Nude Modeling for Art

I was just wondering what the general public thought about doing nude modeling for college art classes. Until I find a job, i could really use some extra money. 

Do you all consider this a crass, whorish thing to do? In my mind, it's not a big deal.  But I just wanted some input.

No way is it 'whorish'! I took some art classes in college, and in my opinion, it's better to learn from a live model than drawing from a book. Heck, the only way I could think that it would be 'whorish' is if you where having sex for money. Being naked and having sex, last time I checked, are two totally different things.

I say go for it, you'd not only get some extra money, you'd be helping out art students, two good things! 

If youre confidant enough, I'd say go for it! Its not whorish at all.

IMHO, nudity and sex are completely separate things. Art of the nude figure is usually about celebrating the human body, or sometimes it is used to symbolize  abstract concepts like innocence or vulnerability. Of course there are no constants in the art world, so I am sure others will have differing opinions.

There's nothing crass or whorish about being a nude model for an art school, though. Anyone who would make that association needs to get their mind out of the gutter if you ask me.

All right, thanks everyone.  It's not that I'm confident enough in my body to do it, but that I do see it simply as art, and I don't have to be perfect for that.  I think it might be a good way to boost my confidence and be more comfortable with myself. 

As long as I get the OK from the boyfriend, I think I'll go for it.

Totally not whorish.  Not only do I respect someone who can bare it all in front of a crowd, I admire anyone who can sit still for that long.

I had a friend do it, and she said it was a great experience.

The human body is beautiful and a wonderful subject for art.  The only way for a student to learn figure is to draw the nude figure and for that one needs a nude model.  This is perfectly moral and I really dont know why anyone would think otherwise.

I have been a drawing student with nude models and once you get over the initial weirdness it becomes really fun; as a student I am highly appreciative of anyone willing to pose for the class (it can be quite tiring and cold!).  Students especially appreciate a fun and confident model who does interesting poses.  And they are the ones that continue to get more work.

I have never been in a class with a "perfect" nude model -- not even close!  (It it always nice to get a woman with a curvy figure with lots to draw.)  It's not about what you look like.

Have fun.

I took a nude studies class in college and we had two different female models.  One was lanky, lean, tall with several tattoos and piercings.  She was very proud about her body but after weeks of drawing her I grew to dislike the harsh lines her body made.  The second model was full-figured, soft and curvy.  I loved drawing her and felt inspired every time she was in the room.  I myself have considered modeling for art schools at some point in time.  It is definitely about appreciating and valuing one of the most natural and beautiful forms in the world and is definitely not whorish or dirty.

i've drawn from live nude models. it is in no way sexual or inappropriate. it's nudity purely for the sake of art, not a "dirty" job at all. keep in mind that artists want to draw curvy and full-figured models, not the runway type with all the sharp lines. also, if you're going to do it, be sure you can stay VERY still :)

im an art student and go to life drawing classes with nude models, it's certainly not crass or whorish! it sounds like you are pretty confident which is helpful in a model - it's awful & distracting trying to draw from a figure who is clearly uncomfortable. go for ittt.

Not whorish or crass! If you enjoy the artform I know of a website you can check out! This guy is AMAZING, and you can even sign up to be a part of his art when/if he comes to your area.

www.spencertunick.com

Enjoy!

So the models pose themselves?

Anyway,  I guess this was a wasted question. My boyfriend seems to be very against this. I was kinda looking forward to it.

Yeah, while I totally agree that nude modeling is not at all crass or dirty, I think it's a different matter for your significant other to be OK with people seeing you naked.

While for the artists, it's not really sexual, it's still basically you showing your body to other guys...I'm assuming that's the problem

I do some photography and I took a semi-sexy photo of myself once, which I was thinking about selling but my boyfriend was not happy about that idea, and he's a fine arts major in college!

Bah, my mother'd absolutely flip out.

My boyfriend did end up giving me the ok after I explained why the modeling is not just immature boys getting a quick peek.  He wants to support me, but the fact that it caused any discomfort in the first place made me decide against it. I know he shouldn't be able to dictate my life, but he's definitely more important in the long run than a few quick dollars.

I'd be more than happy to model nude.  The catch is, I'd charge by the pound.

Split

Original Post by mocha2008:

So the models pose themselves?

Anyway,  I guess this was a wasted question. My boyfriend seems to be very against this. I was kinda looking forward to it.

 I don't think Tunick's models pose themselves. I believe his art is a major undertaking of directorship and vision... he has models of all sorts, sizes, colors, gender... well only two genders... LOL! But he does take his time and much effort to get his work to be so fabulous.

I took figure drawing classes in art school and in no way is it whorish.  Artist need to learn how to draw the human form and playboy magazines don't really work so well.  I think if you do it you'll find there's nothing sexual about it.

I've done it, it was actually very rewarding i found. Didnt feel sexual AT ALL. i was happy to help a learning experience. its a good step into feeling comfortable in your skin.

I am an art student. If you for one second think that being a figure model is in any way sexual, do not do it. It is disgraceful to even think that way, honestly. I'm glad your boyfriend talked you out of doing it.