What do you get when you combine tastefully nude models, art supplies, and complimentary bubbly? A Galentine’s Day to remember courtesy of The Artful Bachelorette— a creative experience where traditional sketching takes a spicy turn!
Below, read about my first time experience at a live figure drawing session.
My Experience
I didn’t know what to expect, but the fun was in the mystery.
In a room full of art enthusiasts adorned in aprons and holding charcoal pencils, there stood a slender man wearing a black scarf with dangling tassels. The delicate textile of the scarf was tasteful yet suggestively draped onto the lower half of the male muse. In a matter of seconds, the scarf was untied and the creative lesson began.
The male model, better known as the artful muse, posed nude as we flexed our art skills and tried our best to sketch him. Initially, there were some nerves from attendees, but the host and muse made everyone feel comfortable and capable. It didn’t hurt that we were served some bubbly while participating in the 2-hour live figure drawing session led by founder Fleur Childs.
What I found special about the live class was that you were taught basic sketching skills in an inviting and alluring way. We were each tasked to sketch the artful muse using different methods.
One of the most challenging methods was drawing the muse without looking at the paper. Ultimately, I had to focus on the muse while not lifting my pencil off the paper, trying to capture different parts of the body without checking the progress on the paper.
Another fascinating exercise was sketching with the opposite hand. I’m left-handed and never drawn with my right hand, but I was surprised that it was not as difficult as I thought. It’s so interesting to see what you can do using your non-dominant hand.
Finding Fun In The Flaws
This brings me to the most jovial portion of this activity; looking down at what I drew. It wasn’t the most appealing, but it brought a smile to my face. Then I looked to my left and saw my friend’s drawing. We made eye contact and instantly started laughing.
We weren’t disappointed in our work but instead found joy in the flaws of what we drew. We were proud of ourselves for trying something new and embracing that we weren’t perfect at it. It was just a simple reminder that life is too short to be too serious. Have fun and live in the moment!
My Challange For You
Think about an activity you always wanted to do, but was too anxious to try. Instead of keeping it on your vision board, go out and try it!
Step outside of the box and let your hair down. Find joy in the unexpected, just like I did. It’s comforting to do something familiar, but it’s exhilarating to do something spontaneous.
