Monday evening's figure drawing model
Three years ago I started seeking out figure drawing studio sessions so that I could improve my ability to draw and paint from direct observation. The first year I drove 40 miles to Madison, and took a class at the university. It was good, a nice group, helpful instructor. My problem was the timing - 7-10:00 PM. With an hour drive each way, I found myself being very tired driving home, which sometimes was downright frightening. So, I asked around and discovered the group I have been working with at UW Whitewater on Monday evenings.
The Whitewater studio group meets earlier - 5:30 - 8:30 PM in the summer, which works better for me. It's also a shorter drive than to Madison. This group has a small core of people who have been drawing together for a long some, some of them since the 1970s. Some are local, while others drive in from area towns, and occasionally a university student or staff member joins us. People are very welcoming, and everyone has his or her own way of working. Some use draw media, graphite, pastels, charcoal, while others paint.
Some sit to work, other stand. There are easels, and there are a couple tables. The university has a studio with a raised platform and theatrical lights, though recently several of the lights are out of order. There never seems to be anyone else around to ask for help in the summer, though it is a bit easier during the academic year.
During the session we play music, and the atmosphere is relaxed. We have both male and female models, some clothed, many not. But there is always a feeling of camaraderie, a refreshing lack of competition among the people who show up to work. The cost is very reasonable, $5.00 per session.
If anyone in the area want to join in, let me know and I will get more details to you.
1 comment:
We missed you tonight, Sherry. You would have loved our new model - Patty likened her look to the women of the Renaissance. She did very well for her first time modeling, too! Come back...
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