Modelling for Art Life Drawing Classes with Derek Batty

It is an interesting and rewarding experience. You get to see drawings of yourself and you find your self-esteem enhanced. More than that I really need you! If you are local to Cambridge you could model for me individually or for my artist groups. There is lots of information here and I keep adding to it - so print it out and keep checking back! 

Do you use male models too?
Yes.  Men are much in demand and are harder to recruit.  You do not need to have the body of a weight-lifter.  Just be reasonably active and enjoy showing yourself off.

Can I meet you first?
Yes, excellent idea.   Arrange a time to visit me on a Monday evening at Artworks, 5 Greens Road.  Or come to my Open Studio in July.

I am too nervous!
It is natural to be nervous, especially at first.  But everyone is very supportive.  We value your work very highly.  Sometimes people are worried about being recognised!  For students one bonus about the class is that we are almost in a different world from the University!  So it is something of a relaxing break for you with real people.  Whatever your background we really respect your modelling for us and give you every support and encouragement.   There are sometimes  personal worries particular to men and women. (Men can be worried about getting erections and women can worry abut their periods.)   It can be helpful to visit a class, then to model for an individual artist or to model first for a portrait.  Many issues are discussed in the Figure Drawing Group (click on and enter as a guest).  There are discussions on just about every conceivable topic connected with modelling.  Peter's Nudist Site also has an excellent page on the first experience as a model.

Short poses
The class will be ready to start as soon as you come onto the set. I will give you full guidance. The first poses are usually one or two minutes long. I’ll ask you to take up positions which you can only hold for a short time, trying to ensure varied views from all positions in the room.

Where else can I get modelling work?   
Many people write to me  wanting  information, contacts and suggestions for finding modelling work in their area.  Unless you are in Cambridge or very close by I cannot offer any specific guidance.  I do not have contacts in London or elsewhere.  However anyone advertising Life Drawing classes will be pleased to hear from you.  Go to your local library and ask about life drawing classes in schools and local colleges.  

Check out art shops.  Groups are often advertised there and the shop staff may know of contacts.  Alternatively ask if you could put up your own advertisement.  

Colleges and schools often need models:  ring them up and leave your telephone number.  Additionally get the name of a contact and write in with your details.  I find it very helpful to have details of height, weight, hair style and colour, age, activities you do and where you are based.   This is because I like to employ a variety of people.  Some tutors and artists only use female models.    

You could also try contacting artists direct.  For Cambridge look in  the Cambridge OPEN studios booklet.  In the States models are also apparently used for medical demonstrations - look at the  Figure Drawing Group mentioned below. 

Do you publish models' contact details?
I do not give out models' contact details.  If you are looking for a model either privately or for a group I will consider passing on your information to my models.  Send me full details including pay and times required. 

What kind of poses shall I do?
In the quick sketches it is good to have frozen action - dynamic positions you can hold for just a minute or two.  For the longer drawing (one hour) you need something more comfortable, although with breaks most poses are possible.   Anything goes, and the more energy you put into your work the more you will be appreciated.   We are not necessarily seeking 'natural' positions - sports photography shows the figure in all kinds of contortions and  your actions can add to the expressiveness of our art.

Poses are set in various ways:  
Sometimes a student will suggest an idea - perhaps they are working on a picture and need specific figure reference.  Or we might copy a position from a painting or sculpture.  Or you might be able to interpret themes like 'Spring' and 'Autumn'.
Often for the quick sketches  I  ask you to begin curled up and then, with each successive drawing, to gradually stand up and open out.  You need have no worries about lacking ideas for poses!  I will give you full guidance and ensure that you are able to give your best. Your well being takes priority.  

What do I do next?

Send me an email with some information about yourself.  Try accessing my Application for Models. Fill this out and send it to me as an attachment.  (If that is too tricky then just send me an email with same information.)

Then we can arrange to meet up:  A good place to meet is at Cambridge Artworks, 5 Greens Road on a Monday evening.  Or come to my Open Studio in July.  

I do get quite a few enquiries about modelling especially if I have just advertised.   It is very helpful to have a description of yourself.  Details of your location, height, weight, age, hair style, and availability  - all help to give  emphasis to your enquiry.  

Unfortunately I cannot use models who are more than five miles outside of Cambridge centre. I do not usually reimburse travelling expenses and both car and rail links present substantial obstacles for reliability.  However I am always interested to hear from you regardless of distance if you attach a photo (jpg format only please).

More computer-wise models could set up a simple web page with their details and a photo.  This could be a great way of getting more work!  It is easy provided you are not daunted by one or two difficulties!  

Hope to hear from you!  My email address can be seen below.