The Art of Isolation, London, 4 January 2026

9 Jan 2026

Life modelling in 2026 got off to a flier for me in more ways than one. No aeroplanes, but a flurry of early bookings, a fantastic opener at The Art of Isolation and actually, yes, even a brief unexpected airborne journey…

Whilst I am always enthusiastic to return to The Art of Isolation, I was slightly nervous that artists would be less forthcoming after the expenses of Christmas. I needn’t have worried though; we had a very healthy turn-out. Good energy.

As ever, Rod Kitson led the session with great vigour, offering tips and challenges to artists during the short poses of our first half, followed by a live portrait drawing demo as we got underway with the single long pose of our second half.

I threw all my usual energy into each pose but I’d been a tad under the weather since New Year so despite many lovely people being present, I held back from mingling too closely either side of each half. No need to risk passing on any lingering germs.

Everything went well and it seemed a good time was had by all. My final flier came in the car park afterwards when I tripped over a rubber speed-hump and landed heavily on my right-side. Nothing broken, just grazed palms, bruised ribs and a painful hip.

Notwithstanding that slapstick conclusion, this was an excellent beginning for the first sheet of a new calendar. I turned the page with positive intent and I retain my positive outlook. It’ll take more than a few bumps and abrasions to thwart me. Onward!