The Art of being a model

Figure art has been around since the beginning of man. The evidence is still in caves. Today the figure artist has the advantage of a model that is standing still. That in itself is an art. I am a model, I guess you know that by now. Who would think that standing, sitting or even laying down would be so difficult and develop into an art form. I have heard student artists complain about a model that moves too much. Perhaps a model has been in a pose for 30 minutes and sometimes more so they take a break and come back to the pose. It is very difficult to get the same pose back exactly and new artists in particular have a difficult time making the adjustment in their drawing or understanding  how to use the foundation they started with to continue with the drawing. I have often heard the teacher say "don't chase the model"
It is the models job to be still as much as possible. Not always an easy task. Muscles and joints are not used to being motionless for long periods even in sleep. A focus is needed mentally to be still and here is the "art" of being a model. I sometimes will pretend I am a granite sculpture. My eyes will focus on a an object or shape of any kind to hold my head straight. This is a key because most of the body will follow suit if you hold your head still. If you are contemplating being a model try practicing at home first. Use a timer and see how long can you sit still. The minimum would be 20 minutes as these are commonly repeated in a classroom setting.
Doing standing poses for long periods puts a lot of stress on knees, ankles, feet and back. Certainly adjustments can be made in pose but always keep in mind the original pose to settle back into it.
The experienced artist will have much less a problem with a moving model but most would say they would much prefer one that does not move.
The art of being a model is much more that just holding the pose, it is also understanding the pose itself and what the lesson is calling for or what an artist is looking to accomplish. The experienced artist will most certainly have ideas if you can't think of something. Always listen and try to give what the artist needs. This is the short lesson, much more is involved, just remember if you are an artist - - your model has a tough job that few people want to do,-- try to be patient.

Happy drawing!