How to Model

Before your first modelling session, practice posing at home. See how long you can comfortably hold a pose—1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes or longer. To help keep your head still, try focusing on a fixed point on the wall. If you tend to fidget, some light exercise beforehand can help.

What to bring

• A non-alcoholic drink
• Snacks if desired

If modelling nude, please bring:

• A dressing gown or robe to change into before posing and for breaks

Arrive Early

Introduce yourself to the facilitator before the session. Confirm the number, length, and type of poses, and identify who will be keeping time.

Warm Up

Spend a few minutes stretching and loosening up before the session begins. While warm-up time is unpaid, models are paid for scheduled breaks –usually two 5-minute breaks and one 10-minute break during a two-hour session– so it evens out.

What kind of poses?

Posing variety makes a session more interesting for artists. Look at classical paintings, sculpture, yoga, sports, or dance poses for inspiration.

Try:

• Standing, lunging, crouching, twisting and big, dynamic gestures for short poses
• Asymmetrical poses (one arm up, one down; one leg bent, one straight)
• Tilting the shoulders and hips (known as contrapposto) 
• Sitting, kneeling, or reclining for longer poses.  If you know you have the strength, fitness, and stamina to hold a dynamic pose for the required length of time, go for it. 
• Varying your pose direction and position.  Pivot a quarter turn or more for each new pose so artists see different views, particularly if artists are arrayed in a circle.

Props such as a stool, chair, cane, or staff may also be available.

For longer poses, choose a position you can comfortably maintain and be mindful of circulation to your hands and feet.

Questions?

For more information, please contact:

Robert Sim (WSC Model Facilitator) – robertsim@mts.net

Or the WSC – wpgsketch@gmail.com