One of my many hobbies is figure drawing. There’s something meditative about spending a couple of hours intently focused on another human being, the contours of their body as they take different poses, the shadows and nuances of their muscles … I could go on and on. I haven’t done a lot of figure drawing over the past twenty years because it’s difficult to find a group of artists to join. And trust me, you don’t want to ask a friend, neighbor or spouse to strip and pose.
A lot of people don’t understand that drawing naked people is not the same thing as creating pornography. Figure models generally belong to guilds that have strict rules and regulations. (Everyone can take off their clothes but not everyone can hold a poise for five minutes!) Successful figure models can earn up to 100 dollars per hour and the hours are generally mid-day or in the evening. Perfect for professional dancers.
When my children were young I lucked on to a sculpture class that focused on the human form. Thus, my children were accustomed to seeing sculptures of naked people all around the house. However, every now and then I’d hear a new playmate snickering over the sight of “naked boobies!” and worry that the local vice squad might be showing up at my door.
The group I was lucky enough to join meets in a room at the local community center that is also used for children’s art classes. It’s delightful to see their drawings posted all around … however, last session I needed to leave early and inadvertently left behind my sketches. Whoops. Naked bobbies in the children’s art space.
I hope the janitor finds them and throws them away before the kids show up for their class! I don’t want to get arrested for warping young minds with naked boobies!
If I don’t show up for a while, send bail money!
Saying nothing in particular 
I’ll post your bail.
As long as you promise not to draw me naked. No one needs to see that!
🤣
Agreed! As I said – it’s a horrible idea to ask a friend to pose!
The human body is fascinating–full of angles and curves. I don’t think I would be very good at capturing it.
I don’t worry if I am good at it – it’s an exercise in perception which I enjoy – three quiet hours of intense focus.
I do this too! Not very often, for the same reasons you mentioned. I don’t really need them to be naked, clothed would do, too 😃 But that’s even harder to find! And no point asking my kids, as they never stay still. Sometimes, I draw from photos, but it’s not quite the same. (The models over here are never dancers or even remotely attractive).
I quite like croquis, quick poses. In the longer poses, I always wonder how they manage to do it, stay so still for so long!
Cool! I think the quick poses really help you loosen up and focus on the feeling rather than perfecting the form. Dancers are trained to hold poses however we’ve only had one dancer so far. Most of our models have been older women who’ve been modeling for a long time. They bring a certain wistfulness to their poses that I really like trying to capture. (as I am in my older phase myself!)
I quite like drawing wrinkles and interesting faces. It’s been such a long time since I was doing this, that I’ve had to try out my pencils and coals, too, because I can’t really remember how to do shadows anymore. But it comes back. (Oh, and I noticed that nowadays they have coal pencils! My mind was blown!)
Oh, and I so agree with this “it’s an exercise in perception which I enjoy – three quiet hours of intense focus” – yes, exactly! Also, being “good” at art is really hard to define, isn’t it? Being good at it isn’t the point.
I always leave class feeling reinvigorated. Three hours focusing on something other than everyday concerns! It’s such a joy. Thank you so much for commenting!
My pleasure! And I know what you mean. The brain doesn’t need to think, just draw. It’s such a lovely feeling
I am so impressed , I find it hard enough to draw breath 💜💜
Drawing breath is a highly underrated skill! I started out as an art major but it’s such a competitive field that I quickly realized it wasn’t for me! I’d rather do it for fun.
I agree with that 💜💜
Delightfully messy it is, and loving it. Practice makes perfect so plz go on.
It’s saving my sanity at the present time!
🙂
Haha! No worry. Drawing is wonderful. Whether of naked or clothed models.
I stopped drawing 40 years ago, then took it up again. Indeed, drawing cleanses your mind… Better than meditation.
R U still around or should we post bail?
These are fantastic, JT. Oh, and it’s good to see the Good Book behind the lady. I think she needs it. 😁
That Bible has been with me a long time -it’s a handy reference and a reminder that too many people who call themselves Christians have never read the New Testament.
Amen to that. My goodness, I hear some of them talking and watch their behavior, and I’m like, “Are you kidding me?” It’s more like a fashion statement for some of them.
Jan, you are amazingly talented!
Just tell the Judge you’re a friend
of Trump’s 😎👍