Have a gander at what a typical session looks like, from the moment you’re welcomed into the room, to the end applause for the model.
Setting up the room
When only the best silken drapes will do for the model
Arranging the model's drapes
Beginning to scan you in!
There's always a bit of an amorphous queue
We have fancy branded and very affordable sketchbooks
Pointing someone in the right direction
You lovely lot seen from above
We also sell individual sheets of paper for a few pence each
Installed in the room. Some of you come solo, some of you come with someone you know, some of you chat to your neighbours
You're a chatty bunch before we start drawing!
Getting ready to begin the session by addressing you all
Coooeeee. My name is Topaz and these are the house rules....
Heading to the top of the room to dim the lights and lead the meditation.
Here you all are sat beautifully still and calm in your meditative states.
Taking the to check in with yourselves
Breathe in, feel your ribcage expand...
... allow your shoulders to feel heavy as you exhale
We begin with some quick, guided warmup poses >>
<< exploring ways to begin a drawing, before >>
<< you are left to your own devices for the rest of the night.
Pose times range from 3 to 20 minutes
I let you (and the model) know when we are half way through the pose, >>
<< and when there are about 30 seconds left, so you can make your final marks.
You all have such unique styles, and I adore being able to see them from the top of the room.
If you choose to sit further up, you can be inspired by the wealth of styles you can see all around you.
And if you decide you'd rather sit on the top shelf, no one will be looking over your shoulder.
From delicate lines, to confident colour, there's everything conceivable happening on your papers.
Here's me (your host) with my one true love, a tiny stick of charcoal.
Over the 14 poses of the evening, at least one of them is a recline to give our poor model some much deserved rest.
At the end, we applaud the model because we like to show appreciation for the effort they generously put into their work for our benefit and enjoyment.
And because it feels like a lovely ritual to conclude the evening.
Sometimes, the models stick around for a little show and tell. Here is my friend Katya who often helps on the door on Tuesdays, with Tommy, our model for this session, having a good look at Katya's work.
Here's Tommy with Katya's drawing of him, and me with mine. I like the little wooden guy grooving away in the background, too!