Fredericksburg Figure Drawing: Pose Perfection

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Pose Perfection

Having hired a lot of models (once a week for almost 4 years now) I often think about and so respect the job of the artist's model. I am very, very lucky to have some great models, not just good - great.

What makes one model better than another? A good model has the ability to hold a pose and be motionless for 20-30 minutes, despite being cold or hot or cramped. A great model has a confidence and indifference that makes them able to drop their robe in a room full of clothed artists.

I make an honest effort never to rush a model into a pose. I try to give him or her time. They let me know when to start the clock. The best pose is fluid, relaxed, natural and has an implicit ease. One art instructor I read about, before starting to paint, would give a 30 minute lecture on portrait painting. By the end of his lecture, the model had gotten comfortable and he would then start painting, not altering the model's position at all - she was sitting naturally in a way that was characteristic to her.

Our thanks to Janet - one of the GREATS!

join us on Monday, Feb. 17th at Dragonfly Yoga Studio, 810 Caroline Street. Arrive around 7:30, session will start at 7:45.