Mr and Ms Canada

I know these aren't finished drawings, but the beauty and freshness of their sometimes awkward, quickly executed lines drawn from observation set them as goals for how all my drawings and paintings should end up looking. Fresh and bursting with life. But I admit I like to explore darker themes too. These two people remind me of bodybuilders I photographed years ago in Saskatchewan. I think the guy was later kicked off the police force for an assault. By contrast, the guy in this drawing is a peace officer whose record shows absolutely no felony convictions.

Open Model Studio

There are a number of places to draw from the model in Montreal, but I go to the open model studio at the Illustrators Society in the Belgo building. It starts at 7:30, with 5 minute poses until the last couple are 10 minute poses. The posing stops at 9 for a half hour so people can stretch and pay their $10. (A fidelity card gives you a free night after five sessions). A bottle of Boreale Noir beer is offered to everybody, and then the last hour of 10 and 15 minute poses.

These two are from the last hour of the class, but I will also post some of the shorter poses, which often end up being the best ones.

It's pretty serious stuff for the people there and the models are treated with respect. The room is silent, except for the monitor who says "cinq (or dix etc.) minutes" before a new pose. After the session, however, there is starting to be some conversation.