Life models

[ghostwatch]

Hi following some life and figure drawing classes last year I'm interested in doing the life modelling anyone else done this and if so what best advice can you give on how to go about it ?
So far I've been to the art centre there was an advert on the wall for models but haven't had any luck getting through as yet it could have been an old advert. I've sent a few emails off to the guy in the art department and one attached to the advert. Does anyone know of any reputable agencies I could join ? I'd love to hear from someone who's been doing this for a while.

Don't know of any agencies. I used to do it a long time ago, I just called up all the art colleges near to me and went on a list.

Can you sit still for a long time, OP? And do you have good circulation?

Thanks Arsey. I don't have any health problems and found yoga ok so I should be alright sitting in one position for a long period of time ? I didn't consider circulation but as far as I know I don't have any problems the good thing is I'm on the major health kick diet like a lot of people at this time of year this will be a good reason to keep up with that.
I am now going to look at all the local art colleges near me as well thanks ever so much for the advice

The reason I ask about circulation is because someone I used to work with ended up with a DVT.

I'd say you're more likely to find work in an art college than an arts centre. Also, do you have a college near you that does BTECs? I know some art BTECs do life drawing. Universities too, anywhere that teaches the rudiments of drawing is likely to do life drawing.

Good luck!

That's great advice thank you Arsey.

I do life drawing and most of our models we get via word of mouth contact - there used to be a web forum but I think it's now closed. There are groups on facebook search life models and life drawing

Keep trying the art colleges, also 6th form colleges and private schools do life drawing. Most towns have a life drawing group or class - ours doesn't advertise, but you can find them by googling life drawing and the name of the town/ area. Once you're in and have "proved" yourself people pass your details around.
The main skills are sitting still for up to an hour with short breaks, being able to come up with interesting poses ( although the group tutor organiser will usually set the pose but often it's a joint thing. Being available during the day as well as evening times - able to travel to centres, the broader the area you can travel to the more chance you have of picking up work. Rates of pay aren't always brilliant and you get your petrol or fare included - and coffee/tea and biscuits and the chance to meet lots of nice creative people!
Whereabouts are you? I know quite a few groups around the East and West Midlands if that's any help

Thankyou Nel that's all very good and interesting information. I'm in the southeast. I've had a response from the adult education centre saying they will be recruiting in the summer and they hope I will model for them. I'm looking forwards to giving it a try mainly because I can't afford a course this year and because in a really vain way I want to myself as art work

You're welcome. Keep putting yourself about round the local groups in the meantime. A lot of groups let the models come to sessions to draw for free too.

If you are near Surrey the Adult Learning centres are Always needing models. They will be v glad of anyone applying.

If you want to see yourself as an art work I hope you get some decent artists! Some times I'd be rather resentful that I'd endured pain and the risk of DVT/varicose veins for the end result to be something not even my mother would recognise!

Coming up with interesting poses is a good point. Generally something with a twist in is good, and if standing then not standing square on with hands by your sides.

Yes Arsey I will consider the interesting poses. I like the idea of seeing how others would interpret me (how egocentric ) but yes totally expecting to not be flattered. I like the idea of it all the same. Thanks for all your suggestions everyone I'm about to call another place that wasn't open yesterday to fingers crossed.

There's also portrait modelling and clothed modelling to consider.
I love looking at the works done by a group of people all drawing the same model - often all different, is it because of interpretation, perception, even as basic as eye conditions - el Greco had astigmatism and painted elongated figures - not because of an affectation

It's odd nel but I would be self conscious of my face with people concentrating on it and I hate people putting a camera on me yet if I was naked I think I will more relaxed all together and more natural. Perhaps it worth a try to push some personal boundaries.

If you're portrait modelling for a group it's much harder work because you have to keep your eyes focussed on the exact same spot, whereas with a single artist you can close them or look around a bit if they're painting your chin!

I slept a lot when I was life modelling, the rooms were always quiet, with murmurs of concentration or hushed convos with the tutor, plus there'd normally be a heater pointing at me. Lovely.

Yes I spoke to someone the other day about models sleeping he was drawing an older man who started snoring
I would find the eye thing really difficult