Model's Eye View

Late in 2012 I became aware of a Sunday night session in Richmond, VA that used three models at once. I had worked from two models several times without much success, so the idea of three bordered on the absurd. Wanting to break out of my comfort zone I decided to make the trip.  The sessions were held in an old firehouse with a theater stage at one end. I had attended two previous times and drew with everyone else from the floor looking up at the models on stage. This time, however, with the encouragement of the model coordinator I positioned myself on stage behind the models.

Figure Session, oil pastel on toned paper, 11 3/4 X 15 1/2, 2012

Talk about being out of my comfort zone!  I was invading their space. But the models couldn't have been more welcoming.  Probably out of fear I was very focused right away wanting to catch as much as I could in a short three hours. At some point I started including the artists. Unlike the models they were in a constant state of flux. People changing locations and shifting positions.

Overall the evening was very stimulating, rewarding and comfort zone expanding.