Below are two previously published statements concerning general protocols related to help potential facilitators and models appreciate their position and responsibilities within a life drawing environment.
Protocols for facilitators and participants, Portrait and Life Drawing sessions. *
Background
The Life Drawing scene in Perth has expanded in recent years and there are several modalities operating on a regular basis where once, Life Drawing was the singular domain of Art Institutions and dedicated artists. It has now expanded into a regular ‘pastime’ experience within a community settings, along with some more peripheral ‘Entertainment’ pub and burlesque sessions and ‘Hen’s nights.
Figure Arts Bassendean, for instance, while basically a community ‘pastime grouping’ also has a strong professional and/or experienced art trained grouping of participants and bases its protocols on those established in an academic setting, while offsetting this with the ‘informality of a strong community spirit amongst its regular participants.
Purpose of Life Drawing.
Academic
Life Drawing sessions are a way within which Artists can explore the challenge of Human Anatomy and Proportion as a means of understanding and disciplining their ‘visual acuity’ or knowledge of both the figure and their ‘skill’ at accurate observation as a basis of their art practice. These techniques and understanding of the human figure are a transferable creative skill.
Pastime
Participants take on the same ‘challenge’ of the above but with possibly fewer expectations of applying their gained knowledge and appreciation. Rather their expectations are to regularly engage with a complex creative and challenging group experience where ‘improvement and satisfaction’ are an outcome along with a nourishing community experience.
In both settings clearly sharing the costs involved is a base factor of why both these group settings exist.
Settings and organisation for Life Drawing sessions.
Typically, life drawing groups require and use spaces where privacy and safety of setting is essential. It is the responsibility of organisers to ensure that there will be no outside interference with the setting and that the model can be reassured prior to accepting their role that the room will be well managed and safe. This is the responsibility of the organiser of the group. Typically, unobtrusive music is provided in order to keep the ‘participants in the room’.
Any ‘last minute’ room organisational changes while the model is preparing to, or is posing should be avoided.
Models
Life drawing models work inside a set of protocols, and they have the right to expect that all of the settings and organisational structures where they work are in place and are or have been made clear to all participants.
Typically, prior to their posing for the group, agreements have been made about the type and duration of the poses proposed, obviously with the model, and with the group. The model should know that the facilitator is at all times her/his point of reference about the modelling activity. The facilitator should make it clear to the group that all matters concering the model during the session go through the facilitator alone. Participants should not speak directly to the model.
It is the role of the facilitator to make sure the model feels safe at all time. Other intrusions into the sequencing and process of the session, maybe special requests from the drawers or questions about photographs, permissions etc, should be directed to the facilitator. For example, especially with female models with long hair there may be request to have it tied up or lighting re-arranged.
During pose/tea breaks and rest periods models may have to navigate informal questioning from participants. While the response is at the model’s discretion, it should be known that any untoward enquiries are not acceptable under any circumstances.
Other organisational factors.
In some settings it is the organiser of the group who also hires the model. This places a responsibility on the organiser to undertake their role in an equitable and purposeful way to ensure the expectations of the participants and the model are met at all times. The organisers personal preference for the type and gender of the model should be not enter into the matter. Rather the objectives of the purpose and reasons for engaging with a life drawing session should be foremost. Mostly this means hiring models from across an age range, shape and proportion. Equitable use of models of both genders is preferable, particularly for those participants who are using the session for anatomical or proportional purposes. It is indicator of questionable intention if an organiser hires only one type or gender of model.
Agreement should also be made with the model about ‘networking’ model information. It is the organiser’s role to protect the confidentiality of the model as to what extent or willingness they may wish to ‘engage’ with participants. * On no account should an organiser offer a model’s contact details without prior permission from the model .
The life drawing community in Perth is active, varied and vibrant. It engages with many aspects of creativity and accomplishment for its participants. As its process involves nudity, precarious assumptions about what might be construed by both organisers and some participants is constantly under the surface and in the background of the activity. Integrity, safety and unambiguous clarity of intention and purpose is paramount for all concerned.
*Updated 2024
*It should be noted that there can be serious legal consequenses for organisers related to any impropriety or reputational damage resulting in not ensuring the safety and wellbeing of models.
Life drawing 2021 a guide for potential models.
Once an academic pursuit in Art Schools and Artists’ studios, life drawing is now well and truly an engaging pastime for one and all. Up until Covid there were many community life drawing groups as well as Pub based evening sessions, and hen’s night drawing events. Covid has shifted that around a bit but its sure to come back. What Covid has given us is a new entry point into life drawing… the Online Studio and its flourishing.
If you are interested in being a model then here’s what you need to know.
Life drawing happens in the above settings. Typically, a community group will meet once a week, either daytime or in the evening and draw for 2/3 hours with a break. Pub sessions are usually 2 hours and liquor is served, so its aligned with ‘entertainment’ but usually well organised. Same with Hen’s nights but there is a tutor on board.
Online potential is exciting and can provide ease of participation for both models and participants. It opens up a many variables in how life drawing can be accomplished and made available to a wider group of enthusiasts. It is a new future for life drawing.
All of the above approaches to life drawing have strict protocols to protect models. So lets’ be clear about what modelling is.
It requires you pose naked in front of a group of persons who are drawing you. This is always in a closed setting. The average group size is around 15 persons. They are usually led by one person who is responsible the group protocols and your wellbeing during the session.
To be a model, you need to be able to hold a pose for periods up to 20 minutes, but often as short as one minute. It is best that you train before you take on modelling. Either with a coach or checking out poses from online sources. You must be ‘available’ with your poses, ie not shy to show your body in a dynamic way, and be open to the fact that you are being gazed at.
It takes a few minutes to get used to this but then it’s OK.
Prior to taking up a gig, the organisers will want to know about your experience and body type. This is because they will be looking to provide a range of differing models for their group.
Here is how to describe your body.
List.. Height. Weight. Age. Body type…lean, athletic, podgy, heavy, well rounded etc. Describe you degree of fitness, how you exercise. Say if you have tattoos, more than one and you are less likely to get a gig. Also, the range of work you would feel comfortable in working. [ie Studio/Art School, Community Art group setting, Pub Gigs, Online work.
Availability, regular times that you are free to model. You may include why you want to be a model, but let’s be clear bucket listers are not welcome.
Provide a discreet photo say, in swimwear. Its important to tell them about you transport option and reliability. If you miss a gig that’s it forever.
Provide a yes/no permission to pass on information about you to other persons who hire models. Your privacy is a priority. Check their protocols by asking for them in writing.
All of the above applies to both female and male models. Artists like to draw a range of body types but it is often the case that male models are used for their fitness as anatomy study. Female models are often more preferred than male models, but either way if you are good you will get work.