Waterloo Action Centre, London, 13 December 2025 – part 2

30 Dec 2025

After an unexpectedly high number of artists attended the previous London Drawing session (part 1) at Waterloo Action Centre this afternoon, I wondered how dramatic the inevitable dip for ‘part 2’ would be. Well, the answer was: not too dramatic at all.

Many artists left during the half-hour between each session, but also a steady flow of newcomers arrived. Tutor Andrea Voisey asked me to start with an 8-minute pose to allow time for everyone to settle. Next, a 2-minute pose while she provided a demo.

Nine quick poses of 1, 2, 3 or 5 minutes followed, after which we changed pace. One pose of 21 minutes took us to a break, and then a single 40-minute pose brought our afternoon to a close.

That last pose was my thirtieth of the day. The exertions had well and truly caught up with me; adrenaline and enthusiasm alone could no longer keep me upright so it had to be a seated pose. But of course, I angled and aligned each limb uniquely.

I was tired at the end, but wholly enjoyed the day. Not least because so many friends and familiar faces were present: Andrea and fellow London Drawing tutor Josie (who came simply to paint), with Tim and Sue and Chrissy drawing, plus more besides.

Working at the heart of a big hall packed with dozens of artists at easels or chairs, all enclosing me in a grand horseshoe, I felt privileged. It’s work that can be demanding, draining, objectifying, painful and misunderstood, but it lifts me to be wanted for it.