Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote: "O would some power the giftie gie us to see ourselves as others see us." Which, being translated, means: "O would some power give us the gift to see ourselves as others see us." An unsettling thought, isn't it?
Here are drawings by several artists using me as the subject. Sometimes a model doesn't show up for one of the lifedrawing sessions that I run. I start frantically texting models, and then I pose. In deference to my husband, who would pop an artery if he learned I modeled nude, I pose in at least bike tights and a sports bra.
This drawing is by John Shepherd. I consider him an exceptionally skilled draughtsman. Here he shows me in profile, wearing a vintage fox fur jacket and fur hat on a cold winter day.
Theresa Bayer drew this piece the same day. I enjoy her work for its whimsy, as well as for its expressiveness and composition. Her drawings are always lovely.
Last November we lost one of the dearest members of our group. Elizabeth (Betty) Reifsnyder was in her early 80's. On this day, I was indeed wearing the bike tights and sports bra. Which, she freely ignored. This drawing has a nice mid-century feeling. I had the privilege of putting together a small exhibit of her work for her memorial service. What a revelation to see many, many years of work. Such an immense talent. And, she was a pip, as they used to say, back in the day. An amazing life.
Betty did this drawing at least a year later than the one above. Alas, she didn't realize it yet, but she was ill with cancer. I believe she did this drawing in late summer. She was gone before Thanksgiving. I miss her.
Below, see a drawing by Terence Greider, Professor Emeritus at the University of Texas. Terry is an expert in pre-Columbian art and has written several books. I have drawn with him for several years, now. One day, when I was posing, he said, "You look like a teenager!"
Revi Micler painted this expressive portrait of me on one of those no-show model days. I love the lively energy of her line. The feeling of spontaneity with the human form. This image had a sense of poignancy for me. I seem uncertain as I gaze to the side. What is over there?
Heather Joy Thomas attends my group regularly. Here, a gesture drawing. I always think the gestures are the best part of the day.
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