Waterloo Action Centre, London, 6 December 2023

I’d modelled at Waterloo Action Centre three times in the past, but this booking was my first time solo here. In 2013 and 2014 I had made duo poses with Ursula Troche, whereas in 2018 I formed a trio with Esther Bunting and Valentina Rock, posing for Mexican TV news.

Similarly, after all these years, this was also my first time solo for London Drawing. I had modelled as part of their multi-model extravaganza events with Spirited Bodies, and of course there was the Mexican TV piece, but now it was just me. I opened with one warm-up pose of 10-minutes, then cycled through six of 2 minutes each.

London Drawing organiser, Anne Noble-Partridge led proceedings, offering ideas and suggestions for how to approach every pose. After we’d warmed-up, the remainder of our two hours was devoted to chair work. Specifically, four poses wherein I presented various postures whilst sitting on a chair. First: 10 minutes with one knee raised.

For the second seated pose – 15 minutes – I kept my legs straight, feet crossed, and arms to one side with fingers of each hand interlinked. Anne recommended artists try continuous line drawing for this and the previous pose. Several rose to her challenge. Having been awake since 3:30am, for me the challenge was keeping my eyes open.

We took a welcome break at this point. I walked around the space, feeling my energy rekindled at the sight of many pleasing drawings. That’s all it takes sometimes. When we resumed, the third seated pose was due to last 15 minutes, but by agreement ran on for an extra five. The final seated pose was to be 20 minutes from the outset.

As temperatures outside plummeted, two little fan heaters ensured I was comfortable throughout. Indeed, every aspect had been pleasant. This sort of work appeals to the life drawing purist within me: a guided session for a mix of abilities, no gimmicks, just the pleasure of artistic practice. It was good to be back.