I'm going to be a nude model

[Gary Naturist]

Last spring I contacted our local community college to volunteer as a model for figure (life) drawing classes. Other than an acknowledgment of receipt of my offer, I heard nothing more. But today, one of the art instructors from the college called and said that she needed me as a model.

The class is three hours long and there will be more than 10 enrollees, not students but adults from the community, almost all of whom have significant experience in figure drawing. I presume that it will be a typical format, moving from very short duration poses to one that is very long, with a few stretch / pee breaks along the way.

It seemed like a good idea at the time, but I’ve had a few second thoughts today. I’m apprehensive about four things: (1) the physical challenge of posing with minimal movement over a three-hour period, (2) the artistic challenge of choosing poses that are interesting for the class, (3) how to amuse myself for such a long period and (4) whether, even at my age, I may experience an erection at some point, or worse, at multiple points. I suppose that there’s another one (5) the potential for major shrinkage, depending on the temperature in the room. ;-)

However, it has always been my policy to seek out and accept new challenges involving nudity, so I’m gong to do it.

I reminded the instructor that I’m a complete novice at posing and she assured me that there will be no problem. She said that, initially, she will choose poses for me. I’ll also solicit the understanding of the class is in helping me get through my first session. I know that they will be supportive.

My form of nudism is to be nude in everyday life, which puts me into situations where I encounter clothed people while nude in public. This situation is appealing in that I know that the clothed folks will be totally accepting of my nudity.

Being me, I’d be inclined to stay nude during the breaks, which will include a bit of time looking at the drawings and socializing a bit. I’ll have to find out what is the etiquette in this particular class.

Of course, I’ll report back to y’all. In the meantime, if anyone has any advice to offer, I’d be grateful

Gary

[Gary Naturist]

Last spring I contacted our local community college to volunteer as a model for figure (life) drawing classes. Other than an acknowledgment of receipt of my offer, I heard nothing more. But today, one of the art instructors from the college called and said that she needed me as a model.

The class is three hours long and there will be more than 10 enrollees, not students but adults from the community, almost all of whom have significant experience in figure drawing. I presume that it will be a typical format, moving from very short duration poses to one that is very long, with a few stretch / pee breaks along the way.

It seemed like a good idea at the time, but I’ve had a few second thoughts today. I’m apprehensive about four things: (1) the physical challenge of posing with minimal movement over a three-hour period, (2) the artistic challenge of choosing poses that are interesting for the class, (3) how to amuse myself for such a long period and (4) whether, even at my age, I may experience an erection at some point, or worse, at multiple points. I suppose that there’s another one (5) the potential for major shrinkage, depending on the temperature in the room. ;-)

However, it has always been my policy to seek out and accept new challenges involving nudity, so I’m gong to do it.

I reminded the instructor that I’m a complete novice at posing and she assured me that there will be no problem. She said that, initially, she will choose poses for me. I’ll also solicit the understanding of the class is in helping me get through my first session. I know that they will be supportive.

My form of nudism is to be nude in everyday life, which puts me into situations where I encounter clothed people while nude in public. This situation is appealing in that I know that the clothed folks will be totally accepting of my nudity.

Being me, I’d be inclined to stay nude during the breaks, which will include a bit of time looking at the drawings and socializing a bit. I’ll have to find out what is the etiquette in this particular class.

Of course, I’ll report back to y’all. In the meantime, if anyone has any advice to offer, I’d be grateful

Gary

[Sol-Searcher]

Good luck to you Gary.

Your friend,
Randy

[Nu]

Hello, Gary Naturist:

You never cease to amaze me with your different exploits.

I have never been a model, but for what its worth-here are my suggestions.

Do different stretches beforehand, during, and after the session. Hold each stretch for at least 20 seconds.
The modelling could leave your body tired and possibly aching-especially at first.
The stretches should help ease excess strain and post-session aching.
It is also fortunate that the instructor is aware that this is your first engagement. From experience, she may be well qualified to answer your questions.

It would be a good idea to take a robe. It may be requested or appear to you to be necessary at the immediate time. It will be available.

[Baremore]

I highly recommend having a robe handy...That bathroom may be quite a ways down a public hallway. They're cool with nudity in an art class, but I seriously doubt the rest of the school is prepared for it.

Would love to see one of the sketches!

[nakednudists]

You the man

[Steve Dallas]

I've worked as a nude model. Here is my advice:

1. Let's say when you start you're generally facing south. The next pose turn and face generally east. Then north, then west. Always turn like this when you change poses. That way you're taking turns facing each side of the class. Artist don't like it if you're always facing away from them.

2. Always be looking either at the floor or the ceiling. No one likes to be stared at. Even if you are looking over their heads, from their point of view it may seem like you are staring at them. Also if a women thinks you're staring at her she might feel sexually harrassed.

3. In choosing short poses of a 1 or 2 minutes, think of action poses. Especially good is imaging you are playing tennis and waiting to hit a backhand or getting ready to serve. With a little imagination you can get a lot of action into your pose.

4. You may want to practice first to see how long you can hold each pose. Usually I can't hold my arms over my head for more than 3 minutes. You can create some interesting poses by resting an arm/arms on your head. Also, you'll find that sitting motionless takes effort. Practice sitting still for 20 minutes.

5. If a pose is uncomfortable when you start you will soon be in agony. Don't take a pose that's immediately uncomfortable. On standing poses make sure your weight is equally distributed between both legs.

6. Try to relax and be comfortable up there. Enjoy yourself. Most of the class probably admires you for being willing to pose nude. What ever emotions you are feeling will be transfered to the class. If you are having fun, they will be too.

Good luck and have fun!

[nudenwv]

good going! try everything that life has to offer. some of the problems you're concerned about may not happen and if they do,they're all a part of life.

[David77]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I’m apprehensive about four things:
(1) the physical challenge of posing with minimal movement over a three-hour period,
(2) the artistic challenge of choosing poses that are interesting for the class,
(3) how to amuse myself for such a long period and
(4) - whether, even at my age, I may experience an erection at some point, or worse, at multiple points. I suppose that there’s another one
(5) the potential for major shrinkage, depending on the temperature in the room. ;-) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<LI>(1) the physical challenge of posing with minimal movement over a three-hour period,

You will have sufficient breaks (rest periods) so that it will not be a great challenge.
The action poses of possibly two minutes at the first of the session, which is the artists "warm up" period, will be the most demanding of energy, but only for this brief time. Do not take any far-out poses, demanding impossible energy. You are not an acrobat, and the arms held up without outward support can get quicky tiring.
Same with the leg suspended in air. An experienced leader can surely identify poses that are ones that are too imposible to hold, and will let you know.

<LI>2) the artistic challenge of choosing poses that are interesting for the class,

Overall, the best poses are those natural poses assunmed in every-day life. As you stated, the leader will guide you in your poses until you are familiar with posing. The leader will not touch your nude body in guiding you in your poses (unless maybe it is your hand, arm or foot.) Many models like reclining poses as their last poses, as it gives them "rest and relaxation".

It was previously suggested that you not stare but look at the ceiling or at the floor. However, this is my suggestion - just as at a beach, you can casually and momentarily glance at the artists. Looking at the space between the artists or looking very slightly above their heads is good. Your eyes will wander somewhat, but if the artist is painting or drawing your face the artist may ask you to look straight ahead so that he/she can see your eyes properly and, if painting, note the color of your eyes.

<LI>(3) - how to amuse myself for such a long period

Mostly, you will just have to daydream, or try to solve a problem of your daily life, or mentally plan your social calender, etc. After many modeling jobs later with this group, you could ask them if they would like to draw you as you read a book, or briefly sleep.

<LI>(4) - whether, even at my age, I may experience an erection at some point, or worse, at multiple points.

Trust me! You will not get an erection! You just won't!

<LI>(5) - the potential for major shrinkage, depending on the temperature in the room.

When you are completely nude and everyone else is clothed, you may get cold, whereas the rest are warm. Ask for an electric heater to put by your side. All art groups have an electric heater for use by nude models. The female models seem to get cold more easily than the male models.

You consider your modeling as a momentous experience for you, but, as you state, the artists are experienced at drawing nudes, so it is a "ho hum" ordinary experence for them to view persons nude (just as it is ordinary for you to see nude persons at the beach or resort). You will eventually get to know them all and relate to them as friends. You should take a robe and abide by the rules or customs of the group about your wearing your robe during break, as this varies among groups. You may like the warmth of the robe.

[Gary Naturist]

Steve, thanks so much for your comments.

1. I presume that it's also good to present each student with differing perspectives of the body.

2. Someone on netnude mentioned this as well. I'm surprised that anyone would have these thoughts.

6. Your comments here are very interesting. I'll make a conscious effort to let positive thoughts about the experience predominate over any anxieties. Their having any model will be better than their having no model!

Gary

[Gary Naturist]

David, thanks as well for your comments.

3. I'm actually looking forward to the challenge of occupying my mind, or perhaps trying some blank-mind meditation.

4. I suppose that this depends somewhat on what I daydream about! I like the idea of sleeping while posing.

Gary

[deejay-gee]

It all sounds fantastic to me! I'd love to do something like that, but I doubt I could stay still long enough.

[Baron Lake]

David mentioned reading a book during a long pose. Don't you have to get someone to turn the pages for you? http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
You can bring props if you want. My favorite pose involved setting myself up as if I was on a beach - big bright unbrella, beach chair, big tube of sunscreen (didn't actually put it on), book, towel, and cooler full of iced, bottled beer. Oh yeah, and a bottle opener. Next time I will bring a better chair (ended up with a sore back)and chips or something.
BTW don't bring any book larger than a paperback - covers up too much. http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
b.l..

[David77]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Baron Lake:
David mentioned reading a book during a long pose. Don't you have to get someone to turn the pages for you? http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
You can bring props if you want. My favorite pose involved setting myself up as if I was on a beach - big bright unbrella, beach chair, big tube of sunscreen (didn't actually put it on), book, towel, and cooler full of iced, bottled beer. Oh yeah, and a bottle opener. Next time I will bring a better chair (ended up with a sore back)and chips or something.
BTW don't bring any book larger than a paperback - covers up too much. http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
b.l.. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes, Baron Lake, I have done almost the same thing, as when I was leading the group, I brought a beach chair, a colorful umbrella to go behind the beach chair, and placed a can of coka-cola near-by as a prop. A lovely young (nude) woman sat in the chair and wore sun glasses. We had fun drawing her. I still have my drawing and I wish that I could reduce the size and get it on this forum, but I am not skilled in using my scanner (HP 5500c) to do that, and the drawing is too big to begin with.

As for turning the pages, there would be no objection for the model to turn a page.
Reason it this way - After a model poses for 15 or 20 minutes, he/she takes a break, and then many times goes back into the same pose. This proceedure is required for long painting and sculpturing sessions where it takes the artist a great deal of time to finish the painting, sculpturing or intricate drawing with the use of pastel sticks, for example. In this instance, the model gets down off the modeling stand. When the model returns to the modeling stand, the leader (and the group) tells the model as to whether he/she has managed to get into the same pose again, exactly.

Thus a few seconds in using of an arm and hand to turn a page would not cause the model to get out of the same pose.

Incidentally, of course, also no one complains if a model must move briefly to get the kink (discomfort) out of a foot, for instance.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by David77:
glasses. We had fun drawing her. I still have

my drawing and I wish that I could reduce the size and get it on this forum, but I am not skilled in using my scanner (HP 5500c) to do that, and the drawing is too big to begin with.

Incidentally, of course, also no one complains if a model must move briefly to get the kink (discomfort) out if a foot, for instance. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

David.. I would love to see the drawing..how about a photo of the drawing ?..

Lots of great tips here...One other thing ..for poses longer than twenty min ...tape can be used to mark foot placement ..so the model can return to the same place after break..Good luck Gary http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[David77]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">tape can be used to mark foot placement </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Outdoorbare,
Yes, we, too, use masking tape and sometimes a chalk mark to mark where the model's foot (or arm) must rest on something to get back into the same pose.

I am rather a procrastinator sometimes, but I may possibly get to Kinkos and get my drawing reduced and put it on the web.

[Ruins of Ayutthaya]

Well, at the behest of some artist friends of mine, I am going to announce that I am also going to work as a model now. ^_^ It should be interesting to do, but I think it will go well, and I will keep everyone updated.

Good luck with your times as a model, Gary.

[DeathKnight]

Best of luck!

Just don't "point" http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Gary Naturist]

So, I've been practising nude poses. I get a very different feeling than that from walking, cycling, fishing, sunbathing nude etc. I feel more naked, more exposed -- kind of like when I go for nude walks without a coverup.

What I'm beginning to appreciate is the purity of nude modelling. At one level, I'm particularly aware of exposing my genitals to view. But I think that's because it's a new experience.

At another, purer level, I'm presenting the whole of my body to the class for their artistic education. My genitals are just part of the whole. This whole body feeling is kind of spiritual.

Does this make any sense to anyone?

Gary

[David77]

It makes sense to me. I feel that you will have a very good experience. I know that you will be enthusiastic and eager to tells us all about it. We await your interesting narrative.

[Baron Lake]

Just kidding about the page turning David77. Gary, for some long poses an ipod might be nice. They are unobtrusive and their presence easily ignored by the artists.
b.l.

[Gary Naturist]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Baron Lake:
Just kidding about the page turning David77. Gary, for some long poses an ipod might be nice. They are unobtrusive and their presence easily ignored by the artists.
b.l. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I wondered about this, but definitely wouldn't try this the first couple of times. I really need to find out what are the rules applicable to this particular class.

Gary

[motion]

Hey..
first time post.....but i'm seriously thinking of being a figure model for the first time - but for a fine art photographer because i think poses might be easier to start out with... i'm a bit nervous and have been 'practicing poses' as well..... any more advice would be great.... what do you think of when modeling to clear your mind ?

[Baron Lake]

Motion, for short poses you will need to concentrate on the pose and to the (helpful!) advise/comments of the artists. Long poses, once established, require little mental focus on the pose leaving you free to think about anything you want. I find it an excellent time to think about one particular job related problem rather than letting my mind wander (something it does quite easily). Anyway, pleasant thougnts Motion, forget about the fignt with your girlfriend or wife (or both as the case may be).
Photography sessions tend to be quite different from graphic art sessions, much more dynamic with little time think about anything but the job at hand.
Good luck. Hope you like it.
b.l.
.

[David77]

Baron Lake, you have said that beautifully, and I certainly agree 100% with what you said.

[Gary Naturist]

Tomorrow is the big day -- my first experience as a figure model. I'm really looking forward to it. Wonder if I'll be nervous just before?

I called the instructor to ask some questions. The class routine is standard -- start with one minute "gestures" for about 20 minutes, followed by increasingly long poses. Class in a semi-circle. Breaks every 20 or 30 minutes. She said that she would pose me for the longer poses.

I've been developing a collection of gestures. I'm using sports as my primary source, along with stretching exercises and tai chi moves. Three positions -- standing, crouching/kneeling and twisting. With each, I'll turn 45 or 90 degrees.

I'm labelling the gestures with one or two word verbs -- e.g. throw, start race, pivot, push front, backhand serve etc. While I'm doing one gesture, I can be thinking about what I'll do next.

I'm going to be totally naked, without watch or wedding ring. It's very rare that I'm this naked. I'm mostly a smoothie, with just a bit of pubic hair left above my penis. I expect that this will be a plus for figure drawing.

I'm fascinated by the idea of being a three-dimensional object displayed in various positions for the class. This is a very different environment han I normally experience, where my interactions with others are usually verbal and intellectual.

I asked the instructor about etiquette re the possibility of an erection. She said that, in her experience, it has never happened, but if it did, I should take a short break.

She said that I would likely want to bring a robe. Instead, I'm going to bring a sarong, which is something that I wear regularly when I can't be nude.

I'm not the classic figure model, being relatively old, with not much muscle definition and a bit of a belly.

However, the moment that I agreed to model, I started on a walking program -- anywhere from 6 to 12 km per day -- and abdominal crunches, which I do with my legs hanging over the edge of our hot tub. I have lost about 7 lbs, all off my belly and the crunches have further pulled it in.

For my next class, one week later, I'm going to do some stretching exercises. Later on, if they continue to use me from time to time, I may even be motivated to start using the Total Gym that I bought for a lot of money.

Wish me luck .. Gary

[NudePete]

Best of luck, Gary.

I have been in that situation (as an artist-member of the semi-circle, not the model). Just remember that the more dynamic arm and leg positions should be used for the shorter duration gesture poses, and the more relaxed and easier-to-hold poses are for the longer duration studies.

I like your idea of a sports theme. I was once in a class where the model asked for pose requests and the instructor suggested "spring", "cold" and "tree"... I had to ask myself: how could anyone pose as one of those. Better, alternate ideas are battle/war positions, and ones that emulate statues or paintings such as "The Thinker", "The Scream", "the Creation of Adam", "Flight From the Garden", "Laocoon" etc.
(Try Googling images associated with "Laocoon"!)

[Hooked]

Hey Everyone!

I'm modeling tomorrow for a photographer called George Krause( http://www.georgekrause.com/ ). He and the gallery owner were cool enough to let my travel club (Hill Country Nudists) attend his exhibit in the nude. Luckily I don't have to hold any pose for very long. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes from what I understand. Anyway, wish me luck, I will come back to this thread to give an update.

[Journeyman]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Hooked:
Hey Everyone!

I'm modeling tomorrow for a photographer called George Krause( http://www.georgekrause.com/ ). </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

From what I can see from that website, his portraits are amazing. You're lucky to be one of his models -- hope he at least gives you an 8 x 10 signed print when it's all over!

cheers
J'man

[Hooked]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Journeyman:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Hooked:
Hey Everyone!

I'm modeling tomorrow for a photographer called George Krause( http://www.georgekrause.com/ ). </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

From what I can see from that website, his portraits are amazing. You're lucky to be one of his models -- hope he at least gives you an 8 x 10 signed print when it's all over!

cheers
J'man </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yeah, he's gonna give me a print and $30...he does that for all his models. His pictures really are unique and I am very happy to be a part of his project. He calls his nudes series with his special lighting technique The Sfumato Project (fyi)

[David77]

I hope you enjoy your modeling sessions, Gary and Hooked.

With the photographers lighting technique of (seemingly) equal lighting from both sides, it should make your nude figure appear quite sculpturesque (3-D).

Gary, here is a link of a few suggested poses from which you might choose.

http://www.virtualpose.net/vp2_posepreview.jpg

[Nues]

Good luck Hooked, keep us posted on how it goes. Have fun.

[Ben_m]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Hooked:
Hey Everyone!

I'm modeling tomorrow for a photographer called George Krause( http://www.georgekrause.com/ ). He and the gallery owner were cool enough to let my travel club (Hill Country Nudists) attend his exhibit in the nude. Luckily I don't have to hold any pose for very long. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes from what I understand. Anyway, wish me luck, I will come back to this thread to give an update. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Sounds like fun, Hooked! Congratulations on the opportunity. Visiting the site, I was rather surprised at this image: http://www.georgekrause.com/xmaslights.htm - I thought I was the only one that ever did something like that http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Gary Naturist]

Thanks very much, David for the photo link --very useful. Also, Pete for suggesting emulating artworks. If I bring a pitchfork as a prop, I could do the farmer in American Gothic.

A question for those with some experience. It would be my inclination to be very friendly and informal with the members of the class -- introduce myself to each, etc. Is being this informal OK, or am I expected to model only and not interact with the class?

Gary

[Jeff Brooks]

Wow, have fun. I love to model in the nude.

J

[Hooked]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ben_m:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Hooked:
Hey Everyone!

I'm modeling tomorrow for a photographer called George Krause( http://www.georgekrause.com/ ). He and the gallery owner were cool enough to let my travel club (Hill Country Nudists) attend his exhibit in the nude. Luckily I don't have to hold any pose for very long. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes from what I understand. Anyway, wish me luck, I will come back to this thread to give an update. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Sounds like fun, Hooked! Congratulations on the opportunity. Visiting the site, I was rather surprised at this image: http://www.georgekrause.com/xmaslights.htm - I thought I was the only one that ever did something like that http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Haha Ben, you and your Christmas lights. I would not want to pay your electric bill in December. http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Hooked]

By the way, the shoot went well and George said he might put one of mine in his next exhibit but won't know for sure until the prints are made, I would imagine. It was fun and George is a nice guy with a lot of cool art work (all kinds not just nudes and not just photographs)

I highly reccomend it for everyone.