about capturing the human figure, it is important to have a variety of shapes, sizes and features like curved bodies, lined faces, scars and tattoos. [/color]
[color=rgb(45, 45, 45)]The most important element of being a figure drawing model is having confidence, being comfortable posing nude or partially nude and understanding your body is the subject of artwork.[/color]
[h3][b]Are there protocols during figure drawing sessions?[/b][/h3]
[color=rgb(45, 45, 45)]Yes, many live model drawing sessions have specific rules and customs to protect a professional setting, including:[/color]
[ml][ul][li indent=0 align=left]A relaxed and friendly atmosphere, focusing on the study of human art form and acceptance of all figures[/li][/ul][/ml]
[ml][ul][li indent=0 align=left]Closed art classes where only the model, artists and an instructor are present for privacy and comfort[/li][/ul][/ml]
[ml][ul][li indent=0 align=left]A hands-free zone where models are not touched, whether in a classroom or one-on-one session[/li][/ul][/ml]
[ml][ul][li indent=0 align=left]No commentary about a model’s body or features and no criticism of an artist’s work[/li][/ul][/ml]
[ml][ul][li indent=0 align=left]A private changing area to undress and put on a robe to enter and exit the studio.[/li][/ul][/ml]
[ml][ul][li indent=0 align=left]A quiet and focused session with little talking, aside from posing guidance or other class instructions[/li][/ul][/ml]
[color=rgb(45, 45, 45)]Given the intimate nature of being a figure drawing model and often posing nude, most art departments, clubs or studios require a model to be at least 18 years of age for legal reasons.[/color]
[color=rgb(45, 45, 45)]Experience is required. We need someone who can hold the Classic positions, including variations of these poses:[/color]
[ml][ul][li indent=0 align=left]Kneeling[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Reclining[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Seated[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Standing[/li][/ul][/ml]
[color=rgb(45, 45, 45)]If you want to include props into your poses, like a rope, sheet, chair or ball, consider ones that will enhance the pose rather than distract from it. [/color]
[color=rgb(45, 45, 45)]Also examine how different poses create a sense of motion an artist can capture. Positions where you are asymmetrical or show muscle tension give an artist more definition and detail to draw.[/color]
