Most artists have needed to adjust to fewer sales during the recession, and I am no exception. One adjustment I have made is to host figurative painting sessions in my studio in Denver. Each session is limited to four artists, working at an intermediate to professional level, and lasts 12 hours spread out over three days, four hours each day.
On the first day, I set up a pose with a female model and either do some sketches or lay out a painting. Some artists sketch on the first day, although fast artists sometimes will paint a complete painting. During the first day, I take a picture of the model from your perspective, and print or email that to you so that you can work on your underpainting and solve technical issues before the second day. On the second and third days, we continue the pose that we started the first day. I usually am close to having a finished painting at the end of a three day session. Some faster artists will shift angles and do several paintings. I offer critiques and suggestions if requested, but don’t provide much instruction because I am working as well.
I’m setting up several sessions in February. One 12 hour session starts on Tuesday, February 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and continues on Tuesday, February 16 and Thursday, February 18 at the same times. The other 12 hour session starts on Saturday, February 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., then continues on the following two Saturdays (February 20 and 27) at the same times. I work with lighting and scene to make sure that each artist has a good pose, and I accept input from the other artists about the pose although I like to have the final say. The models are pretty young women (usually in their early twenties), and the poses generally are clothed or semi-nude, depending on the model and where the pose takes us.
The price for a 12 hour session is $120. I supply the model and easels. You bring your own canvas and paints. I also provide coffee and refreshments. Everyone seems to have a good time, and a number of artists have come back for additional sessions. I find that I enjoy sessions with other artists. Artists generally work in isolation, and this is an opportunity to create art in a more social setting. This is an ongoing project of mine, with more sessions to be scheduled for later months. I will post the dates and times of future sessions here.
If this is of interest to you, please contact me at 303-320-1433 or at juleesimmons@yahoo.com. I look forward to hearing from you!