About ten years ago, I was a professional life drawing model in art galleries, universities, and studios all over Ontario. I did not have good self-esteem at the time and was hypercritical of my body. However I decided to embark on this very interesting career when I was unemployed and the chance to make really good money presented.
The first place I modelled was for a group of seniors in an old church in Goderich, Ontario. I had no idea what I was doing but the gentle group guided me and from the moment I first dropped my robe, nobody died...nobody had a heart attack, so I figured, this might be alright. From then on, I modelled in the Tom Thompson Art Gallery in Owen Sound, The Southampton Art Gallery, the University of Guelph, Loyalist College, Albert College, a private group of artists in both Belleville and Kingston. I also modelled for sculptures at Loyalist in Belleville.
I always cast a glance over my shoulder to see if I am hanging anywhere in galleries or art shows or people's homes. :) As time went on, I would go to museums and study classic poses to offer my artists. I loved hanging out with these special souls who delighted in adding their own touches and I was always fascinated by their individual interpretations of my body. Artistic license at it's finest. I grew more and more comfortable with my own body. Here I was accepted for my curves and if I happened to lose weight, I was met with disappointment by my artists who delighted in vivacious lines. After years of yo yo dieting, this was a welcome bit of news...to be accepted as I was. (I would kill for that figure today...just saying).
I was able to strike a pose and hold it for an hour without moving a muscle. I could even slow my heart rate and breathing. When we broke for cookies and tea, I would throw on my robe and wander around the room looking at everyone's work. Often, the artists would give me their pictures and I still have a collection of them as they remind me of a different time in my life and I am proud I took the first step in a very healing direction. I did model once fully clothed but that was the only time. Sadly, I had to stop modelling after literally getting stuck in a pose and being unable to move. My body locked up. I told the professor he would have to dismiss the class because unlocking my body was not going to be a pretty sight. I still get offers today and perhaps at some point when I am a bit more limbered up, I will return to a career that I loved. Artists don't care how old you are, what you weigh or about anything for that matter. To them, you are an inspirational bowl of fruit.
That is such an inspiring story. I wish you all the best and good luck with coming back to career. The painting is very beautiful.
thank you so much
From an artists perspective, Life Models are a rainbow of beautiful curves and tones! Live your dream, life is short, beautiful story.
thank you!
Beautiful article !i've done a handful of modeling (for artists and photographers) , and modeling for life painting/ drawing definitely is the most challenging by far! Sitting so still was difficult for me and would always leave me a little sore! But it was always really rewarding to see the paintings/ drawings. How sentimental and what a sweet keepsake to look back on as you age . Thank you so much for sharing <3
You are very welcome. It reminds me of a time when I stepped out of my comfort zone and into courage.