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(In Praise of the Older Woman).

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Rain on car windscreen. No AI, Photoshop or whatever. (as with all my photography).

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This above was an untutored Life Drawing class in my city (Queensland, Australia). Cameras are usually a no-no in life drawing classes, but I obtained signed, written consent from the model to take this shot (and some more). Sophia, always so professional, an amazing model, and also features in this Art Blog as a photographic model (search “Sophia” on this Blog).

A male artist friend recently said he had wanted to attend a life class to draw, but felt awkward that he would be the only male artist attending, so he didn’t go. But it is often the case. Most life drawing sessions I have attended have been maybe 70 to 80% female artists. So he needn’t worry.

Some male models in the news media have complained lately, that they have trouble getting modelling jobs, and is a form of discrimination. But the fact is, even women artists in the main, prefer to draw female models. It’s a simple equation: with male models, there is not much to draw, and mainly straight lines. Sorry about that. Women usually have the curves.

On another note, serious artists usually are fine with all shapes and sizes, and all adult ages. I am same with this Art Blog. In fact, I prefer to photograph older women (50 to 70 plus), and all shapes and sizes. I don’t like this modern bias in the fashion circles, of so-called “glamour,” which I fear has even permeated the life drawing and life photography genre. No, It is all about studying and appreciating the naked human form.

I prefer to photograph everyday people, not just professional models. Tummy rolls, wrinkles, whatever, are all welcome. I truly think that is all part of a real form of beauty. The artist Lucian Freud comes to mind. I have a book, Lucian Freud – Painting People,” and his nude subjects are very everyday people. Not false glamour, but real people, male and female, all ages; and all shapes and sizes. 

I have also photographed males. But they are hard to find. I have asked in the past, to maintain a balance in my Photo-Art. But usually, males are not interested, or I get a sense that they feel threatened that I have asked. That has put me off asking.

As for Life Modelling overall, I think anyone should give it a go sometime (as I have). And the money is pretty good. Of all the many life groups I have been a part of, the model is always treated like royalty. Once you get over the initial first two minutes from disrobing, you feel just like that. Royalty. The effect personally can be relaxation, a dramatic lessening of inner stresses and worries, and a sense of quiet power and peace. Better than going to a psychologist in my books. And you get paid. Maybe not unlike people who do skydiving or bunjee jumping (however you spell that). It gets us out of our comfort zone. But the bonus with life modelling is, you don’t have the risk of dying.

Sermon over.

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Usually the “Arty” photo has the subject looking away from camera, as above, which gives more of a narrative. It is as though the photographer is just a fly on the wall. And the model has no awareness of the camera’s presence. Although not always the case. Some photos can be enhanced artistically with the subject looking into camera. (search “The Matriarch” on this Art Blog, for one example). To me, the narrative can also be created by the forward gaze. 

But I do like some of the moments in between shots also. Even what might be regarded as a “snap shot,” like a holiday snap. Below, Deb in between takes: getting ready for a photoshoot. And another shot, taking a break. Life Photography has an extra perk that painting does not have. It is a more social art form.

An artist painting alone can be an advantageous situation if it is solitude that is needed for inspiration. But to me, photographing a human subject can be more therapeutic. Some chat. Coffee. Discussing possible poses with the model. No rush, as with life drawing classes. The poses are short, and the model more relaxed. As much as I love painting or life drawing, Life Photography gives so much more.