How to Run a Life Drawing Class by Hester Berry
Artist Educator Hester Berry shares how to set up and facilitate a life drawing class for adults, based upon her experience at Draw, Brighton.
This project was shared with AccessArt as part of the 40 Artist Educator Project, funded by Arts Council England, aiming to highlight and celebrate artist-led teaching and facilitation.
How to Run a Life Drawing Class by Hester Berry
I am one of the tutors at Draw, a popular Brighton studio which provides life-drawing sessions and classes for all abilities. Having attended drawing classes at studios both in the UK and abroad, I have learnt what makes the difference between a great experience and an unfulfilling one. I would like to share some of my thoughts with other organisers and teachers.
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Sheila Ceccarelli
July 1, 2014 @ 9:54 am
Thank you Hester for this valuable and interesting resource.
Any other artists who run life classes – please do let us know if this resonates with you and any tips you’d like to share we’d love to have your comments.
Thanks Hester – I hope all is going well at DRAW Brighton. Stay in touch!
Sharon Gale
February 23, 2015 @ 7:04 pm
This is such great advice, I’ve been toying with the idea of starting up a life drawing class. Do you discuss with the model beforehand all the poses that you want, and for how long they are held for or do you just make them up on the spot? What happens if a model doesn’t turn up? Do you stand in for them (clothed)?
Hester
February 23, 2015 @ 11:48 pm
Hi Sharon,
Yes, I discuss some poses with the model beforehand, but not necessarily in too much detail – I basically let them know how long and how many we’re planning on doing. Then before every pose I tell them how long it will last, so they can choose something appropriate and comfortable. I try to plan beforehand what length of pose – personally I think it works best to warm up with some short poses (3 mins) and gradually get longer (15/20/45 mins). Then if there is time at the end, we finish with some very quick ones (sometimes just 1 minute, that’s very liberating after a long intense one!)
If it’s an experienced model, I leave them to it. If it’s a new model, I give them some tips, eg. make sure you face different directions, don’t do anything that you might not be able to sustain etc. Then throughout the session, I might make suggestions, but always checking they’re happy/comfy. The best way for a model to get an idea of which poses to do is firstly to look at lot of life drawings and secondly to go life drawing themselves. If it’s a themed or tutored class, I might direct them a bit more, for example in a class on negative space, I might ask them to stand or hold their arms in a certain way, so that the class can see lots of the backdrop behind them, noticing the gaps between limbs and torso.
I think it’s important to communicate with the model, so that you are satisfied with the poses, and so that they don’t feel put-upon or ill at ease. Everyone should be happy!
Sometimes models don’t turn up, and there are various reasons why not. It can be quite stressful when you have a class who have made an effort to come, all waiting expectantly! I have a database of models that I can ring in an emergency, and normally someone can whizz over. Sometimes the class are very understanding and are happy to take it in turns modelling clothed. It is rare that this won’t be the case, but if not, I would probably model. As long as it wasn’t supposed to be a fully tutored class. But I have modelled before and I am reasonably comfortable doing it – you shouldn’t feel any pressure if you’re not!
Sarah Jane H
September 10, 2017 @ 10:22 am
Hi Hester, thanks very much for this beautifully written guide, I’ve been a model and a student over the years and have always wanted to run a life drawing class. Your guide makes absolute sense and is very helpful, your additional information in your reply to the comment above is also really useful! Thanks again, Sarah.
hannah m
September 25, 2018 @ 4:10 pm
How do I find the guide?
Sheila, AccessArt
September 26, 2018 @ 7:59 am
To read Hester’s post on how to run a life drawing class – you have to be a member of AccessArt. It cost £3.50 a month but the first month is free and you can cancel any time. Hope that helps. Sheila https://www.accessart.org.uk/join-accessart/become-a-full-accessart-member-2/
Gemma P
March 20, 2022 @ 3:03 pm
Thank you, this is really helpful. I go to a monthly life drawing session (which I adore) and I’ve always been tempted to set one up closed to home. Sadly I’m not an artist so it’s putting me off, but maybe being transparent about this might still make it work. Food for thought 🙂