What to expect at a figure drawing session
So you are getting back into drawing or this is your first time, congrats!! You might be wondering "what do I need to bring?!" or "what can I expect?" This is totally normal and hopefully this list will help you out.
Here is a list of essentials to bring and what to expect when attending most figure drawing sessions.
Bring your own materials and easel.
- You do not need to spend all the money on art supplies but you do need to bring the basics (see a list below).
Bring a professional attitude.
- Models are doing us an incredible service by posing for us. This isn't the time to gawk or make comments about someone's body. There is absolutely NO photography of any kind allowed without consent from the model.
- Tipping the model is not expected but much appreciated!
Being late is not a big deal (nor is leaving early).
- Most sessions are super chill. Come when you can and peace when you want.
Chatting while drawing is not really appreciated.
- It's a time to study and for a lot of people, it's a time to decompress and chill out after a long day. We take breaks and that is the time to chat with fellow artists.
If you're gonna be messy (use wet media) bring a tarp!
Supplies
- A cheap sketchbook or newspaper pad for drawing (you seriously do not need to go overboard here with expensive or fancy paper). Personally, I'm all about a 9x12 spiral bound sketchbook so I have space to draw but I can also fit it in a book bag.
- Graphite pencils (a 2H, HB, 3B are good to start with. I do light drawings with 2H then stronger lines and shading with HB and 3B)
- A kneaded eraser
- A little cheap hand sharpener
- Fancy option: Grab a drawing board and a portable easel! (Someone brought this one from Amazon that was literally $20 and it seemed great!) When you come to a session you will see all the cool things that people bring and during breaks folks are MORE than happy to talk about their supplies and what they like/why. Some people use charcoal, others pastel and more!