Life Modelling & Drawing Workshop for Women

This workshop is both for women who would like to learn how to life model, and for women who would like to draw the models.

Have you ever wondered how it would feel to pose for and be drawn by artists? To feel fantastic in your body, being seen as a work of art?

Are you curious about drawing the human figure and would like to learn about this art form from both sides - drawing and modelling?

Women of all shapes, sizes, ages, colours, persuasions and abilities wanted! You are beautiful in all your variety!

Be guided through simple exercises in drawing and/or modelling;

• Learn how to hold your body to its best advantage.
• How to approach transferring a 3D form into 2D on paper.
• Show off the parts of you that you usually prefer to hide.
• Overcome the shame feelings and change them up for pride.
• Witness other women remembering what it's like to feel good in their skin, or finding out for the first time.
• Find your unique way of posing, and express yourself to artists!
• Experience improved body confidence either directly or vicariously by watching and drawing.

Super experienced life model and facilitator Esther will guide you through a series of life modelling exercises in posing, to build your confidence and body awareness. Simultaneously, she will suggest ways to approach drawing for newcomers. The session will be packed with valuable insider insights into the art of life modelling, and the ways that the life drawing scene operates.

This might be something you would like to try once for the experience, to boost your confidence; or it may be the beginning of a whole new chapter in your life! Life modelling (and drawing) can be addictive, for the endorphines released as you meet the challenges of demanding poses, and see the beautiful results in artists' work. Over time you may develop harmonious relationships with the (other) artists which are mutually enhancing. The way you feel about your body may alter incrementally, as you begin to realise - what you least liked about yourself might be your greatest asset. Instead of hiding it, you start showing it off. You let go of the old hang-ups, feel better in yourself, which radiates out into the rest of your life. Body confidence will improve your self esteem, make you less fearful, and more open to finding positive relationships.

This is a collaboration with Lenu Life Drawing group who meet regularly at Fairkytes Art Centre in Hornchurch. They are keen to find new female models who are local to them. While there is a large number of models in London, towards the edges and beyond, they become harder to source, most particularly female models. This workshop is for any woman who would like to attend (18+ or 16+ with parental consent); especially reaching out to local women in South East Essex and East London. If participating in the workshop feels positive for you, there may be opportunities for paid life modelling with this group, and no doubt others.

During the workshop, nudity is not a requirement. It is fine to pose clothed, or semi clothed. We will take turns to try modelling, and also drawing each other. No experience of either drawing or modelling is required. Drawing others however, helps us to appreciate how modelling works. We welcome female artists and women who would like to attend purely to draw the new models. Witnessing the workshop as an artist will naturally offer extra insights into the model's role.

This free workshop accompanies Lenu's life drawing exhibition at Fairkytes Art Centre (see poster below).

Esther Bunting has 18 years' experience as a professional life model, mostly on the London circuit. Her Spirited Bodies project has been a platform for numerous women and people to try life modelling since 2010. The women's events in particular foster an incredible sense of empowerment, where the practice of life modelling is broken down and acknowledged for the impact it can have on a woman's life. Intimate conversation among participants who might have just met, or be building new friendships, is the keystone, alongside Esther's wealth of experience. The women's workshops have been a starting point for some outstanding modelling careers and new directions in women's lives.

Artworks above by Irene Lafferty (with Spirited Bodies logo including image by Lily Lemaire), Dorothia Bohlius, and Lily Lemaire, all drawn at Spirited Bodies workshops.

Also check out other Arts events in Hornchurch, Fine Arts events in Hornchurch, Workshops in Hornchurch.