Avid
Light Modeling – Web Newsletter & Update
Periodically updated by Avid with scheduling, announcements, and general info
CALLS FOR ARTISTS’ INPUT
My goal is to bring variety and creativity to
my figure modeling, including different themes for planned sessions. At the
bottom of this newsletter is a table with a ‘menu’ of theme titles and
descriptions I can interpret. I keep adding to that list as ideas evolve. I
welcome hearing from artists anytime items from the menu that interest them, or
their own ideas/variations. Email is
usually best: avid44444@avidlightmodel.com (but
omit all “4s” …just an anti-bot trick)
I also pre-select a few options I will use to
plan my next round of open modeling sessions based on artists’ input.
ARTISTS: Email or Message me with your top-3
picks to vote for next round of themed sessions, to be scheduled late April into
May! Use the table at the bottom.
Email me any time to indicate interest in other listed themes for future sessions. Meanwhile check the schedule!
MODELING SCHEDULE (also see “current themes – more info” below the
chronological event list)
Events open to artists interested in work or
practice with a life model. These are all events I am hosting and/or for which
I am modeling; see availability for private bookings further below.
Session-specific details are included with each listing; additional general
info and FAQs can be found at the end of this newsletter.
APR. 8 Thursday, 12:00-2:00pm EDT (1600-2000 UTC) 2hr
THEME: “QUICK, THE DETAILS!” (#004D) Short poses zoomed/cropped to emphasize portions of
the figure
TYPE: Uninstructed drawing/painting session with male life model draped or cropped to ‘Facebook friendly’ level. All ages welcome.
COST/REGISTRATION: $14 donation requested or pay-what-you-can. Self-register with requested donation using Yondo event link or see below for additional options. Yondo event link:
https://avid.yondo.com/webinar/live-2hr-themed-life-modeling-for-artists-004/14423
APR. 11 Sunday, 1:00-4:00pm EDT (1700-2000 UTC) 3hr
THEME: “SHINE ON” (#029U) with Special Guest Model:
Jalene Long poses with oil, metallic paint, and/or other materials
along with lighting to emphasize reflectivity and sheen on the figure for an
interesting drawing/painting challenge
TYPE: Uninstructed drawing/painting session with undraped male life model; must be age 18+ or have parental permission to attend.
COST/REGISTRATION: $20 donation requested or pay-what-you-can. Self-register with requested donation using Yondo event link or see below for additional options. Yondo event link:
https://avid.yondo.com/webinar/live-3hr-themed-life-modeling-for-artists-029/14426
APR. 13 Tuesday, 7:00-10:00pm EDT (2300-0200 UTC) 3hr
THEME: “THE DETAILS, DRAWN
OUT” (#005U) Long poses zoomed/cropped to
emphasize portions of the figure
TYPE: Uninstructed drawing/painting session with undraped male life model; must be age 18+ or have parental permission to attend.
COST/REGISTRATION: $20 donation requested or pay-what-you-can. Self-register with requested donation using Yondo event link or see below for additional options. Yondo event link:
https://avid.yondo.com/webinar/live-3hr-themed-life-modeling-for-artists-005/14424
CURRENT THEMES – More Info
“QUICK,
THE DETAILS!” (#004U)
Short poses zoomed/cropped to emphasize portions of the figure &
“THE DETAILS, DRAWN OUT” (#005U) Long poses zoomed/cropped to
emphasize portions of the figure
Unless otherwise noted, the following applies
to all sessions in this theme
PLATFORM: Online via Yondo webinar * You can usually self-register up until the last minute, but please try to register in advance.
To request free trial access, pay a different amount, or use an alternative payment method please email Avid directly at least one hour prior to the session so access can be arranged. Payment/tip options: Cash App ($AvidLight), Venmo (Avid-Light), PayPal (paypal.me/avidlight1)
PLAN: Emphasis for sessions in this theme will be cropped/detail views of portions of the male figure for practice or work. Posing and lighting, combined with the zoomed-in views, will sometimes provide interesting abstract forms and sometimes anatomical detail to practice things like proportion. In “Quick, The Details!” (004) sessions, poses will be short and rapid (ranging about 1m to 10m) to challenge your interpretation or rendering of portions of the figure. “The Details, Drawn Out” (005) sessions include longer poses of cropped figure areas up to 20+ minutes so artists can work on detail, accuracy, and/or more creative interpretations of the human form. Specific pose flow announced at the beginning of each session (and/or shortly before).
“SHINE ON” (#029U)
Long poses with oil, metallic paint,
and/or other materials along with lighting to emphasize reflectivity and sheen
on the figure for an interesting drawing/painting challenge
For all sessions in this theme
PLATFORM: Online via Yondo webinar * You can usually self-register up until the last minute, but please try to register in advance.
To request free trial access, pay a different amount, or use an alternative payment method please email Avid directly at least one hour prior to the session so access can be arranged. Payment/tip options: Cash App ($AvidLight), Venmo (Avid-Light), PayPal (paypal.me/avidlight1)
PLAN: In this experimental series, things may get a little messy! Inspired somewhat by prior work with a photographer, the goal will be to add extreme reflectivity or sheen in each pose for artists to work with. While the set and props will otherwise be kept minimal, this approach adds an entire new dynamic including extreme highlights interesting ‘shine’ effects that may not always be predictable. This kind of shoot can take on an erotic edge, but we’ll keep this in the range of the artistic whether it tilts towards eroticism or not. We’ll probably work with at least 2 different types of sheen effects in each session. The March 20 session will have mostly short poses (5 to 15m); the March 23 and April 11 sessions will include more longer poses (20m or more). Specific pose flow announced at the beginning of each session (and/or shortly before).
PRIVATE BOOKINGS
ONLINE/VIRTUAL
Private appointments cost a little more than pre-scheduled webinars and open group sessions, but allow you as artist to choose your own scheduling, pose flow, and details within my abilities. There are two basic types available.
1-to-1 session technology allows private live video interaction, without requiring special software or accounts. This method is best for an individual artist, or can work for about 2 to 4 artists who are located together and sharing one computer or device to display the model view. (Participation of more than artist in a 1-to-1 sessions requires my awareness and authorization in advance).
To check my calendar availability, pricing, and to book me directly visit my Live 1-to-1 overview page. There, click "Additional info" under one of the listings or click "book now" and click through to select me as 'team member' and a date/time. Be sure to provide accurate contact info so we can confirm and coordinate details before the session. It’s best to email me also to give me a heads-up on your intentions for the session, including any preparations we should coordinate.
Private Webinars can also be arranged for small groups or classes up to 25 people. Although webinar attendees cannot interact by video or audio (only text chat), with some preparation it is feasible for me to arrange a ‘guest presenter’ such as to enable instructor or artist demo from their separate location. In this setup, the other presenter and I can decide whether the attendees are viewing/hearing the model view, instructor view, or both at any given time.
IN-PERSON
Subject to availability and certain conditions,
I can be booked for in-person figure modeling sessions for individual artists
or groups working in painting, drawing, sculpture, or photography. This
includes the Washington DC/Annapolis area; more distant assignments considered
if time & travel are feasible and compensated.
In-person bookings and rates are based on
specific availability and agreement to be coordinated, so please contact me to
inquire. Don’t hesitate to inquire about
any sort of idea or project. Particularly while the pandemic is active, my
agreement to model on an in-person basis depends on confidence that essential
precautions are being practiced.
MY THEME MENU
I maintain and add to this table to list session types and theme ideas I’m capable of working with, to help general brainstorming and inspire planning.
In the “Code” column: D=draped/clothed, U=undraped/nude, C=costume.
|
Code # |
Theme CATEGORY and Type or Title |
Description |
Avid Use Count |
|
|
|
|
|
|
009D |
ANATOMY: Extremities |
Legs, Feet, Arms, and/or Hands highlighted for detail
practice/work |
1 |
|
012D |
ANATOMY: Head/Neck |
Head (including face), Neck, top of shoulders highlighted for
detail practice/work |
|
|
011D |
ANATOMY: Torso Lower |
Abs, Pelvis, Hips, Lower Back, Glutes highlighted for detail
practice/work (draped/modest) |
|
|
011U |
ANATOMY: Torso Lower |
Abs, Pelvis, Hips, Lower Back, Glutes highlighted for detail
practice/work (explicit) |
|
|
010D |
ANATOMY: Torso Upper |
Chest, Upper Back, Shoulders highlighted for detail
practice/work |
|
|
010U |
ANATOMY: Torso Upper |
Chest, Upper Back, Shoulders highlighted for detail
practice/work |
|
|
042C |
CHARACTER: Civil War |
Character style portrait/figure of a Union General and/or a
Confederate soldier |
|
|
007C |
CHARACTER: Formally-Costumed Figure |
Whole or most figure costumed as 'character' in formal attire
(uniform, suit etc) |
1 |
|
021C |
CHARACTER: Peasants and Princes |
A “rags and riches” mix using props, poses, jewelry, costume to
interpret “characters” from opposite social extremes – the commoners and
royalty (costumed) |
|
|
021U |
CHARACTER: Peasants and Princes |
A “rags and riches” mix using props, poses, jewelry, costume to
interpret “characters” from opposite social extremes – the commoners and
royalty (nude) |
1 |
|
041C |
CHARACTER: Warrior |
Character style portrait/figure with costuming inspired by
knights, archers, mercenaries etc. (costume) |
|
|
035D |
CONCEPT POV Overhead |
Poses working with unusual/dramatic overhead camera positions
(viewed from above figure) (draped/modest) |
|
|
035U |
CONCEPT POV Overhead |
Poses working with unusual/dramatic overhead camera positions
(viewed from above figure) (nude) |
1 |
|
014D |
CONCEPT: Angles and Lines -- Detail |
Cropped/close-up views with angular poses and lighting set to emphasize
bold and/or interesting lines on small portions of the figure (draped/modest) |
|
|
014U |
CONCEPT: Angles and Lines -- Detail |
Cropped/close-up views with angular poses and lighting set to
emphasize bold and/or interesting lines on small portions of the figure
(explicit) |
|
|
013D |
CONCEPT: Angles and Lines -- Whole |
Angular poses with whole-figure views and lighting set to
emphasize bold and/or interesting lines on the figure (draped/modest) |
|
|
013U |
CONCEPT: Angles and Lines -- Whole |
Angular poses with whole-figure views and lighting set to
emphasize bold and/or interesting lines on the figure (nude) |
1 |
|
025D |
CONCEPT: Bodypainted – Artists’ Choice |
From menu of bodypaint colors and design options, artists ‘vote’
to select body parts to paint for each pose and build a group bodypaint
design (draped/modest) |
|
|
025U |
CONCEPT: Bodypainted – Artists’ Choice |
From menu of bodypaint colors and design options, artists ‘vote’
to select body parts to paint for each pose and build a group bodypaint
design (nude) |
1 |
|
030D |
CONCEPT: Bodypainted – Paint-By-Number |
Specific areas of body are labeled with #s; artists use numbers
to select, direct colors/patterns (draped/modest) |
|
|
030U |
CONCEPT: Bodypainted – Paint-By-Number |
Specific areas of body are labeled with #s; artists use numbers
to select, direct colors/patterns (explicit) |
1 |
|
017D |
CONCEPT: Dangerous Times |
Specialized theme with poses and props (traditional weapons,
protective devices etc) that elicit concepts of strife, conflict, struggle
(draped/costumed/modest) |
1 |
|
017U |
CONCEPT: Dangerous Times |
Specialized theme with poses and props (traditional weapons, protective
devices etc) that elicit concepts of strife, conflict, struggle (nude) |
|
|
006D |
CONCEPT: Doing Things |
Poses inspired by specific activities, may include practical
props (modesty) |
2 |
|
006U |
CONCEPT: Doing Things |
Poses inspired by specific activities, may include practical
props (nude) |
2 |
|
022D |
CONCEPT: Duality |
Poses/lighting/composition playing with concepts duality even
within one’s own identity – reflections, shadows, alternates, daemons,
ghosting, etc. (draped/modest) |
|
|
022U |
CONCEPT: Duality |
Poses/lighting/composition playing with concepts duality even
within one’s own identity – reflections, shadows, alternates, daemons,
ghosting, etc. (nude) |
|
|
023D |
CONCEPT: Duo Quick-Draw with Props |
Collaboration with another model featuring a “dual” in which
each model reacts to and interprets poses to work with artist-selected props
(draped/clothed/modest) |
1 |
|
023U |
CONCEPT: Duo Quick-Draw with Props |
Collaboration with another model featuring a “dual” in which
each model reacts to and interprets poses to work with artist-selected props
(nude) |
|
|
016D |
CONCEPT: Fabrics and Materials |
Poses that incorporate cloth and other materials with the
figure, adding drawing/painting challenge to handle texture and flow of
materials (draped/modest) |
1 |
|
016U |
CONCEPT: Fabrics and Materials |
Poses that incorporate cloth and other materials with the
figure, adding drawing/painting challenge to handle texture and flow of materials
(nude) |
|
|
015D |
CONCEPT: Interesting Perspectives |
Mix of whole-figure poses viewed from different interesting
and/or unusual vantage points to help practice foreshortening and perspective
(draped/clothed/modest) |
|
|
015U |
CONCEPT: Interesting Perspectives |
Mix of whole-figure poses viewed from different interesting
and/or unusual vantage points to help practice foreshortening and perspective
(nude) |
|
|
026D |
CONCEPT: Into Shape(s) |
Poses working with somewhat abstract fitness or
activity-oriented shapes, such as interacting with a yoga ball or strenuous
pose (clothed/draped) |
|
|
026U |
CONCEPT: Into Shape(s) |
Poses working with somewhat abstract fitness or
activity-oriented shapes, such as interacting with a yoga ball or strenuous
pose (nude) |
|
|
029D |
CONCEPT: Shine On! |
oil, liquid, metallic paint and lighting used emphasizing
sheen/reflectivity (draped/modest) |
|
|
029U |
CONCEPT: Shine On! |
oil, liquid, metallic paint and lighting used emphasizing
sheen/reflectivity (explicit) |
3 |
|
019D |
CONCEPT: Wild Light 1 -- Detail |
Theme variation using harsh overhead or angular lighting to
illuminate specific portions of the figure (zoomed/cropped) in a dramatic,
usually high contrast (draped/modest) |
|
|
019U |
CONCEPT: Wild Light 1 -- Detail |
Theme variation using harsh overhead or angular lighting to
illuminate specific portions of the figure (zoomed/cropped) in a dramatic,
usually high contrast (nude) |
|
|
018D |
CONCEPT: Wild Light 1 – Whole |
This theme series uses harsh overhead or angular lighting to
illuminate the whole figure in a dramatic, usually high contrast way
(draped/clothed/modest) |
|
|
018U |
CONCEPT: Wild Light 1 – Whole |
This theme series uses harsh overhead or angular lighting to
illuminate the whole figure in a dramatic, usually high contrast way (nude) |
1 |
|
028U |
CONCEPT: Wild Light 2 - Detail |
close-cropped views & abstract forms using small/local
lights |
1 |
|
027U |
CONCEPT: Wild Light 2 - Whole |
whole/most figure using small light panels in unusual angles |
1 |
|
034D |
CONCEPT: Wisp |
Working with sheer fabrics, screens, lighting used to create
ethereal, flowy, silhouetted looks with the figure (draped/modest) |
|
|
034U |
CONCEPT: Wisp |
Working with sheer fabrics, screens, lighting used to create
ethereal, flowy, silhouetted looks with the figure (draped/modest) |
|
|
005D |
ESSENTIALS: Drawn-Out Details |
General long pose practice on detail view of figure sections
(modesty) |
|
|
005U |
ESSENTIALS: Drawn-Out Details |
General long pose practice on detail view of figure sections
(nude) |
1 |
|
003D |
ESSENTIALS: Figurative Long Pose |
General practice with whole (or most) figure long pose(s)
(modesty) |
1 |
|
003U |
ESSENTIALS: Figurative Long Pose |
General practice with whole (or most) figure long pose(s) (nude) |
1 |
|
001D |
ESSENTIALS: Gestures/Short Poses - Basic |
General practice with whole-figure classic and/or static gesture
poses (modesty) |
3 |
|
001U |
ESSENTIALS: Gestures/Short Poses - Basic |
General practice with whole-figure classic and/or static gesture
poses (nude) |
2 |
|
002D |
ESSENTIALS: Gestures/Short Poses - Dynamic |
General practice with whole-figure active, dynamic, and/or
athletic gesture poses (with modesty) |
3 |
|
002U |
ESSENTIALS: Gestures/Short Poses - Dynamic |
General practice with whole-figure active, dynamic, and/or
athletic gesture poses (nude) |
2 |
|
024D |
ESSENTIALS: High-Key Figure |
Mixed figurative poses in high-key setting and lighting -
overall bright background and strong lighting on figure, usually somewhat
even (draped/clothed/modest) |
|
|
024U |
ESSENTIALS: High-Key Figure |
Mixed figurative poses in high-key setting and lighting -
overall bright background and strong lighting on figure, usually somewhat
even (nude) |
|
|
043D |
ESSENTIALS: Portrait - Basic |
Essential portrait view and practice, face/head or to shoulders
(clothed simply or draped/cropped) |
|
|
043C |
ESSENTIALS: Portrait - Costumed |
Portrait view and practice with face/head or to upper torso
(clothed in some recognizable costume/outfit) |
1 |
|
004D |
ESSENTIALS: Quick, the Details! |
General short pose practice with cropped detail views of figure
sections (modesty) |
|
|
004U |
ESSENTIALS: Quick, the Details! |
General short pose practice with cropped detail views of figure
sections (nude) |
1 |
|
008D |
POSITION: Kneeling/Lunging Figure |
Figurative poses emphasizing lunging, kneeling (modesty) |
1 |
|
008U |
POSITION: Kneeling/Lunging Figure |
Figurative poses emphasizing lunging, kneeling (nude) |
1 |
|
031D |
POSITION: Not-A-Dancer |
Classical, experimental, extreme, athletic poses … executed
unprofessionally (draped/modest) |
|
|
031U |
POSITION: Not-A-Dancer |
Classical, experimental, extreme, athletic poses by an unprofessional
(nude) |
1 |
|
033U |
SCENE: Bathtub |
Figure scene using large contemporary tub - could add candles,
bath bombs etc to set mood (nude) |
|
|
040C |
SCENE: Business/Office |
Scene-setting poses with professional attire, conference table,
workstation etc suggesting business or government workplace
(costumed/clothed) |
|
|
020D |
SCENE: Classic Columns |
Specialized theme with figurative poses incorporating
architectural and/or decorative columns for leaning or compositional element
(clothed/draped/modest) |
|
|
020U |
SCENE: Classic Columns |
Specialized theme with figurative poses incorporating
architectural and/or decorative columns for leaning or compositional element
(nude) |
1 |
|
044D |
SCENE: Hot Tub |
Overhead and/or angled views of figure relaxing and forming
shapes in off-white hot tub (daylight or artificial light; outside temp. must
be at least 55F) (minimally clothed) |
|
|
044U |
SCENE: Hot Tub |
Overhead and/or angled views of figure relaxing and forming shapes
in off-white hot tub (daylight or artificial light; outside temp. must be at
least 55F) (nude/partially obscured) |
|
|
037D |
SCENE: Kitchen |
Lifestyle type poses involving cooking, meal prep, dining type
scenes (costumed/clothed) |
|
|
039D |
SCENE: Lounging |
Poses conveying scenes of reading, relaxing, playing game on
chair/couch, sleeping, etc. (clothed/draped/modest) |
1 |
|
039U |
SCENE: Lounging |
Poses conveying scenes of reading, relaxing, playing game on
chair/couch, sleeping, etc. (nude) |
|
|
032U |
SCENE: Shower |
Standing poses in a tiled shower w/ option to use glass door
(nude/explicit) |
|
|
036D |
SCENE: Stairwell (indoor) |
Figure poses that work with angles, receding lines, and other
dynamics found around staircase(s) (clothed/draped) |
|
|
036U |
SCENE: Stairwell (indoor) |
Figure poses that work with angles, receding lines, and other
dynamics found around staircase(s) (nude) |
1 |
|
038C |
SCENE: Workout |
Lifestyle oriented poses working with the fitness/exercise/gym
scenes (costumed/clothed) |
|
|
038U |
SCENE: Workout |
Lifestyle oriented poses working with the fitness/exercise/gym
scenes (nude) |
|
GENERAL INFO / FAQs
* WHAT IS A YONDO WEBINAR?
Yondo is the platform I mainly use for hosting online modeling events and content, including webinars. While Zoom and other “meeting” style platforms have exploded in popularity, this provides an alternative. A webinar is not intended for heavy interaction; think of it more like a stage presentation except that audience members can interact using built-in text chat. You do not need a microphone, camera, or special software to participate – you view it on any modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari preferred). This also cuts down on a lot of the typical distractions on Zoom and allows a little more privacy.
You do not need a Yondo account to attend but will need to sign in with a name (real or fake) and email address. If you register directly be sure to sign in with the email address you used. Only I as host will automatically see your presence and email address. If you wish to remain hidden from other attendees simply do not type anything in chat (when you do type, the name you used to sign in is shown with your chat).
The registration link provided with webinar listings allow you to self-register with the requested donation amount; you can normally do this up to the last minute or even after a scheduled event has begun. Yondo will then send you access information. Alternatively, if you pay me separately or differently or I’ve agreed to let you in free, I can manually send you a link.
For open session webinars I usually pipe in background music but leave my mic off. I try to use text chat when I need to announce something. Video stream quality is usually clearer and better on Yondo, and their usage terms permit nudity in artistic contexts – two of the reasons I prefer Yondo. However, I still sometimes use Zoom when its interactive features are needed or when working with a group that uses it.
MY SCREENSHOT/PHOTO/RECORDING RULES and REFERENCE PHOTO AVAILABILITY
Modeling work is a type of intellectual property, has privacy considerations, and there are important reasons to preserve the “life” in life modeling. Like most professional art models, I do *not* by default allow artists to take screen shots (either on the device or by photographing their screen) during live sessions. Exceptions are sometimes made so you are welcome to ask.
As this is part of our livelihood, we also tend to protect the notion that our modeling imagery has value (else you would not be using it!) – so we typically offer reference photos for a small fee. For most sessions, with a little notice I can create still images and them available to you shortly after the session for continued work on particular poses. Typical rates are $5 for a ‘screen quality’ version (using the same webcam as the live stream), or $10 for a higher quality and resolution version made with a DSLR. It’s important to let me know during a live session or very soon after if this is something you’d like, so the images can be made while the setup is intact and the pose is fresh in mind.
WHY ARE (SOME) SESSIONS MARKED 18+?
This does not mean a session contains any pornographic, sexually explicit, or ‘adult’ content. Some sessions do involve full nudity artistic contexts for figure drawing/painting work or practice, however. As noted, attendees to these sessions must be age 18+ or have had parental permission sent to Avid in advance of the session. This is simply to avoid surprises or offending anyone’s sensibilities.
PAYMENT/TIP OPTIONS
You do not need a PayPal account to pay for events or services I I host on Yondo (webinars, 1-on-1 sessions, videos on demand). But events hosted elsewhere, other services like reference photos, or accepting tips I have a few other payment options. You do need an account to use these:
- PayPal (use web address paypal.me/avidlight1)
- Venmo (to Avid-Light) – smartphone app
- CashApp ($AvidLight) – smartphone app
SHARING/SOCIAL MEDIA
I always appreciate it when artists share works in progress or projects that they completed based on my modeling services. I also respect artists’ wishes about further sharing, so please let me know if you wish my usage to be limited (for example “portfolio use OK with artist credit, but no social media”).
Likewise, although sharing photographic screen grabs etc. is a no-no, it is almost always acceptable to share work you did in other media (drawing, painting etc.) from my modeling work in your portfolio or social media shares. Tagging my model name is appreciated. If in doubt, just ask (especially if you think the content is sensitive).
AFFILIATIONS and MEMBERSHIPS
DCAMC: I’m honored to be part of the DC Art Model Collective (DCAMC) and happy to refer artists to any of the other great pro models in it. Check out the DCAMC webpage www.dcartmodelcollective.com for info and introductions to the other models. We try to help each other out with logistics, referrals, substitutions, etc. We are a very diverse, experienced group!
SCHOOLS: Though suspended because of COVID, I have experience with art modeling at George Washington University, University of Maryland, and a couple other school programs in the area.
ARTISTS, STUDIOS, GROUPS: It’s been my privilege to work for several private art groups, galleries, and institutes as well as for some of their affiliated artists – on occasional or continuing basis
· The Art League (based in Alexandria, VA)
· Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM) (based in Provincetown MA)
· Washington Studio School (based in Washington, DC)
· And more! (A huge thank-you to all the groups and artists keeping art alive, and booking me for sessions!)
·
MY RESUME: not always up-to-date, but I try! Available here: Link to Avid Light's resume in PDF form