Go Figure! models aren't about hip bones, high heels, tons of make-up and bored stares into the distance. We are looking for models - male or female - of any age, shape or size who can inspire us to create inspiring art. Whether you are 18 or 80, round or thin - all you need is enthusiasm for classically-inspired nude painting and drawing. Talk to us for more details about the process, the studio and how we work.
You need to be available from 17.30 - 21:00 on a Wednesday evening. How long do you have to sit still depends on you, but generally we start with a half an hour of 2-5 minute poses to warm up and finish with a longer pose of at least an hour. The model can take breaks as necessary and these poses are generally very comfortable, lying positions - we don't even mind if you fall asleep! You will get a minimum of $50.00 for the sitting.
Please note that those looking for pornography and other weirdness should move on.
All of our work is posted here on the blog so you can see the style we work in. You may be interested in modeling to create a piece of art for yourself that you can keep, and that can be arranged with the artists as well.
Curious? Interested? Can't wait to get started? Just send us an email at Gofigure2010@gmail.com and we will be in touch to answer all your questions.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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AN INTERVIEW WITH NUDE MODEL JOHN L.
Q: So how did you become a nude model?
A: It was a bit unexpected really. I was enjoying the sun on Wreck Beach, when a woman chose a spot near me. She produced a sketch book and proceed to sketch a triptych of the North Shore mountains. After we had commented on the sketch, she asked if she could sketch me. I agreed, and she made some very simple line drawings.
Q: Was there anything special about the pose?
A: Not really. I asked her if she wanted anything in particular, and she replied that I was fine as is. So I continued to recline with book in hand.
Q: Do you have the sketch?
A: No, I left it with her. Her sketch - she could do as she pleased with it. Anyway, from there, I decided that there might be something to this posing lark, so I contacted A.C.A.D. and have been modelling ever since.
Q: What would you say it takes to be a nude model?
A: Generally, a commitment to the nude as an art form. Along with that, a complete comfort with your body, and an uninhibited attitude towards nudity in general, and your own in particular.
Q: What are the classes like?
A: Size can range upwards of twenty, male and female, with ages ranging from first-year students to retirees. Some enjoy engaging with the model during the breaks, and discuss their work, others can be reluctant. But everyone is very respectful. For example, during breaks I always wear my robe when off the podium and standing with the students while discussing their work. It’s one thing for them to be at a distance drawing a nude model, and something else to be standing next to a naked guy.
Q: Any surprises?
A: At first I was surprised, but now I’m just amused at how reluctant some students are to completely draw the male nude. No matter how long they have for the composition, I ‘m like the Cyborg in Terminator 2, with holes shot through me in strategic places. It’s not as though they didn’t know what they’d signed up for.
Q: How do you account for that?
A: I’m sure that has a lot to do with our North American attitudes towards nudity. For the most part, it’s still confined to the realm of sexuality, to say nothing of pornography. I mean, look at all the warnings with films and television that involve even the merest glimpse of nudity. We’re even less comfortable with male frontal nudity.
Q: Is that why you model, to help overcome it?
A: Absolutely. I’ve always admired the nude figure, no matter the form, so even though I don’t draw or paint, I can at least help those who do.
Q: How difficult is it to model?
A: More than you might think. Gesture drawings keep you busy. They are a series of poses designed to allow the artist to “warm-up”. The idea is to capture the shape of the pose rather than draw the figure. Lines are fluid, with no attention to detail, and the artist works rapidly. Every thirty seconds or so, you have to provide a pose that’s at least as interesting as the last one. And usually you are on a podium with the students surrounding you. So you have to make sure that you provide a variety of angles, not too much profile, back etc. Later, for the long poses you have to have a pose that you can hold for at least 45 minutes, and with little movement.
Q: Obviously though, you enjoy it.
A: True. And there can be some hilarious moments. I remember one class where the instructor wanted an extreme foreshortened composition. The next thing I heard was one female student comment: “It looks like a tadpole.” Now what on Earth was I supposed to think? Especially when the other students looked at the drawing, and burst out laughing. Needless to say I had to comment: “How am I supposed to remain still, when all of you are calling me a tadpole?” When I saw the drawing, they were right. I hasten to add that the issues were with the drawing and not with me. In another class, a student got really silly, and for his last drawing put me in fishnet stockings! But he’s an example of a student who had enjoyed the earlier interactions, so he knew he could at least take the risk. I certainly enjoy the challenge of the poses, and I’ve come to know some of the students quite well. That’s why I’m excited about this upcoming exhibit, and looking forward to seeing images translated from the class to framed images. Of course, one should realise that these images are not photo-like portraits. That’s not the purpose. The viewers should look for technique: light and shadow, proportion, the figure in a comfortable environment.
