TIP: Working with Figure Models

Sometimes when I’m teaching figure drawing (starting again in August btw, in Naperville), I find that new students don’t know the rules, don’t know what to expect, and no one wants to talk about it.  These things seem to differ depending on where you are in the country and the age and gender of your model and the artists.  As best as I can ascertain, here are some unspoken rules and guidelines for working with figure models.

Are you ready? Figure drawing and painting is a terrible way to just start out.  The figure is extremely complex.  Artists should have already mastered visual measurements, contour drawing, and modeling forms before working with the figure. 

What to expect. The model will be somewhere between 18 and 85 years of age, somewhere between emaciated and immense, somewhere between comely and homely.  That’s how life is.

Breaks.  These days, models take breaks every 20-30 minutes.  When I was model - yep, college - we took breaks every 50 minutes.  I’m just bragging.  There should be a clock, or the model will keep track on a timer.

Undressing.  Most - but not all - models will disrobe privately, and wear a robe or wrap or something during breaks etc.  Sometimes they wander around to look at the artworks just au natural.  Whatever. Go with the flow.

Nudity.  You can find non-nude figure drawing, where everyone wears trunks.  Ask around.  No big whup.  Even in nude figure drawing, most models exhibit a certain amount of modesty, but some do not.  You’ll figure out which is which, and you can always leave.  It’s OK if you don’t like a particular model.

The pose. Do not ever touch the model - perhaps the moderator might but they will ask permission first.  You can ask for an adjustment to the pose.  Most of the time tape or chalk will be placed by the moderator at key points so he or she can find their way back.

Be nice.  Make eye contact; learn their name and refer to them by name.  Make conversation.  If naked people make you uneasy, do your best to conceal that.  Memorize their face so if you see him/her at the grocery store you will recognize them even with clothes on.  It’s customary to say thank you at the end of the session, or even applaud politely.

No photos.  Most models don’t allow photos, or charge additionally, but don’t take photos without asking.  It’s a good idea to get a release too - perhaps they’re authorizing you only to make artwork, or perhaps they’re giving you full rights.

To talk about the model,… I always tell new models to please not think it’s weird, but we will be discussing them in detail.  Especially in portraits, it’s sort of funny to have strangers discussing your nostrils and stuff.  So if I need to discuss the model’s assets, normally I use neutral descriptive words like “breast, pelvis, buttock, nipple.”  Not vulgar words, and not weird preschool words.  So if you’re not sure what to say about pubic hair, go ahead and say “pelvis.”  There. 

If the model becomes ill…  One time I passed out during a standing pose and fell off the stand.  And bounced.  The right thing to do is: rush to their aid!  Cover them!  Make sure they’re OK!  Duh.  LOL.

If the model falls asleep… Yeah.  Sometimes that’s good, and sometimes they roll over.  What to do?  Let the moderator handle it.  Good models try not to fall asleep, no matter how many pillows there are.

If the model changes position…  A big shift - ask for a change.  Tiny shift in drapery and such, please deal with it.  That’s part of the joy of working with models.  Plus, bodies move - they breathe, flesh changes shape as the temperature shifts, etc - again, that’s part of the point.

What a good model does… A good model is aware of conttraposto, aware of their limbs, and aware of each person’s vantage point in the room.  They take unique and challenging poses and try to inspire the artists toward better works.  A very good model can hold a pose with such stillness they’re like zen monks.  They are partners in the process, and will help inspire you when you’re stuck.