Has anyone ever done Life Classes?

[MamaHobgoblin]

I'm thinking of asking for a course of classes for my birthday. There are a few courses being run locally - anything to look out for, or avoid? How did you find them?

I did a course years ago at my local art college.

The one I went to had nude models but I think you can also get classes with clothed models.

Once you get over the initial / of someone standing starkers in front of you its fine, it doesn't take long for you to get into the drawing aspect.

Not sure what to look out for or avoid though? Do you know anyone who can recommend a class or tutor?

It's the nude ones I want to do! Was hoping there wouldn't just be a roomful of pervy old men, but that's a nasty thought and I am nasty.

Just wondered how to pick a class, really. There are a few locally, and I have no idea if some of them are better taught than others - I'd like instruction, rather than just 2 hours of model time and get on with it, because although I can draw (ish), I've not got any experience of figure drawing. Maybe I can ask if they've got testimonials?

I had to do a life drawing class as an introduction in to my uni course (architecture). And I loved it, they had a male model, which I was quite shocked at but after 5min I got over it.

Our class was run by a women who was great, she knew it was the first time we had all done it, so she took a really fun approach to it all. The first few pictures we did were 'warm up' ones. The model would move every 1min, starting off in a ball the to a standing position, and we just drew over the top of what we had done. It made for a great picture. We did other things as well (it was a 2hr class) but it was honestly one of the best drawing experiences of my life. So much so the first page of my portfolio is a naked man (his bum to be more acurate)

Once Ive had this baby and our loft is finished I cant wait to get back into drawing, and would love to do another life drawing class. But it would have to be just as dianamic as that one I dont think I would be fussed about drawing for hours doing only the same position.