How did the "David" do it?

[C91]

Okay, so several weeks ago, I put my name on the list for volunteer art models at a local figure drawing class.

I was contacted on Sunday to see if I was available to model for Wednesday's class.  Having nothing else on my schedule, I thanked the organizer for the opportunity and emphasized that I had not done this before the would require a bit of coaching/patience.

She assured me they were an easy-going group and would be understanding of my amateur status.

My session was for one hour.  I arrived to find 6 artists ready to sketch me.  After disrobing, I was asked to do 4 three minute poses and 3 eight minute poses. 

This is where I was handicapped.  Having modeled for photography before I was used to the photographer suggesting poses.  Apparently, in this setting, it's the model's responsibility to create his or her poses.  I tried some of the poses I used in my photo shoot.  They turned out okay, but I was struggling to hold some of them for three minutes.  Fortunately, I chose to use reclining or seated poses for the eight minute segments.  Still those seemed to drag on and I was worried that I was slowly falling out of the pose.

After the session was over, I asked if I did okay and the group told me I was fine for a rookie.  One of the artists told me that most of my poses were a little too slack.  That I should tighten up muscles here and there.  I told him I would practice holding various poses at home and be better prepared next time.

I couldn't help but sneek a peek at some of the work.  Some were beginner level, others more advanced.  As much as I tried to focus one on point while I was posing, I couldn't resist the urge to steal a glance at the works in progress. 

In all, it was a fun experience and hopefully it will lead to other opportunities.  I just need to find some nice poses that please the artists and I can hold for twenty minutes at a time.  The subject for Michelangelo's David must have been as stony as the finished product...