Monday, November 25, 2013

How to be an Artist


In keeping with Mr. Benchley's "How to Sleep," "How to be a Detective," and his other "How to..." essays and short film subjects, the "We've Come for the Davenport" Chapter of the Robert Benchley Society presented, Sunday, November 24, 2013, "How to be an Artist." This was the fifth such life drawing session, and, once again, space for the event was graciously provided by The Church on the Hill. Due to some unavoidable delays both models arrived late so, in spite of the title, David did not give the participants any tips on How to be an Artist, and we jumped in immediately to sketching.

The Thea had modeled for us before, in September 2012 (http://trumbullofboston.blogspot.com/2012/09/its-okay-to-stare.html), John, also was with us before, in November 2011 (http://trumbullofboston.blogspot.com/2011/11/artists-and-models-11182011.html)


Thea has the curves of a classic art model and excels at formal poses, such as the one above, inspired by the ballet "Swan Lake." John is tall and lean with clearly defined muscles, excellent for teaching the artists anatomy.

The height difference between the models presented challenges in poses such at the one at the right.

As usual there was music, conversation, and drinks throughout the session. Just as the models finished our food order arrive (chicken -- legs and breasts) and the party continued.

For the next life drawing session David plans to explain some of the tools (pencils, crayons, etc.) available to the artists and how they are used.