Artangel drop-in life classes

In keeping with my general cheapo outlook of recent days, I went yesterday to a free half-hour-length life drawing class run by the good people at Artangel.  It’s all to do with a new series coming to Channel 4 soon about life drawing – in the run-up to the programme itself, they have been holding classes in London, Glasgow, Bristol, Manchester and Southampton.  Unfortunately I only heard about this at the very last minute, and it seems that today is the last day of classes in London at least (though if you’re quick, head to the Channel 4 offices today at either 12, 12.30, 1 or 1.30 to nab a place).  The whole experience for me was very enjoyable – my class was held in The Place, a centre for contemporary dance, and I had a lovely walk past Gordon and Tavistock Squares through the unbeatable heat and sunshine yesterday to get there.  While I did some kind of life drawing in school, it was always with clothed models; yesterday’s class was a departure firstly because of the lack of practice I’ve had since my schooldays but also because this was a nude model (!).  It’s surprising how quickly you cease to be aware of this naked person in the room and just concentrate on trying to draw her.  The class was both enjoyable and frustrating for me – frustrating because a class of only half an hour couldn’t give you anything more than a taster, as well as my lack of practice (I did used to be quite good at drawing, but left to my own devices and away from a teacher and homework I have got completely out of the habit).  It was enjoyable, though, as it’s been such a while since I really concentrated on drawing in that way, and it inspired me to get myself some pencils and paper.  I don’t promise much will come of it, but we’ll see.