Naked ambition takes drawing classes online
A life drawing club is attracting hundreds of artists after taking their weekly meetings online. All The Young Nudes usually meet in Cabaret Voltaire in Edinburgh and Sloan’s in Glasgow but have been forced to reshape their business model in light of the coronavirus epidemic.
Club founder Joanna Susskind has had more than 300 guests logging in to her online Monday classes where artists can improve their skills sketching nude models in a variety of locations.
The classes are suitable for beginners who have never lifted a pencil or brush. Joanna said: “ATYN has been going for 12 years and we have always welcomed beginners and people of all ages. It’s really life drawing, for everyone, you don’t need to be an artist. We are all about two hours of fun and inclusion - and good music.
“Perhaps you’ve never been along in real life, but fancy seeing what it’s all about and now is your chance to join in. All you need to bring is some paper and a pencil. You can draw in your PJs, grab a cup of tea or a glass of wine, turn the volume up, and sit back and relax with us.”
The evening starts with a meet and greet during which Joanna plays a mix of music to get the creative juices flowing. After a short introduction by Joanna, the model strikes up two five minute poses followed by a 10 minute pose. After a short break, the second half includes two 20 minute poses, giving artists enough time to hone their skills.
The live stream session costs £5 and is available for replays for £3 after the session ends. Everyone who paid for a ticket will have access to the replays which means they can watch the show and pause on any pose and work on it for as long as they like.
“Each week we are lucky to have different contributors who work with us to help develop our online drawing skills. Our models are usually nude, but we have some plans for some other drawing sessions in the pipe line - still lives, animals and acrobats to name a few.”
To find out more about ATYN visit www.atyn.co.uk
Joanna Susskind