Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it 'Nude' Life Drawing?
Life Drawing is often of the Nude figure to allow artists to practice proportion, tone, texture and detail. Adding clothes into the mix often adds a lot of volume to the figure meaning practicing proportions can be harder to master. If Nudity isn’t your thing, that is totally cool, it isn’t for everyone. We offer Portrait Club workshops which feature a clothed figure to draw from life both(or either) just the face or the full clothed figure.
What materials do you recommend bringing?
We recommend bringing anything you would like to work in as each life drawer is different. However, if you are stuck some basic drawing materials always work well; pencils, fine lines, felt pens, markers, soft pastels, oil pastels, sugar paper, sketchbook or loose cartridge paper. Most people aim for a mixture of that list. If you are feeling more experimental you can bring watercolours, inks, printing inks or collage materials. Only thing that may not be suitable due to the time and the space is oil paints.
What should I expect if it’s my first time?
If its your first time life drawing or to an unguided life session you may want to know about the structure of the session. We usually set up, then have a series of guided, timed drawing prompts to loosen our hands, eyes and minds. After we’ve warmed up we move into longer poses which will become progressively longer throughout the session. At half way we will have a refreshment break and at the end you will be invited to share you favourites from the session.
Will there be teaching/taught points?
As this is a more relaxed unguided class there are no ‘taught’ elements to it, this is to allow everyone the space to go at their own pace, ability and in their own materials. There will be drawing prompts at the start to warm up. If you are new to drawing and to life drawing and need some support, Lauren can assist you during the session.
Is the space accessibility friendly?
The Arts loft features a stairlift to support any life drawers who need assistance getting into the space.
The Big Onion is on ground level and tables can be moved to support and accommodate all drawers
What if i'm not good enough / skilled enough to come to life drawing?
This is a common comment we get when discussing it with people interested in joining the session but maybe don’t have the confidence they will fit. Life Drawing and drawing the figure or portrait is for everyone. Coming to your first session can be a nerve racking experience but it is your space and time to explore, experiment and relax drawing from a life model, either nude or in portrait.
All models who we work with are professionals and supportive of the creativity they enable by posing for us - they often have seen it all and enjoy seeing what they have inspired. So if you are worried about offending…please don’t be!