Model to Artist

Hi everyone!

Happy Saturday!  I have to say, I’m liking this day for doing blog posts.  I think I’m going to keep this schedule.  Sound good?  Good!

Last week, I wrote a blog post with five tips for people who are interested in art modeling.  After I published it, I realized something.  I know I talk a lot about what artists expect from a model, but I’ve never really done a post about what a model would like from an artist when they’re in a session.  Come to think of it, it’s pretty rare that I get to hear another model’s opinion about this.  So, I thought this would be a good topic for today’s entry.

When you’re in an art class that uses a live model, chances are that the instructor on monitor will take the reins with giving the model direction.  However, if you ever get the chance to work with a model one-on-one, to offer your opinion about a pose, or are just wondering how to get the most out the model you happen to be working with, hopefully these tips will help you out.  Before I continue, however, I think a quick disclaimer is in order:

DISCLAIMER:
Nothing in the following blog post is intended to belittle or demean the hard work artists do every day.  Everyone works differently and at their own pace.  These tips are based solely on my own experience as an art model, and are intended to offer a perspective that is hopefully insightful and helpful to anyone that is working with live figure models.  While some may disagree with what I have to say, and you’re entitled to your opinion, please keep in mind that this is my list.  All I ask is that my thoughts be considered.

With that said, here are my tips, from model to artist:

1. Be clear about what you want from the model
This is especially important at the beginning of a class, because it will help the tone for what’s to come.  Tell the model if you want a seated, standing, or reclined pose.  If you want the model to do anything specific with their limbs, don’t be afraid to speak up.  Even if the model can’t always do what you ask, chances are they’ll at least be willing to try it out.  Of course, it’s okay to change your mind if you find you don’t like a pose you’ve set.  If this happens, try to explain your adjustments as clearly as you can.  Instead of saying something like “move your foot,” a more specific direction like “move your foot down toward me and turn your toes to the left side of the room” will help your model know what you want.  Finally, please be respectful of what your model is capable of doing.  If they say a pose is hurting them or doesn’t feel good, listen and try to find a comprise that makes you both happy.

2. Be precise, but not picky
If you’re working with a model that’s holding one pose for the entire class, chances are the pose will not stay exactly the same each time they get back on the stand.  Body parts will likely shift, angles might be slightly different, the model will settle into their pose more...you get the idea.  If the model is positioned in a way that differs significantly from their original pose, you have every right as the artist to request that they adjust accordingly.  However, it’s important to remember that when you paint, draw, or sculpt from life, learning to work with these changes is just as important as trying to capture the exact pose from start to finish.  Speaking from experience, it’s hard to relax on the stand when an artist gets a little too picky about the details of my pose.  Again, it’s all about finding the right balance.

3. Be aware of giving out compliments
This one might seem a little strange, so allow me to explain.  Compliments, in general, are great.  I love being told that I’m a good model and that people like working with me.  I also don’t mind it when I’m called “cute” or “beautiful” by the students, monitor, or instructor.  But I think it’s important to mention that specific compliments can be taken the wrong way, especially if they’re about a model’s body.  There have been plenty of times I’ve been called “Rubenesque” when I’ve been in a modeling session.  For those of you unfamiliar with this term, “Rubenesque” refers to
the figures seen in the paintings of Renaissance artist Peter Paul Reubens, partially the female models.  These women often have very full and round figures, especially in the middle and lower sections of their bodies.  While these paintings are very beautiful, a “Rubenesque” body is not something I aspire to have When I hear this word used to describe me, it doesn’t make me feel good about how I look, even if it’s intended as a compliment.  I know that in this day and age, words like “thick” and “voluptuous” are considered high praise.  But remember, everyone has their own opinions about how they’d like to be seen.  What may be a compliment to someone may very well be an insult to another.  If you do want to compliment a model on their body, keep it neutral.  Statements like “You looked beautiful up there” or “You posed beautifully” are safer bets.

4. Be patient, both with us and with yourself
Being an art model is hard work.  Being an artist is hard work.  Both jobs are incredibly rewarding but also incredibly challenging.  Like any job, there will be days that are better than others.  There have been times I’ve done modeling sessions after getting only five hours of sleep or right after I’ve had a big emotional breakdown.  While I always try to do my best at work, there are some days when my posing is less than stellar.  Although I’ve never taken a professional art class, I can only imagine that artists have plenty of days when they work with a model and feel less that satisfied.  During these times, I think it’s important for both parties to remember to have patience with each other.  If you as the artist are not feeling so hot emotionally, do your best not to take it out on the model (or anyone else for that matter).  I know it’s frustrating when a model has to adjust or completely change their pose when you’re getting started on a new piece of art.  It gets frustrating for us too.  But remember that the more comfortable a model is posing, the better your art will be.  It’s always better to have a decent piece of work featuring a comfortable pose than to have an injured model.

5. Kindness goes a long way
There’s an old saying that goes “you’ll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.”  Guess what? It’s true!  Letting your model that you appreciate their time and efforts always makes their experience better.  I for one think it’s amazing what artists can do. I highly doubt that I could ever draw, paint, or sculpt someone with the skill and talent that I see on a daily basis.  I love my job, and I love getting to work with so many interesting people.  When someone lets me know that they've enjoyed working me as well, it sends me out of the room with an overwhelmingly positive feeling.  Not only that, but it makes me want to come back and do my job more often.  In conclusion, never underestimate the power of kindness.  It goes a long way, and tends to come back to you the more you give of it.

Whew!  That turned out to be a lot longer than I expected.  I hope that this helped all the artists out there, or provided some fun reading material.  Either way, it's time for me to head off.  There's a hot shower and a comfy bed calling my name!

See you soon!