Artist and a Muse

Once upon a time Pre-Covid I decided to use the Meet Up App to attend a life drawing meet up where artist pay a fee to draw a model live for several hours, in this space artist are allowed to create whatever they are comfortable creating whether a simple charcoal drawing, or a detailed watercolor illustration. I choose this as away to meet friends and be in an artistic space and to spark some creativity…

Acrylic on Canvas by Nikita

I decided to do a variety of illustrations using markers and pencils but somehow in the midst of helping the model pose it was mentioned that I should be up there…as a model. With a quick exchange of numbers I was petitioned to be a model for a portrait class. Paid of course. Initially I was flattered because I mean who wouldn’t want to be complimented in that but knowing how hard it was to keep the models awake in college I knew the challenge once I accepted the gig.

11x17 Mixed Media “Muse in Pose”

My only experience as an Art model was that one time in college a class was missing a model and they used me.. then I learned from an instructor that I would make a great Art model. My other experience is posing for a fellow artist for a painting that later turned into a series featuring another model and I as boxers

My first time I was more nervous at the idea of being stared at for several hours and who would be staring at me.. nevertheless how they would depict me or how they would draw my hair my only concern was staying awake and holding a pose.

The room was scattered with a variety of artist in age, ethnic background, and skill level. I was instructed to sit on a raised platform where they positioned lights and fabric on a chair, students decided how my hair would be positioned and whew to place my head. This pose I will hold for 3 sets of 45 minutes with 10 minute breaks in between.

Pencil on Paper

It is between those breaks where I’m able to see their work evolve. I am able to see what part of me is bringing them challenges whether is the my cheekbones, my forehead or in most cases the eyes. I am also able to give tips on how I would achieve my hair texture or give them a close up on how it looks and moves, during breaks students may ask to take pictures (for tips) to continue working on the current project or creating a new one.

In this process I have been introduced to other art models and opportunities like being gifted a portrait of myself which I am very thankful for.

Oil on Canvas Board

Now… I haven’t done this in over a year and when I received the text I jumped at the opportunity and now that I have this blog I can use this space to talk about my experience and give you a look into my personal critiques and if you follow me on IG/FB you will see in real time what’s going and the process of these amazing artist!

Thank you for reading!