The Art Model's Handbook: The Naked Truth about Posing for Art Classes and Fine Artists

For the price and intended audience, it is a good book that covers the basics you need to know. All the basics are in one spot. No need to do repetitive searches on the internet. However there is one passage and suggestion that seems contradictory to the chapter on body acceptance. And that is to bring a robe and cover up in-between poses. Covering up implies the model should feel shame. And it implies the students will feel embarrassment in the presence of the nude model. If the students are uncomfortable with the model's nudity, they shouldn't be in the class. So why cover up?

The Art Model's Handbook by Andrew Cahner exceeded my highest hopes. Andrew Cahner clearly details what to expect, how to prepare, the responsiblities of models, students and teachers. He discusses approaches to posing, from short gesture poses to longer poses used in sculpture - including the admonition that some poses can be very difficult, even painful to maintain for an extended period. Prospective and current models are advised to build a repertoire of poses, practicing until the different sets become as close to second nature as possible: it's critical that the model hold the position desired by the artists and teacher so as not to disrupt angles, shading or other aspects of his or her form in order to check notes of what to do next. Cahner lists a range of artists from classical to modern to assist the model in exploring different styles; I found this list the starting point to a week-long, very enjoyable exploration of the history of figurative art. A life model himself, he interviews experienced professionals in the field who provide their own hands-on experiences: what it's like to pose, what artists and teachers value most from their models, legal considerations and concerns about personal security, particularly when contracting for sessions outside a classroom setting. Anyone interested in exploring the possibility of posing for life drawing classes or fine art photographers will find this book highly valuable. Though posing for photographers is not the focus of the book, I was searching for guidance in this regard after I signed up for a 'boudoix' style photo shoot via Amazon Local Deals, and wanted to gain the perspective of models, artists and photographers in the life drawing field to help me make the best of the opportunity. Andrew Cahner's The Art Model's Handbook is the starting point for anyone interested in this field.

I've been an art model for almost 27 years now, so I've seen and heard almost everything in this book. What I do like is that it gives perspectives from all sides: male models, female models, model coordinators, art teachers, photographers, etc. There's not much it really taught me since I've been doing this so long, but this book would be invaluable to someone just getting into modeling. I wish I'd had a book like this when I started. I had only been to two drawing sessions before I modeled for the first time. In the sessions I had been to, the models hadn't even had robes, so I didn't wear one my first few times either. It was a learn as you go process for me. If I'd had a book like this, I would have been more professional and probably gotten more jobs. Modeling for drawing and painting classes is something I dearly love, and I hope to be doing it for many more years...

i have worked with nude models for nearly 50 years. some were very good, most were mediocre or bad. the biggest reason they seem to fail is their lack of a full understanding of what it takes to model properly.i wish they'd all read this book. there would have been fewer boring poses, fewer models in motion.this book will take the art of being an art model from step one through how to write a professional contract.there are rules of conduct. suggestions on what to bring to a job. how to find a modeling job. what the pay range might be.all of this advice comes from a model who has years of experience and knows the business.there are interesting interviews and personal anecdotes.being a figurative artist i urge any prospective or even working nude model to please read this book. you could save artists hours of frustration and find yourself working much more.

I found this book an indispensable primer to art modeling. I come from a highly technical background with no experience in art modeling, but an interest in the subject and a passion for learning. I read the book in an evening, then reread it to annotate and take notes. While the information may be available all over the internet given enough time and research, I prefer to start with a concise guide and build off of that if and when needed. For those with minimal experience and an interest in the subject I would highly recommend it.

Here is a new work which engages all those who participate in figure drawing; models, students, educators, artists and coordinators. As a teaching artist myself, I have been a model coordinator for fifteen years.I recommend this handbook for its much needed basics of modeling and tips of the trade. The book is well written by a model who knows the business from the small details to the larger overview. I've already purchased a second copy to loan to prospective models. The author is commended for putting such useful knowledge into print.

As an artist I have always wondered what it would be like on the other side of the eisel. I was hoping this book could give me a reverence before I persue my own indevours. I was a little concernes to see the package was ripped when I got it out if my mail box but as you can see, all is well. Really helpful, first rate😊

Having often photographed nudes, I found this quite interesting. In photography the model does not have to "hold" the pose -- unlike in a drawing class.The model always has to be respected AND the model has to respect the artist. This is a useful guide. The fact is that there are lots of "undesirables" -- both as prospective models and people who want to engage them.