LIFE DRAWING, a.k.a. Figure Drawing is back at the Duluth Art Institute.
Where (map link), when, and how much, see below.
For info and references on life drawing check out some of my favorite life drawing links,
NOTE: These events belong to the DAI and are out of my control. (Must be over 18 yrs to attend). See their site for current info. Look for their calendar of events. Drawing is (normally) held the first Saturday of the month
Figure drawing can help an artist hone fundamental visual skills that are transferable to almost any medium or subject. Drawing a live figure is a classic method of drawing what you see. Drawing from a photo is still good but you loose the 3D aspect. I like to feel and translate the movement, the angles, the proportions, the lighting, etc. that drawing the nude provides. I feel drawing a nude is simpler than drawing a model with cloths. Nudes have round, smooth, rhythmic lines. Models with cloths add angled lines and different shading which are fun to do as well. The first few times will feel awkward but that passes. It is very important to be VERY respectful and appreciative for our model and the other artists!!! Holding a pose for several minutes is not easy. Some artists will only focus on the portrait. Sometimes I like drawing just the hands and feet.
What to expect:
Get there EARLY or you won’t get in! :
– For the Model’s privacy, you are not let in if LATE! Being late disrupts the model and the other artists!!
– Being at least 10 min early allows you to get set up and settled. Especially if you are new!
– No Lessons are provided. For hours of info, do a YouTube search on Life Drawing and Figure drawing. Or go to my reference page for direct links to some of my favorites.
– There are no fixed rules or necessary supplies for figure drawing.
Two Hour Session: Currently a nude model (or mostly nude or in costume) is hired to pose for 2 hours. Typically, a facilitator will start with short poses and get longer, e.g. five-1 min poses (or less) to get loosened up doing quick gestural drawings. Then four or five 2 min poses and three or four 5 min poses. Then we do a three 10 min poses. That takes about 1 hr. Then we all take a 10-15 min break. In the last hour there will be three 15 min poses. (these times are examples)
New to Life Drawing? It will seem awkward having a nude person in front of you. Don’t worry! Pretend it doesn’t make you uncomfortable! Note, we will have models doing this for their first time too!!!!! Who should feel more uncomfortable??? Get there early and talk to the facilitator and ask any questions. Take the edge off!
Supplies:
Most artists will use only pencil or charcoal and simple inexpensive sketchbooks and low-cost non archival paper, such as newsprint. Available are standing easels, large drawing boards, some drawing supplies including paper, pencils, and charcoal. There are also chairs or “drawing horses”.
Don’t be frustrated by comparing yourself with others who have been doing this for many years! You can ask to see their work and be motivated to improve!
I may see you there.
Duluth Art Institute, Lincoln Park Building | View Map
Currently DAI charges $10 Members, $15 Non-Members per two hr session.
2229 West Second Street, Duluth, Minnesota 55806, 218-723-1310
Potential Models (Other opportunities are available in the area)
We are looking for adult male or female models (nude, or possibly partially clothed or fully clothed) for Life Drawing or other drawing classes.
You can contact me and I will try to answer questions and talk about typical poses and times in pose, etc. or I will provide your info to the scheduler to reply. Give me very specific information so I know you are not a robot or some creep spamming me (you can understand).
If you want to be a paid adult model for the DAI please contact the Education Coordinator, Jesse Switters <jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org> 218-723-1310
Thanks,
Bill
Updated 1 Nov 23 updated to Jesse, 14 Apr 2023, 20 Aug 2022, 18 Aug 21