Life Model Questions

[JL690]

A friend came to visit last night and when we were chatting she accidently-on-purpose let slip that she had done a life model session for a local art club last week. I don't know why, but I went red with embarrassment, and she found that hilarious.

Of course I had lots of questions about how many people were there, male/female mix, did she feel embarrassed and uncomfortable etc. I was surprised when she said that there were 8 women and only one man, and that she felt more uncomfortable with stiffness towards the end of the longer poses than being naked in front of other people. Then I went red again when she said the club was looking for more female models and suggested I should try it. I told her no way, but it's been at the back of my mind this morning to say why not and try it.

Has anyone here done it? What are the things to avoid or make sure are done during a session? My friend said she enjoyed it but is it always as good as she portrayed it?

Generally it's difficult to tell if a model will be problematic until they are.
Most who do life drawing have come across the odd exhibitionist model. Sometimes the fact they get off on it doesn't matter because they are good enough at staying still and those drawing them are sanguine, often they just don't get re-booked and word goes round that they aren't worth having.

I go months without going bright red and then go bright read when just chatting with someone - if this helps a bit.

@MamaAlwaysknowsbest I know what you're saying but I read problem as being some men will intentionally "go red". @Runningwildish will hopefully clarify and I'll be the one gong red if I've read too much into it.

Exhibitionism would be last thing on my mind. Like I said in my first post, if I had the courage to do it at all, it would be from a personal development point if view, as I'm not a very body confident person. I have some medical scars. Over the last few years, I beat my fear of needles and swimming in the same pool where I was knocked out in a school swim class. I have met my fears and beat them. So if I ever do pose as a life model, it will be that point of view. Where did all the negativity come from guys... It's not appreciated.

I've never seen an erection if that's a concern. But one model didn't get changed in private, just stripped off in the middle of the room in front of everyone and seemed overly keen to display his junk.
Every other male model has been great, one even stood on one leg for 10 minutes.

I'm not sure there is any negativity? If there is it's going over my head. If you're seeing negativity in anything I've said, then I apologize as there's no intent, just being very straightforward about how things work generally. Their is human sensitivity but ultimately the model is rightly or wrongly, a commodity.

I've been drawing for decades, and there is a wide turnover of male models in our large city based art sessions who are primarily doing it as a fast way to make money. Consequently it's common to come across a range of interesting characters. I have no problem regarding men behaving in all sorts of ways as long as they can hold the pose. Those who regularly draw life models are as I said sanguine, but the younger generation are often more easily spooked.

To elucidate: There isn't a 'the model gets checked for their suitability' pre -meet. Some models turn out to be exhibitionists and as long as they can do the job it's fine with many of those drawing them. Others may prioritize themselves or talking. Not so fine, though there's understanding around early 'nervous chatter.'
Even professional male models periodically find themselves unable to control everything and it has been known for them to get an erection mid pose. In itself it's not an issue, and a professional will acknowledge, generally apologize, and be assured not to worry.
Amateur models experiencing the same predicament are more likely to make a major deal out of it and embarrassment sometimes causes immature reactions.
It is those models who are likely to simply not be rebooked. I am not in any way suggesting that is you, just trying to clarify what exactly I meant when I said it's difficult to tell if a model will be problematic until they are.

@MalamuteDad It looks like I was overthinking things, don't let me put you off trying it.

BTW my all time favorite model is not particularly young, has Pectus carinatum or severe 'pigeon chest' including protrusions on their back and surgical scaring. They have been my model for a major (for me) piece of work. Another one is past middle age and corpulent.
All models are appreciated, but the most interesting models are often not conventionally attractive.

Life models don't get paid anything here in London, as there are so many people falling over themselves to do it. They're never short of offers.

We always pay our life models, why wouldn't you?

NewPinkJacket That's a new one on me!
Everywhere I use the going rate is: £10/£15 ph for newbies/ short poses only, or semi clad.

Standard rates are £20 ph, up to £35 ph, and the practice of 'tipping' on top at some sessions at some establishments is still standard.