The Art of Isolation, London, 16 December 2023

With happy symmetry, my 2023 year of life modelling was bookended by sessions for ever-wonderful The Art of Isolation. Even better was to finish the year at the group’s Christmas party event. It was to be life drawing first, party later. Artists filled the room to capacity, either seated or standing at easels, as we started with a 10-minute pose.

Artwork by Elin

After our warm-up opener, we got even warmer with a series of short quickfire poses. Three poses of 1 minute each were followed by four poses of 2 minutes each. Group organiser Rod Kitson embodied the looseness, energy and spontaneity artists need for this rapid practice as he darted to and fro, sharing ideas and encouragement.

Artwork by Zoe

Artwork by Elin

As so often here, but especially in this instance, I could feel the inspirational positivity emanating from all sides – all the more so for there being many familiar friendly faces amongst the creatives scrutinising and capturing my shapes. Several have drawn me on numerous occasions and are attuned to what I do. They get me in every sense.

Artwork by Elin

Artwork by Helen

Artwork by Zoe

The next pose of 5 minutes felt like a slowdown. Well, for me anyway as I sat for this one. Nevertheless, 5 minutes can fly by so it was probably far less relaxing for artists confronted by an array of angled limbs presenting multiple foreshortening challenges. One 15-minute standing pose, Egon Schiele-style, completed the first half.

Artwork by Sophia

Artwork by Elin

Artwork by James

With a party to follow, Rod announced that the life drawing and its interval would both be shorter than usual. Of course, when he fetched out mulled wine and mince pies at the break we were at risk of premature festiveness, but there was still art to be made! As neither time nor chatter were slowing, Rod suggested I simply get into pose.

Artwork by Raphael Elizabeth

Artwork by Elin

Artwork by Elin

Artwork by Helen

Artwork by James

Artwork by Zoe

I sat for 25 minutes; my final pose for this session and for 2023. Arms went sideways (left arm up, right arm down), legs went forwards (left knee up, right knee down), and within mere moments a hush had descended as artists resumed toiling at their posts. At the end, gratitude was shared, art was admired, and refreshments were served.

What began as a pandemic project has become a creative community. It’s a beautiful thing. By the time I eventually found my way out of the now-deserted shopping centre in which The Art of Isolation is based, I was merrily full of pizza, mince pies, wine and Baileys. Huge gratitude to Rod Kitson, love to the artists, and Merry Christmas to all!