A figure drawing and painting event was hosted on campus on Nov. 20 with a live, undraped model.
This event gave students and community members, who are 18 and over, two hours to paint or draw a live nude model.
Students, faculty and alumni were able to attend for free and the general public were charged a $12 fee. Every attendee was given an easel to work on if needed.
“It is an opportunity for students to hone in on their observational skills and have an opportunity to work from a live model,” said Robin Johnson, Cosumnes River College art department chair. “And as an artist, that’s a really important and valuable tool.”
The live model held poses for both long and short periods of time, with the event having a variety of art mediums attending.
“Drawing has been something I’ve always loved doing, figure drawing is one of the biggest challenges in drawing and it helps me keep sharp,” said Tom McGee, a 71-year-old attendee from the community.
The live model had a small stage to get into position on. A bright warm light was highlighted onto the model which emphasized details and shadows of the model. There was a collection of objects in the background of the model as well.
“It’s fun to have a live model because it’s kind of intimate with someone else,” Joshua Mohetyre, a 21-year-old art culture major, said.
Johnson said it’s a nice break for students from their classes because the open model is uninstructed, students can work in any medium or style they want and can explore outside their course assignments.
Calming music played while artists worked and there was room to move around so artists could decide what angle they wanted for their work.
“I’ve been coming for about a year now. I took a class with Miss Johnson and I really liked it, so this is a great way to stay in the art,” Mohetyre said.
McGee said he’s been doing figure drawing for 60 years, beginning his journey when he was a kid. In the past he sold his work and has worked with The Sacramento Bee by creating illustrations.
“It’s open to the community and I think what’s exciting about that is that students also get the opportunity to meet community members and working artists,” Johnson said.
Mohetyre said something he’s learned from figure drawing is keeping it creative and having fun will give the best results.
This is the second year of the open model event being held, with another session being held on Dec. 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Visual and Performing Arts Center, room A602.