Starting an Open Studio Life Group
- Admin
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
By Marianne Rice
Ask any teaching artist and they will tell you, the best way to advance your skill is to work from life. Painting from direct observation in portraiture, still life or plein air is an essential aspect of any art practice. If you live in an urban area, there are likely artist studios, colleges and art centers that have open studios with live models available. If you live in a small rural community, like I do, you may want to consider offering your own open studio life group.
Putting in the effort to attend and host regular open studios has been the single most beneficial step to my growth as an emerging artist. Painting the portrait and figure from life informs studio work, allows better interpretation of photographs, helps loosen up brushwork, improves draftsmanship and color mixing and cultivates a sense of community among local artists.
When I first started painting, I discovered a wonderful artist in a town 45 minutes away willing to give lessons. I was introduced to their weekly life group that painted portraits in the winter and ventured out for plein air painting during the summer. I still join that group regularly, but eventually wanted to bring something similar to my rural community, where local artists could gather, work from models and inspire and encourage one another.
I have attended open studio life groups in various cities, including Chicago’s Palette & Chisel Academy and Richeson’s School of Art in Kimberly, Wisconsin, and the set up is always similar. For a portrait, a model will pose for a three hour session, sitting comfortably in a chair, gaze fixed on a specific spot to help keep consistent positioning. The model sits for 20-25 minutes set on a timer, and then takes a five-minute break to get up and move around before getting back into position.
Each participating artist brings their own art supplies and contributes a small fee to help pay for the hired model. Some larger studios provide drawing horses and easels for participants. In smaller locations, participating artists bring their own portable easels.
What to Charge, What to Pay?
Model fees can vary depending on location and model experience. In general, it is standard to pay a clothed model between $60-$90 for a 3-hour session. Each participating artist pays $10-$20 to the facilitator to participate. At some locations, a tip jar for the model is also left out.
When I first started hosting open studios, often fewer than six artists participated (the number needed to cover the full model fee), so I paid more than my share of the model fee from extra money I contributed to the kitty. Now, when more than six artists show, the extra money stays in the kitty to cover future low attendance or if we are fortunate enough to build a little nest egg, the extra funds can go toward better lighting, an adequate model stand, drawing horses, easels or props, etc.
What is Essential?
A studio with high ceilings and beautiful North light may be the gold standard, but most artists work in less than ideal studios. General supplies include a model stand to raise a sitting model to eye level for standing artists, a comfortable chair for the model to sit on, lighting for the model, adequate lighting on the easels and drapery or a screen to block competing light sources and add a backdrop of color.
Basic woodworking plans for a hand-built model stand can be found online, but a sturdy plywood platform on a cinder block base would also work. Genaray bicolor LED model lighting is wonderful, but you can get started with a simple aluminum clamp light and a daylight bulb. Take advantage of nice weather and set up a model outside whenever possible. Work with what you have and build from there.
Sourcing Models
College campuses, ateliers and art centers often have working model lists. Sourcing models for smaller life groups may look a little different, but the concept is similar. Family and friends are often willing to give modeling a try at least once. Teenagers and young adults will jump at the opportunity to make some spending money when the only expectation is to sit still. College art students, waiters, baristas and colorful local personalities will often say “yes” if approached with a business card and a smile.
For teenagers, I often set up a tablet on a tripod and allow them to watch a favorite show with one earbud in. This fixes their gaze and captures their attention without the temptation to squirm or fall asleep. Curate a music play list, serve coffee or tea, make it an enjoyable, novel experience, and you will have your own list of local models in no time.
Getting artists to come!
Before my first open studio, I sent an introductory email to every local artist, art teacher and creative I could find. I presented my idea and asked if they were interested in being on the email list. My local newspaper wrote an article on my life group that included my contact information. From there, I continued to add people to my contact list as word got out.
I host monthly open studios on a set date; the second Monday of each month from 6-9 p.m. I send out a reminder email the Friday before and confirm with my model. I have been hosting open studios in a rural community of less than 10,000 people for two years now, and have a core group of 4-8 artists that attend regularly.
The ground work required to host a life group has been well worth the effort. The challenge has grown our skill, our confidence and our local art community. It’s not uncommon for an artist to sell their life study to the model or parent of the model after an open studio. A real confidence boost, celebrated by all!
