Avid
Light Modeling – Web Newsletter & Update
Periodically updated by Avid with scheduling, announcements, and general info
NEWS & UPDATES
In-Person Bookings
(DC/Baltimore/Annapolis area)
Nowadays I am accepting
in-person life modeling bookings, and have started
working with some area schools and artists. How refreshing to see each other in
3D and hear the sound of charcoal, graphite, brushes etc! I don’t yet have a way to show my availability and allow private
bookings online, but meanwhile feel free to email me (avid@avidlightmodel.com) if you have
a project or group for which you need a male model. My schedule varies but I
have a lot of time slots available most weeks.
Simplified Scheduling for
Open Virtual Sessions
Things have
been changing pretty fast as we’ve entered summer and
collectively started emerging from COVID like so many cicadas! OK, we haven’t
actually been living underground as larvae for 17 years, though it may
sometimes seem like it 😊
Anyway, I’m continuing my more simplified and regular schedule for open
sessions online. Anyone, worldwide, can register for these even if they cannot
pay the suggested donation amount.
Meanwhile, participation
in online modeling sessions has been tapering off. That’s OK! I don’t plan to stop online
offerings. Virtual modeling sessions have many disadvantages, but also pluses
such as allowing artists and models across the world to meet and enjoy each
other’s variety and diversity. It has truly
been an honor and a terrific experience to meet and model for people as far
away as China, the UK, South Africa, rural U.S. and more. I don’t
want to lose advantages like that but will just lower the frequency. I’ll keep time slots as long as there are ‘some’ registrations.
As a
reminder, I can be booked for a private online session which allows you as
artist to determine some or most aspects of posing, themes, etc. Email me to
inquire and see what we can set up. Accordingly, costs are a bit more than
attending open sessions, but I try to keep them affordable.
Currently I
host 3 open sessions per month but starting in August will drop that to two. The “First Friday Figure Frenzy” will be
eliminated unless I hear 2 or more specific requests to keep that time slot.
I enjoy the fast-paced gesture sets, but to be blunt it’s
too much prep and work for one or two paying attendees. I plan to add more core
gesture/figure work into my “Forth Thursday Night Essentials” and see how it
goes with open session on just the 3rd and 4th weeks each
month.
Artists’ Input Invited!
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 and pre-select a few options I will use to plan my next open modeling
sessions. 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)
MODELING SCHEDULE
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 info 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.
NOTE:
henceforward, this newsletter will show just the recurring schedule for the
monthly open sessions, along with a link to the centralized registration page which
lists all specific events that been set
MONTHLY AVID-HOSTED
OPEN VIRTUAL LIFE DRAWING/PAINTING SESSIONS
Mark your calendar!
Each month I will hold the following sessions on Zoom as
long as at least 1 artist is registered, unless cancellations/changes
are needed.
FIRST FRIDAYS, 12:00-2:00pm EDT (1600-1800 UTC) – “First Friday Figure Frenzy” ##Ends
after JULY (unless new demand)
- ESSENTIALS or ANATOMY series emphasizing
GESTURES/SHORT FIGURATIVE POSES. Draped or nude depending on month. Scheduled
as 2-hour session but artists will have option to pay for and attend either 1
or 2 hours.
To register, see listings on: https://buytickets.at/avidlightmodeling
THIRD SATURDAYS, 3:00-6:00pm EDT (1900-2200
UTC) – “Theme Thing Third Saturday”
- THEMED 3-hour session.
Draped/clothed, costumed, or undraped/nude model(s) depending on that month’s
theme. All skill levels. Specific concept, scene, character etc. TBA with
monthly event listing or sign up for some fun surprises!
To register, see listings on: https://buytickets.at/avidlightmodeling
FOURTH THURSDAYS, 7:00-10:00pm EDT (2300-0200
UTC) – “Fourth Thursday Night Essentials”
- ESSENTIALS or ANATOMY 3-hour session emphasizing GESTURES,
MEDIUM, and a couple LONG POSES -- undraped/nude. All skill levels; may favor
intermediate to advanced. May include experimentation or abstraction.
To register, see listings on: https://buytickets.at/avidlightmodeling
OTHER
UPCOMING SESSIONS & OFFERINGS
July 26, 7:00-9:00pm EDT (2300-0100 UTC): WSS Virtual Drop-in Figure Drawing
THEME:
modeling for Washington Studio School’s weekly open session
for artists
WHERE: Online via Zoom.
REGISTRATION:
See info including registration contacts at
https://www.washingtonstudioschool.org/drop-in-figure-drawing
TYPE:
Draped/minimally-clothed professional
male life model in uninstructed but moderated live session for practice or work
in figure drawing/painting. Attendees of any age skill level welcome.
PRIVATE BOOKINGS
ONLINE/VIRTUAL
Private appointments cost a little more than pre-scheduled open sessions but allow you as artist to choose your own scheduling, pose flow, and details within my abilities. There are two basic types available.
Individual Session. Best for a single artist, or up to three co-located artists 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).
Please email me to check my calendar availability, pricing, and to book me.
Private Group or Class. When scheduling allows, I can be booked for one or more sessions to model for schools, classes, private groups, or events needing a figure model during online sessions. If you are the model coordinator, moderator, or organizer of such a group feel free to inquire. I’m happy to pre-coordinate specific instructional goals or needs you may have or suggest a session framework. ‘
IN-PERSON
I am now available for
in-person modeling bookings in the Washington D.C./Annapolis/Baltimore area, or
further if travel arrangements are agreed. I have been fully vaccinated against
COVID-19, but happy to follow ongoing precautions for others’ sakes as needed.
If I am available and capable
of the modeling work needed, I can attend sessions as short as two hours (or
one hour if located nearby) up to 4 hours in one day or multiple days total.
This depends on situation but in my experience the typical “sweet spot” for
session duration with a live model, in terms productivity and alertness for
artist and model, 2.5 to 3 hours.
Un-person bookings can be
made by individual artists, schools, or groups working in painting, drawing,
sculpture, or photography. This availability generally covers the Washington
DC/Annapolis/Baltimore area without travel charges; more distant assignments
will be considered depending on feasibility and compensation for travel time
& expenses.
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.
GENERAL INFO / FAQs
ONLINE/ZOOM SESSION INFO, RULES & ETIQUETTE
PENDING (meanwhile, generally speaking if everyone is respectful and not trying to be a jerk, it’s all good 😊)
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 $10 for a higher quality and resolution version made with a DSLR. It’s important to let me know during a live session or very soon after if this is something you’d like, so the images can be made while the setup is intact, and the pose is fresh in mind.
WHY ARE SOME SESSIONS 18+ AND SOME ARE NOT?
Zoom sessions noted as 18+ do not contain any pornographic, sexually explicit, or ‘adult’ content. Sessions with nudity in artistic/educational contexts for figure drawing/painting may be fine for artists under 18, but to avoid surprises or offending anyone’s sensibilities attendees to these sessions must be age 18+ or have had permission of a parent or legal guardian sent to Avid.
PAYMENT/TIP OPTIONS
You do not need a PayPal account to pay for events or services for which a ‘shopping cart’ or self-registration has been set. But for accepting tips, donations, or separate transactions I have a few other payment options. You do need an account to use these:
- PayPal (use web address paypal.me/avidlight1)
- Venmo (to Avid-Light) – smartphone app
- CashApp ($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
AVID’s THEME IDEA 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) |
1 |
|
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) |
1 |
|
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 (modesty draped and/or
clothed) |
|
|
034U |
CONCEPT: Wisp |
Working with sheer fabrics, screens, lighting used to create
ethereal, flowy, silhouetted looks with the figure (nude or partially draped) |
|
|
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) |
1 |
|
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) |
1 |
|
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) |
|