The Beginning... and Beyond

Well - this will make my first entry. Let us start at the beginning...

I started taking a figure drawing class with Larry Davis in the spring of 2009 - I had taken my first studio class a year and a half earlier. I was told by several friends (artists) that learning to draw the figure can help you learn to draw everything else. I thought, man that might help me improve a great deal. I personally have never considered myself an Artist but I do enjoy the atmosphere, the feeling of creating, and the liberty of expression that can become a personal work. So I considered modeling after the first week of classes. I was so influenced by the first two models we had... Ashley - a little above average height, beautiful hourglass figure, short pixie brunette hair, I was just fascinated with her presence and beauty and man she could really get into a pose. Then there was Jessica - slightly under average height, ballerina, big hips, small perky breasts, and long blond hair. She would hold anything you would ask, and being a ballerina she came up with some fantastic poses. I remember one day she came in with her toe shoes and stood on her toes for 3poses/5mins each. It was excellent! I made a triptych out of those... 

So, one day I was in the printshop (I was seriously involved in the printmaking program) working on a big 12 color print with an edition of 33 - that kicked my ass... and in comes my friend Vinny, this 60 something, big timey Irish printmaker from Rhode Island (who's catch phrase is "How you doin' my lil friend, I like yo face"). He says to me - Hey my model didn't show up and I know you're interested, get in here I need your help.  Thus. the beginning of my figure modeling experiences. 

It starts as a rush and ends with fascination. I was nervous, I had started a few weeks before, modeling privately for individual friends about once or twice a week, but a crowd?! There were about 20 people in there and I had never been nude in front of strangers... hahha that is an odd thought, but a very notable one indeed. But I walked in there and modeled away, meeting for the first time some of the most fascinating artists I would develop friendships with. Vinny tried to make me comfortable, not doing any crazy or awkward poses. It was probably one of the coolest experiences I have ever had. It was a little tense for me in the beginning - but over the next few years I learned so much about myself and how my body works. I have figured out what my body can tolerate when I model and I can also tell you how long I can hold a pose before some part of me starts to fall asleep - usually my hands and arms first. 

Modeling is definitely one of my favorite things to do. I enjoy almost every minute of it. It puts me in a rather quiescent state that allows me to meditate and reconnect with myself. 

These are some gestures by Lindsay Whelan.