I am signed up for a figure-painting class and am wondering how to be polite in that situation...please, serious answers only!!
2007-06-24 12:49:00 · 8 answers · asked by Ella S 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Painting
Having participated in and taught life model (dressed, semi-nude, and nude) figure study classes, I'll state the obvious: The model is doing a job, and you should do your job ... drawing/painting. Looking but don't gawk/stare. Concentrate on line, shape and form. Speaking to the model before/after a pose ONLY IF the model speaks to you first. Lastly, relax & enjoy!
2007-06-24 13:06:05 · answer #1 · answered by omahajay 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Expect it to be the same as painting an apple....or a banana...or a plum. It takes some time to adjust to the nudity but it is work.
1) The class will be ready to paint as the 'robed model' enters the room.
2) The model will take his/her place and will disrobe.
3) There will probably will be some talking about what the best or desired pose is. (this usually is very uncomfortable at first but this to you will get used to)
4) You paint draw for about 30 minutes at a time then the model will need some 'leg stretching'.
That's the only protocol there is.
2007-06-24 20:13:14 · answer #2 · answered by Puppy Zwolle 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations on taking this course! Many students feel intimidated about painting a nude model.
First of all, your right, be polite.The model, even if he/she has done it before, is also going to be nervous. Being courteous is a good way to let everyone become more comfortable.
Second, the when addressing the model. look them in the eye. It lessens the tension. Note this technique also works great with any group of people, even those who you may want to date.
Of course, when you are painting, you are allowed to view the entire body. That is why you are there.
Thirdly, listening to music is a great way to "get into the mood" while painting. Painting is not only visual, but emotional. Invest in an MP3 player. (You probably have one already!)
Finally, treat the model, and the human body with the up most respect. Nothing in science, engineering, or the universe will ever replace the unique body you see in front of you. Treat it as a gift of God that took hundreds of millions of years to create. Maybe that is not such a bad idea on how we should treat one another.
Rob
2007-06-25 14:54:18 · answer #3 · answered by barefoot_rob1 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There's not a protocol I guess.
You come into the classroom, you sit in your place. The model comes in, he may be wearing a robe, he takes it off. The teacher may indicate a pose. And may indicate you an excercise. And you start painting.
Most models don't look at the students. They like to stare at a far wall or whatever. There are few that like to see the students working. The model won't stare at one person, if there is eye contact it's common that the model moves his sight, as you may be drawing his face, so he understands you have to be staring.
In the beginning it may be uncomfortable or weird, but you will get used to the nude model.
Most models know that it's weird for first time students, so don't worry, they won't make it more uncomfortable.
When you finish and leave the class say thanks and Good Evening. That's as much protocol. In my school you had to pay for the model, so the model waited in the door so everyone gave him his fee before leaving. But that might not be the case in your class.
Hmm, when the model is nude he is always far from the students. So he won't come and shake your hand naked, lol.
Oh, some models like to see the students' works after the class. Again, they won't approach to your easel naked.
Sometimes you end up getting along with them. The model in my drawing lessons lived by my house, so we used to go in the same bus and sometimes we talked about whatever.
:)
Enjoy it!
2007-06-24 16:33:14 · answer #4 · answered by cesar 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was an art-model through my college years for many art schools in the SF Bay Area. Most models treat what they do with professionalism and many are already involved in the performing arts or some other form of exhibitionism so they are used to being studied in such a way.
I would suggests working in whatever way is comfortable to you, and that will help make it a pleasant experience for everyone. If you are worried about spending too much time on "private areas" perhaps you could move around between parts thus breaking the concentration on areas that make you uncomfortable...
enjoy the experience!
2007-06-24 14:19:39 · answer #5 · answered by Yemaya 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll get used to it - the model is. Don't make eye contact while the model is undressed if it makes you uncomfortable. Once you start painting, you'll forget all about the person inside the body anyway. It's all about light and shadow and getting on canvas.
Enjoy!
2007-06-24 13:00:11 · answer #6 · answered by Wren )O( 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
just dont giggle..lol.. .. i would say picture them naked to make you feel comfertable.. but they already are..lol..just focus on the project.. at first dont focus on their face.. do the outline of the body and head then go in for the face that way you dont get distracted by it being an actual person.picture them as a plastic model..just focus on the details and you will soon forget they are breathing..
2007-06-25 02:12:44 · answer #7 · answered by misshotcakes2u 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go base in silos and siluates on the angles from begging to ending for explample the shadows.. and lights
2007-06-24 12:57:03 · answer #8 · answered by Sergio 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋