I took some figure drawing classes recently at
the Englewood art center. I thought it would be a good way to
 meet fellow artists and I hoped to find a model who would be willing to work for me at my studio. Unfortunately, the art center hires models  who  work for the Ringling School of Art and Design which is in Sarasota. That is an hours drive from here, and  too far to drive for the amount I could afford to pay them. I needed someone closer to home. Then it occurred to me that I might ask a friend of my nephew's. I had met her several times before. In her mid twenties, a little adventurous, not your typical model figure, but the more I thought about it that could be a good thing. We were friends on facebook but I had never privately sent her a message.

DAVID  9:08 am
Hi Kate,
I would like to do a series of drawings, paintings, and sculptures with you as the model. We would begin with one three hour session, one day a week. I expect the series will take six months. I can pay you $10 an hour. I realize $30 a week isn't a lot of money, but you will have an opportunity to keep some of the drawings, and have stories to tell your grandchildren. I have a lot of experience working with models and assure you our sessions will be kept on a professional basis. What do you think?
KATE   10:42 am
Oh, that sounds like fun! I wouldn't mind modeling for you, but I don't want to do nudity.(I don't look good naked anyway,lol) I would need a ride though, but if I could get a ride and no nudity, then I would love to do it!
DAVID   12:38pm
It is fun. There are all kinds of beauty. If your figure wasn't the kind of beauty I was looking for I wouldn't have asked you. Throughout history great art has celebrated the female figure. I am looking to do great art, and great art to my mind involves tasteful nudity. I hope you will reconsider. You could bring someone with you if you are concerned about being alone. Besides, what kind of story is that, "an artist asked me to model for him once, but I didn't want to take my clothes off."
KATE   1:58pm
I think I'll do it. It's OK if you say no but could I wear my underwear still? And could I get a ride from you whenever you decide it's a good time to do this please?
KATE   2:37 pm
If I can't wear undies, I understand, I'll still do it.
DAVID   2:46pm
How about, you try it the first time in your underwear, experience what it is about, get more comfortable, and we will see how it goes from there. We could start tomorrow if you like. How about I pick you up at noon. You should bring a house coat with you to wear during break times.
KATE   2:56pm
OK, that sounds fine.
                                                 
I have been working with Kate now for four weeks. She is a beautiful young woman and a hard working model, and I think I have gotten some really good drawings so far.

This is the armature for a sculpture I have started
of Kate. It is about 26 inches tall. I did a full size
sketch of the sculpture idea, and from that drawing
estimated the proportions for the armature. I have learned from experience, without the armature the clay willl eventually collapse under its own weight.







Here is the sculpture after the first day of work. There is about 200 pounds of clay, and still much work to do.


                                                                                      

 

The First Painting of My Oak Tree

This is the first painting I have completed at my new home here in Englewood Florida. This grand oak tree in the middle of my back yard is an important reason I bought the house. At least once a day I walk under her mamouth branches and watch her reach up to the sky. At 16"x20" the canvas is smaller than I usually  work with. It started out to be more of a sketch than a finished painting, but once I got started I couldn't leave it alone until I felt it was complete.