Issue date: 2/20/09 Section: The Verge

Senior Taylor Bennett models for Life Drawing I. Life drawing students are not allowed to speak to or touch the model while the model is disrobed. Models are used so the students can have a 3-D subject to work from, giving their drawings more depth. (Cari Wafford/The Daily Eastern News)

Imagine a typical drawing studio.

Naturally, this studio includes strategic lighting, canvases, students and the subject.

The students have assembled their easels and located their tools.

The subject is posed and ready.

Now, take away the notion of conversing or touching the subject being drawn.

Finally, and possibly most importantly, picture the person without clothing.

Yes, a naked man or woman.

If the thought of nudity stirs a sense of comedy, giggles and laughter, do not seek courses in life drawing, but please keep reading.

Assistant art professor Jenny Chi said the life drawing studio is a very professional atmosphere.

"I make it very clear that the students need to respect the model," Chi said. "They do not speak to or touch the model."

The students must understand from the beginning of Life Drawing I that the model is the top priority to the instructor.

Chi said if a problem arises with a student and the model, she would immediately remove the student from the classroom.

"This is not a free show," Chi said. "You are here to draw."

When it comes to being a life-drawing model, Taylor Bennett is a seasoned veteran.

Bennett, a senior 2-D art studio major, said she has been modeling since her freshman year when announcements were made during Drawing I.

After posing three or four times, Bennett said taking a break from posing made her realize her passion for modeling.

Bennett said the naked aspect of it doesn't scare her away from modeling. She said the students are too wrapped up in their work to take it in a negative way.

"It's nothing personal about you," Bennett said.

Students attend the class to learn the difficult discipline of life drawing, not to see a naked person.

Chi said one of the hardest elements in life drawing is overcoming the use of live models rather than drawing from still life.

Continued...

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