Art in the Village, London, 24 March 2024

Under multicoloured spotlights in a back room of The Village Green pub, I began my life modelling return for Art in the Village with four 2-minute poses; seated on a table at the centre of the room, turning 90° each time, brandishing polystyrene blocks…

In truth our lighting was much closer to natural white light. As every lamp was formed of multiple tiny coloured bulbs, however, it somehow tricked our cameras into making me look weirdly purple. No such problems for the artists drawing me, though.

Next I was asked to recline for the main pose that would occupy the remainder of our session. Happy to oblige, I settled back and arranged my limbs such that each would add something unique to my overall topography when observed from any direction.

We took a break after 20 minutes. Not that I needed a break from the pose itself, but the time had come for tea and biscuits. I was being exceptionally well catered-for, as I’d already been served a delicious cappuccino upon arrival. It’s nice to be spoiled. 🙂

After these refreshments I resumed my pose. Photos taken in the first half were used as an aid for fine-tuning me back into position. Upon restarting, group organiser Cleo continued sharing advice and encouragement with artists, as she had throughout.

It would be impossible to praise Cleo too highly for her thoughtfulness and generosity; before, during, and after the life drawing. Her group truly feels like a community within a community. Muswell Hill is blessed… and so was I to have been invited back.