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Free life drawing offered at Platteau

April 09, 2010

by Deanna Horton

Abigail McNamara (’12) has established free, bi-weekly life drawing classes on campus this semester.

With the help of Platteau Manager Lillie Mae Stone (’10), McNamara obtained enough leftover Platteau funds to employ students as models. She hopes to have enough funding to make the classes weekly next year.

Five people attended the first meeting and three attended the second. “The small group size allows for a more intimate work setting,” said McNamara. “Last time we enjoyed some live guitar playing from a friend.”

Classes generally start with gesture drawings and conclude with extended poses that last for 20 to 30 minutes. Since classes are so small, the group can make decisions about what they want to do as they go along.

The group’s only expense is employing models, who are all students. McNamara received at least 20 applications to model for the classes.

“There are a lot of people who are willing to take off their clothes for $26 at this school,” said McNamara. “So finding models was much less of an issue than I expected it may be.”

“Life drawing is the best way to practice drawing the human figure,” said McNamara. “For me, drawing is a complete escape. It sounds cliché, but when I draw, I can eliminate all my worries or stresses and completely focus on the figure, the shapes of light and shadow, the lines and the curves. Two hours goes by way too fast.”

“Life drawing is almost never this accessible, so take advantage of the opportunity!” she said.

The next sessions are April 14 and 28 from 6-8 p.m. Bring drawing or painting supplies and a drawing board if possible.