The Old Dairy, London, 2 July 2014

Incredible to think it has been ten long months since my debut for Life Draw N4 in Crouch Hill. Frustratingly during that time I’d had to decline two potential bookings at their venue, The Old Dairy, due to prior commitments. Now, at last, I was back.

Whether it was due to summer holidays, or Wimbledon tennis, or World Cup football, the crowd of artists had thinned somewhat. Not quite one man and his dog; more like 10 to 12 people and a dog. Still, it is a nice friendly group, with a comfortable amount of working space for all.

I spread my large white sheet across the middle of the function room floor, and over a small pillow-cushioned stool. When the dressing gown came off, the art commenced.

For much of the time I was posing with my back was to the curtain that separated the function room from the main bars. How much could be glimpsed by bar patrons as the artists came and went for drinks, I know not, and mind less.

Certainly when a double-decker bus pulled up outside, anyone on the upper deck who happened to glance through the clear glass at the top of our otherwise frosted window would have caught a generous eyeful. Pens at the ready, I hope, as the bus idled for a good long while.

The pose sequence for the first session started 5 minutes, 4, 3, 2, 1, increasing to 10, 15 and 20 minutes up to the break.

Left: 3 minutes, 1 minute, 2 minutes; right: 10 minutes, 15 minutes

15 minute standing pose

20 minute reclining pose

20 minute reclining pose

After a 10-minute rest, I resumed with a single 35-minute pose to take the session to its end. A warm, unbidden round of applause helped coax my numb, rigid limbs back to life. We were done.

35 minute seated pose

The time seemed to fly by – always the sign of a good session. A few positive words from artists at the end sent me on my way with an extra spring in my step.

35 minute seated pose

Next work will be for the same group on Monday, at The Sun in Clapham – I wait ten months for a booking and then two come at once. The more the merrier, I say.