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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Life drawing (boring)

71 replies

JessfromKent · 22/04/2022 20:50

Long story short me and my friends are going away for a long weekend in a countryside villa and they’ve booked ‘life drawing’ for the Villa.

I’m not going to protest (although I’d rather not) but is it me or does it feel very degrading. Somewhat ‘take your clothes off and entertain us for an hour’, nestled in between a film and making cocktails or AIBU

OP posts:
WindyKnickers · 22/04/2022 20:52

Sounds grim and boring. What's wrong with just going to the pub?

Winterfellismyhome · 22/04/2022 20:52

I wouldnt enjoy that at all

MistyGreenAndBlue · 22/04/2022 20:54

Unless you're an aspiring artist, why would you need to do this?
And, even then, you join a class surely?
Definitely seems a bit prurient - and pointless.

Original poster
JessfromKent · 22/04/2022 20:57

I think the idea is to fill the night with activities and this is popular but it does feel degrading to whatever man will be posing for us. Is it degrading ?

OP posts:
XenoBitch · 22/04/2022 20:57

There are many people who would enjoy that. Also, the person who is getting naked is not doing so for your entertainment. They are a volunteering to be a subject to be drawn. If your mindset is about them being entertainment then perhaps life drawing is not for you anyway.

Can you just opt out and do your own thing instead?

Maydaysoonenough · 22/04/2022 20:58

Isn't it a bit nippy for the models?

AtomicBlondeRose · 22/04/2022 20:59

Hmm…I’d like it because I like to draw and I’ve never drawn from life before! But I doubt that’s the intention and it would annoy me if I wanted to do it and everyone else was giggling and leering. That feels exploitative (but life drawing in itself isn’t, it’s usually done hugely respectfully and with care).

MangyInseam · 22/04/2022 21:00

I've posed as a nude model, it is not degrading at all, though art students know how to behave.

I suppose I wonder if some guy is hiring himself out specifically to women vacationing if it might be less professional? Is that the set up?

parietal · 22/04/2022 21:01

If there is an art teacher and the atmosphere of a proper class, that is great.

If it is a group of ladies giggling at a naked man, not so great

MangyInseam · 22/04/2022 21:02

But life drawing itself is really fun and exciting from an artistic POV, so I would be really pleased about that element.

Original poster
JessfromKent · 22/04/2022 21:02

To answer a few questions it’s more of a ladies night/hen activity with a professional art tutor.
the tutor runs an art company and this is one service, I believe it’s a blend of giggles and actually learning to draw if that answers peoples questions.

OP posts:
Needtogetoffmyphone · 22/04/2022 21:05

The opportunity to do life drawing is amazing.
But you have to be respectful of the model. I’d be worried that wouldn’t happen in this context

FastFood · 22/04/2022 21:05

Life drawing has nothing remotely sexual or degrading, I had my first sessions as a teenager in art college (as a student, not a model obviously)

However yes, its not everyone's cup of tea, and its not really "fun". Out of respect for the model, people ought to be quiet and focussed.

XenoBitch · 22/04/2022 21:06

JessfromKent · 22/04/2022 21:02

To answer a few questions it’s more of a ladies night/hen activity with a professional art tutor.
the tutor runs an art company and this is one service, I believe it’s a blend of giggles and actually learning to draw if that answers peoples questions.

I would assume (and hope) that the model is aware about the environment they are going into.
Maybe give it a go and see what happens. You might have fun, and discover some hidden artistic talent.

Original poster
JessfromKent · 22/04/2022 21:08

we absolutely wouldn’t make him feel awkward or outright laugh, but those that pushed for it weren’t thinking solely about their artistic skills. I’m just unsure how it will all work but it’s aimed at ladies nights, hen dos etc

OP posts:
Original poster
JessfromKent · 22/04/2022 21:13

So you’d recommend it? And i looked at the Facebook page earlier and I’m pretty sure the models will be aware due to some of the comments under the pictures of the events. It was more a concern that it was degrading, however if they’re happy to get their kit off and be drawn by 16 of us who am I to complain.

OP posts:
XenoBitch · 22/04/2022 21:17

JessfromKent · 22/04/2022 21:13

So you’d recommend it? And i looked at the Facebook page earlier and I’m pretty sure the models will be aware due to some of the comments under the pictures of the events. It was more a concern that it was degrading, however if they’re happy to get their kit off and be drawn by 16 of us who am I to complain.

No more degrading than a man who chooses to strip off at a hen night.

Original poster
JessfromKent · 22/04/2022 21:20

XenoBitch · 22/04/2022 21:17

No more degrading than a man who chooses to strip off at a hen night.

Show quote history

That was my concern as I’m not the biggest fan of strippers etc. and I felt guilty. I guess unlike a strip show there won’t silly costumes or dancing or touching of any sorts.

OP posts:
Puzzledandpissedoff · 22/04/2022 21:21

The opportunity to do life drawing is amazing
But you have to be respectful of the model. I’d be worried that wouldn’t happen in this context

Exactly this

I'd wondered if the model even knows what kind of activity he's been booked for, but then you said "it’s aimed at ladies nights, hen dos etc" so presumably he'll realise what could be coming his way when the guests have had a few drinks

Original poster
JessfromKent · 22/04/2022 21:36

Puzzledandpissedoff · 22/04/2022 21:21

The opportunity to do life drawing is amazing
But you have to be respectful of the model. I’d be worried that wouldn’t happen in this context

Exactly this

I'd wondered if the model even knows what kind of activity he's been booked for, but then you said "it’s aimed at ladies nights, hen dos etc" so presumably he'll realise what could be coming his way when the guests have had a few drinks

Ok - I am now more open minded and looking forward to this.

whilst it’s not like a stripper agency given the nature of the events yes I expect he’ll be prepared for some giggles and comments after a few drinks…

OP posts:
Northbankwalker · 22/04/2022 21:42

You’ll have such a good time it’s a really enjoyable event and a nice mix between a activity and fun. Don’t worry about the model, these jobs aren’t readily available so I expect that he’s chosen this job for the thrills it offers. Happy drawing

PrawnofthePatriarchy · 22/04/2022 21:42

I made most of my extra income as a student being a life model. It's not remotely degrading. The first time I did it was to stand in for a house mate with flu. I was so nervous - needed two large whiskies and a valium to take the plunge the first time.

Turns out I loved doing it - its very relaxing and it's interesting to see how different people see and draw you. One term I was the subject of an exhibition when a class drew only me for several weeks.

At a gathering one of the artists told me he'd never seen me as a woman when I was modelling but now he quite fancied me... 😋

MangyInseam · 22/04/2022 21:46

If there is a tutor that would make me feel a lot better about it, he or she will likely make sure things stay on track.

The main thing is that you don't make personal comments about the model's body. You can talk about it from a technical aspect obviously but you don't invade their privacy or comment on their attractiveness or anything like that.

WeBuiltThisBuffetOnSausageRoll · 22/04/2022 21:49

Did the person who booked it specifically request a male model, or just 'a model' and the one who was available happened to be male? Do they also advertise/offer stag/men's night activities with a female model?

It could be entirely innocent, but I'd be slightly concerned that either the company providing this might be using the 'life drawing class' description as a cover for the service they really expect to provide, the person in your group might have other intentions/understandings of what is included - or both.

If it is legitimate, serious learning artistic drawing skills, then it will probably be a great experience for everybody; but if you're expecting it to be 'a giggle', it probably will be awkward and a bit degrading for the model - assuming he is a 100% genuine life drawing model and not a 'model' (wink, wink).

VaggieMight · 22/04/2022 21:54

I've been on a hen do house-stay where life drawing was booked. I wasn't into it at all but the guy was aware it was a hen do and not a serious life drawing booking. He knew how to deal with it and did activities and controlled it all. I think models know to check the type of booking they're taking on.

Personally, I think stripping is demeaning, but he seemed ok with it. The group I was with were quite reserved and ultimately were a little competitive about the quality of the sketches.