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Life modelling tips?
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One of my goals over lockdown was to try some life modelling and finally got the courage up to have my first session this week.
It is weird that I am nervous about it given I love being naked in public. I think it is trying to work out the poses and being unsure about how to start. Anyone got any tips for a newbie?
(And before anyone comments: this is _NOT_ about getting meets - it is an outside Fab thing.) |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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They will likely have props and offer chairs etc. Whatever pose you choose you need to be able to comfortably hold AND get back into after a break... Find a point to fix your gaze |
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By *a LunaWoman
over a year ago
South Wales |
Just be natural and relaxed. Although you’ll be looked at they won’t really be looking at you, but your lines, the way light hits you etc (if that makes sense?). You could be in a fixed pose for quite some though, so keep that in mind. |
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I don’t mind being looked at or the naked part - it is actually just trying to work out the poses that worries me the most 
To the point about the hard on - if you get one you get one. I think it is not uncommon. It’s life drawing after all! |
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I did life drawing as part of my degree. You will be sat sill which is harder than you think it is. One of my most memorable classes was a ‘timed detail’ sketch where the model posed for a set time then changes her pose for a shorter amount of time. This is repeated with the pose time getting less each change
Enjoy it |
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Put a twist in it! Bend your torso, turn to look behind you, touch your foot, put your arm behind your head, cross your legs, kneel and squat - my god anything but straight up and down. If you're stuck for a pose do Rodin's thinker 
Will it be one long pose for the whole session, various short ones, a combination? Go for the more challenging poses for the 1-15mins ones and choose something you can maintain without too much strain for the 20+ ones.
Amazing you have followed through with your intention, enjoy! |
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"Put a twist in it! Bend your torso, turn to look behind you, touch your foot, put your arm behind your head, cross your legs, kneel and squat - my god anything but straight up and down. If you're stuck for a pose do Rodin's thinker
Will it be one long pose for the whole session, various short ones, a combination? Go for the more challenging poses for the 1-15mins ones and choose something you can maintain without too much strain for the 20+ ones.
Amazing you have followed through with your intention, enjoy!"
Everything I have read says that if you twist then it is hard to hold the pose for a long time. On the other hand I think artists like poses with a lot of asymmetry. I really need to find out what they want from their models I think. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Put a twist in it! Bend your torso, turn to look behind you, touch your foot, put your arm behind your head, cross your legs, kneel and squat - my god anything but straight up and down. If you're stuck for a pose do Rodin's thinker
Will it be one long pose for the whole session, various short ones, a combination? Go for the more challenging poses for the 1-15mins ones and choose something you can maintain without too much strain for the 20+ ones.
Amazing you have followed through with your intention, enjoy!
Everything I have read says that if you twist then it is hard to hold the pose for a long time. On the other hand I think artists like poses with a lot of asymmetry. I really need to find out what they want from their models I think. "
You will have people on all sides - they will move to find the angle/perspective that they want |
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"Put a twist in it! Bend your torso, turn to look behind you, touch your foot, put your arm behind your head, cross your legs, kneel and squat - my god anything but straight up and down. If you're stuck for a pose do Rodin's thinker
Will it be one long pose for the whole session, various short ones, a combination? Go for the more challenging poses for the 1-15mins ones and choose something you can maintain without too much strain for the 20+ ones.
Amazing you have followed through with your intention, enjoy!
Everything I have read says that if you twist then it is hard to hold the pose for a long time. On the other hand I think artists like poses with a lot of asymmetry. I really need to find out what they want from their models I think.
You will have people on all sides - they will move to find the angle/perspective that they want "
Unfortunately at least in the sessions I've been to the space didn't allow moving about (small rooms). So once you're sat it's up the model&the coordinator to give everyone an interesting view, at some point at least.
Yes poses with torque are hard to hold. IMO though I prefer a model who is wobbly at an interesting pose than one in a stable pose that is just lying/standing there. Though perhaps a more accomplished drawer/painter than I would value continuity more. An interesting pose doesn't have to be extreme! Eg. Your pic 30 May 2021 is a simple example - one leg straight one bent, one shoulder lowered as you turn to look down, the light does the rest, enough to draw there. But anything less and it's ZzzzzZz (though even then people will move to practising details, so bring on that hard on haha). |
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"Put a twist in it! Bend your torso, turn to look behind you, touch your foot, put your arm behind your head, cross your legs, kneel and squat - my god anything but straight up and down. If you're stuck for a pose do Rodin's thinker
Will it be one long pose for the whole session, various short ones, a combination? Go for the more challenging poses for the 1-15mins ones and choose something you can maintain without too much strain for the 20+ ones.
Amazing you have followed through with your intention, enjoy!
Everything I have read says that if you twist then it is hard to hold the pose for a long time. On the other hand I think artists like poses with a lot of asymmetry. I really need to find out what they want from their models I think.
You will have people on all sides - they will move to find the angle/perspective that they want
Unfortunately at least in the sessions I've been to the space didn't allow moving about (small rooms). lol So once you're sat it's up the model&the coordinator to give everyone an interesting view, at some point at least.
Yes poses with torque are hard to hold. IMO though I prefer a model who is wobbly at an interesting pose than one in a stable pose that is just lying/standing there. Though perhaps a more accomplished drawer/painter than I would value continuity more. An interesting pose doesn't have to be extreme! Eg. Your pic 30 May 2021 is a simple example - one leg straight one bent, one shoulder lowered as you turn to look down, the light does the rest, enough to draw there. But anything less and it's ZzzzzZz (though even then people will move to practising details, so bring on that hard on haha)."
That May pic was actually taken from a video where I was trying to get a comfortable shot which is why I guess it works because it is natural. I will have a practice in front of the mirror this week to see how long I can hold a “torguey” pose.
I am sure that I will get a hard on at some point for the “detail” work. I will just try and brazen that out though and just pretend it is nothing  |
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I am sure that I will get a hard on at some point for the “detail” work. I will just try and brazen that out though and just pretend it is nothing "
I have never seen a statue or a nude portrait in an art gallery with an erection |
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"Put a twist in it! Bend your torso, turn to look behind you, touch your foot, put your arm behind your head, cross your legs, kneel and squat - my god anything but straight up and down. If you're stuck for a pose do Rodin's thinker
Will it be one long pose for the whole session, various short ones, a combination? Go for the more challenging poses for the 1-15mins ones and choose something you can maintain without too much strain for the 20+ ones.
Amazing you have followed through with your intention, enjoy!
Everything I have read says that if you twist then it is hard to hold the pose for a long time. On the other hand I think artists like poses with a lot of asymmetry. I really need to find out what they want from their models I think.
You will have people on all sides - they will move to find the angle/perspective that they want
Unfortunately at least in the sessions I've been to the space didn't allow moving about (small rooms). lol So once you're sat it's up the model&the coordinator to give everyone an interesting view, at some point at least.
Yes poses with torque are hard to hold. IMO though I prefer a model who is wobbly at an interesting pose than one in a stable pose that is just lying/standing there. Though perhaps a more accomplished drawer/painter than I would value continuity more. An interesting pose doesn't have to be extreme! Eg. Your pic 30 May 2021 is a simple example - one leg straight one bent, one shoulder lowered as you turn to look down, the light does the rest, enough to draw there. But anything less and it's ZzzzzZz (though even then people will move to practising details, so bring on that hard on haha).
That May pic was actually taken from a video where I was trying to get a comfortable shot which is why I guess it works because it is natural. I will have a practice in front of the mirror this week to see how long I can hold a “torguey” pose.
I am sure that I will get a hard on at some point for the “detail” work. I will just try and brazen that out though and just pretend it is nothing "
you may get a hard on when they come to set your position for example they may move your cock in a certain position for good light  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I got pretty ill with the Christmas flu just before my first session and had to cancel. Have finally recovered and got my first session (properly) on Thursday. Will see how it goes "
Good luck OP. |
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I often do life drawing. Yes the organiser helps you to choose a pose but the worst thing I find as an artist if the person is inexperienced or uncomfortable, makes it difficult to draw them. So my advice is to practise holding poses for 2, 5, 10 and 15 minutes and see how you get on. If you can't keep still then I wouldn't do it as it's not fair on the artists. |
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I have been practicing holding poses. It is only an intro session as they know I haven’t posed before and they have another model already there so I will just be watching and doing some practice poses. |
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"I got a dressing gown and I am not really worried about a stiffy - it is staying in pose without moving I am still most worried about."
Unless you find people staring at you trying to draw you as kinky, you definitely won't get a hard on. I never met any life drawing model with a hard on. It's very professional environment, I don't think sex will be the first or last thing on your mind. Most models just relax and go in a day like dream. But keeping still is imperative! Lol |
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"I have been practicing holding poses. It is only an intro session as they know I haven’t posed before and they have another model already there so I will just be watching and doing some practice poses."
Wish you all the best then. Just go in with the right mind set. It's not a sexual environment. |
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"I have been practicing holding poses. It is only an intro session as they know I haven’t posed before and they have another model already there so I will just be watching and doing some practice poses.
Wish you all the best then. Just go in with the right mind set. It's not a sexual environment. "
 totally agree. |
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By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago
Dubai & Nottingham |
What is life modelling ? Is it being a still subject for artists to draw / paint ?
What interests you to do this ? Is it financial or thrill of it ? Do you talk to the artists ?
I do portraits and glamour (photography) sometimes we go for photo walks and talk about the subject, their life, challenges, dreams etc while I shoot , I use silent shutter mode and shoot fast like film, sometimes we make a character for the camera , friend , enemy , lover etc and play into that . Doubt any of this applies to what you’re doing LOL
Have fun or don’t do it is what what I say to subjects |
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"What is life modelling ? Is it being a still subject for artists to draw / paint ?
What interests you to do this ? Is it financial or thrill of it ? Do you talk to the artists ?
"
This is being a still subject for a grouping artists to draw.
Why do it? I am curious to see what it is like to be drawn naked. It is one of those things that is a little scary and I think it is good to face into your fears. I don’t think the money will be very much and there is no thrill - other than not being too scared! It is _not_ a sexual thing. |
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"What is life modelling ? Is it being a still subject for artists to draw / paint ?
What interests you to do this ? Is it financial or thrill of it ? Do you talk to the artists ?
I do portraits and glamour (photography) sometimes we go for photo walks and talk about the subject, their life, challenges, dreams etc while I shoot , I use silent shutter mode and shoot fast like film, sometimes we make a character for the camera , friend , enemy , lover etc and play into that . Doubt any of this applies to what you’re doing LOL
Have fun or don’t do it is what what I say to subjects "
No it not the same environment. The life drawing is there to serve the purpose of an artist to draw a live still life figure. Some of the models do enjoy chatting to the artists and take photos of their work for their portfolios or own interest as some drawings can be so beautiful. But I wouldn't want a model who is uncomfortable or sees it as an sexual experience as it would be super off putting. Usually they are not asked back if they get a hard on. Tbf it takes so much concentration to keep still, I doubt getting a hard on would be possible unless they came in with the wrong mindset. As artists pay for the session and do want to get great artwork out of the session. So someone who continues to fidget or looks uncomfortable is not want an artist wants. However, the more interesting looking the person is, the better. We once had an very gender neutral young lady with lots of tattoos and quirky hair cut model once. I loved drawing her curves and style. |
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"What is life modelling ? Is it being a still subject for artists to draw / paint ?
What interests you to do this ? Is it financial or thrill of it ? Do you talk to the artists ?
I do portraits and glamour (photography) sometimes we go for photo walks and talk about the subject, their life, challenges, dreams etc while I shoot , I use silent shutter mode and shoot fast like film, sometimes we make a character for the camera , friend , enemy , lover etc and play into that . Doubt any of this applies to what you’re doing LOL
Have fun or don’t do it is what what I say to subjects "
mostly life drawing scenarios are quite different; for a start there's a bunch of people drawing you and they want to concentrate, so not much conversation going on. different if its one 2 one and the model/artist relationship is different.
OP...no-one will get cross if you have to stretch out a limb occasionally, just try to give them a warning |
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Mr Salty is a former life model
1. Stay warm. I was in a 1950s concrete floored studio and they had fan heaters. Some days I felt lucky as they had 2 aimed at me. Good previous post about having a dressing gown. A foam mat would be useful to stand on if it is a hard floor.
2. Choose a pose that you know you can hold. My sessions were all day with 45min to an hour and breaks in between. If you try to change your pose after your break, someone will usually tell you. Often a chalk line is drawn round your feet so you take the same pose.
3. You are unlikely to be in lying or sitting poses. Life drawing prefers women reclining but men standing to get muscle tone.
3. Set an alarm on your phone for the break time. Do not trust the lecturer or students to keep time for you.
4. About time again. Do not set your gaze at a wall clock. Time will go very slowly if you do. Instead pick a place on a wall or ceiling to focus on. Preferably not the floor.
5. If you do what it says in 4, you are less likely to see a person and your mind start to focus on them and get hard. I once had a floor gaze which was great until a late arrival set up and all I could see were her feet in sandals. That's the closest I came to an erection.
6. You do not have to stand exactly statue still. If you have an itch the class will understand. Just don't do it constantly.
7. Zone out. I found it became a bit like meditation where I could get into a different place in my mind while in sessions. That's why some way of marking the end of the session is so important.
8. Quite a lot of the time classes change and you may not be required that day. If you have gone in expecting a class you may still get paid for the day. You may also not be required to do life but draped (clothed) modelling.
9. Have fun but don't be sleazy with the students. They are learning and will also have learned there is a distinction between a life model and sex. Don’t cross that line.
10. Ask if you can take photos of their drawings of you. Best time is at the last break, as when you pack up, they may have packed up before you get to their easel.
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"Please let us all know how it goes.. I too would love to get into life modelling.
I've no problem being naked in front of anybody...I'd go naked 24/7 if it was socially acceptable. "
Yes being a naturist helps but most importantly is able to keep a pose for a length of time without fidgeting. The longest pose I drawn was 25 minutes so far. I prefer the longer poses. |
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By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago
Dubai & Nottingham |
"What is life modelling ? Is it being a still subject for artists to draw / paint ?
What interests you to do this ? Is it financial or thrill of it ? Do you talk to the artists ?
This is being a still subject for a grouping artists to draw.
Why do it? I am curious to see what it is like to be drawn naked. It is one of those things that is a little scary and I think it is good to face into your fears. I don’t think the money will be very much and there is no thrill - other than not being too scared! It is _not_ a sexual thing."
Very brave , I hate being stared at , so invasive & could never do it |
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I also did life drawing as a an art student and managed to get some memorable drawings both male and female unlike one of our guys who's portfolio consisted of a set of various tits as that was his starting point and he never got further. To be fair you would have recognised the model concerned tho x |
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Only select poses you can comfortably hold for long periods.
Try not to make eye contact with the subject.
Make sure you are CLEAN and washed *thoroughly* everywhere before entering the studio, because no one needs to smell you as they are drawing/painting.
Be professional from start to finish.
It's not an orgy (unless it is). |
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"Make sure you are CLEAN and washed *thoroughly* everywhere before entering the studio, because no one needs to smell you as they are drawing/painting.
Lessons learned log ? "
I was wondering that too |
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Just finished the session - that was _SO_ much fun. More than slightly nervous when I walked onto the stage in my gown and saw a dozen or so people waiting for me to pose but the second I got naked and started to think through a pose all the nerves disappeared. Everyone was super kind and time just flew.
They have also just asked me back |
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By *a LunaWoman
over a year ago
South Wales |
"Just finished the session - that was _SO_ much fun. More than slightly nervous when I walked onto the stage in my gown and saw a dozen or so people waiting for me to pose but the second I got naked and started to think through a pose all the nerves disappeared. Everyone was super kind and time just flew.
They have also just asked me back "
That sounds great! Did you get to see any of the drawings at all? |
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"Just finished the session - that was _SO_ much fun. More than slightly nervous when I walked onto the stage in my gown and saw a dozen or so people waiting for me to pose but the second I got naked and started to think through a pose all the nerves disappeared. Everyone was super kind and time just flew.
They have also just asked me back
That sounds great! Did you get to see any of the drawings at all?"
I did. There were some excellent ones. And some ….. not so excellent ones
Really interesting to see how people could just use shade and tone to create a picture. I am in awe. |
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