Where can I find people to pose for my paintings?

Question

I have asked hundreds of people and some say yes, but when it comes time to pose they back out. I love to paint and I prefer to paint women but it is hard to find someone to pose and I don't want to use models.

Answer 1

Perhaps you should define the kind of paintings you want to do.

If you don't want to use models, then it sounds like you want everyday types, who personify certain things you want to express in your work.

If you want to paint women nude, then you need to explain that up front, because very few everyday women are willing to peel for a stranger.

You haven't said if you are willing to pay your posers, or how much.

You haven't told us what kind of women you are interested in painting. For example, we don't know if you are looking for women in various stages of life, or in a particular stage of life.

You haven't told us what your specialty is, or in what manner you want to portray the women you want to paint. Do you want to simply capture natural beauty, or do you want to express a poignant moment in a woman's life with your painting?

You'll get better answers to a question like this, if you can be more specific about who and what you are looking for in this endeavor. We'd like to help you out, but you need to share a little more about your objectives.

Answer 2

Time is valuable to all but a few. So offer up some kind of payment. Choose people you know, not strangers. Offer up a few prelim sketches as partial or full payment for their time. Be certain you have no ulterior motives...hidden agendas aren't easily masked. If you insist on strangers, set up outside and paint. That will draw those who may be interested in posing.

Answer 3

Post the request in the art department at the local colleges. If what you want are nude models, make sure you say so. Also, quote the price you're willing to pay.

Answer 4

Run an add in your local newspaper. I'm sure many would love that.

Answer 5

Offer to pay them handsomely for their time.