Art Model Studio Sketchbook

Product Information

In a darkened Algonquin College art studio, Hartley steps down from the small lighted platform to take a break and then wanders among the 30 or so third-year animation students looking at their artwork. Eventually the beefy young Connery would be encouraged to enter the Mr. Universe contest, during which he caught the eye of a local casting director who gave him his first acting role in a London production of South Pacific. Gather several photos of people in motion. Search the Internet for images of athletes from nearly any sport or performers such as dancers, actors or acrobats. It can take some time and collaboration to find a pose that is both interesting for you to draw, and comfortable for the model to hold. Even sitting in an armchair can become uncomfortable, and an elegantly crossed leg may turn numb. To avoid such problems, evaluate the pose with your model before you begin your artwork. Simple measures such as a pillow for lumbar support or a sturdy box under a raised foot can transform a strained pose into a stable one. You’ll also learn which positions can’t be made comfortable through any means—something that’s best discovered before the work is underway. Inspired by master methodologies, Head Model Studio comes with 25 different models, including 2 free. From simple to more detailed models, progress easily by understanding the planes of the face. Expand your practice with 5 classical models.

I knew that fine art models are nude so I was a bit offended at first,” she says. “But when I saw all the beautiful art being made from the model posing, I thought that is something I really wanted to do.” Don’t take pictures: You shouldn’t photograph or video a model without permission—even if the person is fully clothed. They’re being paid for a life session, not for the future use and potential distribution of their image. Some models do allow photography, but they may charge extra for the privilege.

Knowing how to draw the figure is a great skill for any artist to have. If you are interested in working in one of the narrative arts, such as films, comics, video games or illustration, being able to draw and invent figures is essential. Even if you’re more interested in expressing abstract ideas through fine art, having the skill to draw a figure in any pose opens up a whole world of expressiveness. Richard Demarco, a local artist and promoter, was among those who painted Connery as a young man, and described his popularity with the ladies at the time: "When he modelled there were always lots of girls in the classes because they were attracted by his Adonis-like physique. He was a great inspiration for any artist and was amazing to paint and draw." The Second Level is when you start to incorporate the sphere and cube to add volume to the armature. You start to create simplified, dimensional skeletons in your drawings. It’s very different than photography modelling because the poses are longer and you have to be more in tune with your body and understand yourself,” she says.

Jeff Mellem is a professional artist and graphic designer. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the California State University, Fullerton, and studied at the American Animation Institute in North Hollywood, California.

Taping the pose

Never touch the model: Other than taping, you shouldn’t invade the model’s personal space at all. They’re in a very vulnerable position, and rearranging their hair, tweaking their clothing, or manipulating them in any way is inappropriate. Instead, describe how you’d like them to move or alter their pose, and tell them once they’ve done it. The edge outline highlights the planes for easier practice. Turn it off once comfortable and practice in a more realistic setting. Modify the shininess for a different material rendering. Well for one thing, your face is fantastic for drawing,” the friend replied, “and good artists are drawing human beings the way they are.”

She was convinced to model for art classes more than 10 years ago when a friend who was an animation artist suggested she should attend a life drawing art group at the Sandy Hill Community Centre to see what was involved. Ella-Rose Swinimer models for a Kristy Gordon portrait workshop held at the Artist’s Studio on Gladstone Avenue. Photo by Wayne Cuddington / Ottawa CitizenChange the lighting to be at any angle or intensity. Perfect to study the planes of the head and understand tones.