The Art of Isolation, London, 3 June 2023

South East London Life Drawing at The Art of Isolation, Surrey Quays is steadily becoming a favourite place to model. It’s not a large space, it has no pretensions, yet everything is done simply, thoroughly, naturally and well. Best of all, there is always a positive energy from the artists; enthusiasm, appreciation, focus and enjoyment. Just one drawback on this occasion: it was a glorious day and we were head-to-head with the FA Cup Final. Ergo, not the biggest turn-out ever.

Artwork by Elin.

Artwork by Toniteatime.

Artwork by Elin.

Artwork by Toniteatime.

Artwork by Elin.

Usual rules: it doesn’t matter to me whether the number of artists present is 1 or 100, they will get the best I can do. All the more reason when the number includes familiar faces whom I know respond well to my shape. We opened with a 10-minute standing pose, then went quickly through three poses of 1 minute, three of 2 minutes, and one of 3 minutes. Poses of 5, 10 and 15 minutes took us to our break for tea and biscuits, after which a single seated pose of 40 minutes completed the session.

Artwork by Elin.

Artwork by Helen.

Artwork by Toniteatime.

Artwork by Rod Kitson.

Artwork by Ned.

Even amongst a low turn-out there was variety. We had a first-timer and experienced hands. We had gregarious encouragers and private practitioners. We had artists who favour portraits and others who draw the complete figure but leave the face a blank. I am happy to serve them all. Oh, and one last commendation for the simplest ideas: a finger bowl of soapy water for those working with charcoal. It seems such an obvious thing to provide, yet I’d never seen it done before. Some places just have the knack.