Dog Life Drawing is much like any regular life drawing class except for one key difference; the models all have four legs! Kathy Giddins went along to the latest session at Blend Cafe...
Upon entering the class at Blend in Sneinton a few things catch my attention; three dogs of varying sizes and breed, a table resplendent with an array of different art materials and a relaxed atmosphere as strangers and friends alike order coffees and get ready to create some “pawtraits.”
Having done my fair share of life modelling whilst at uni I was quite familiar with life drawing classes. Whilst this experience was literally exposing, I often felt relieved that I was on the other side of the easel in what was sometimes a pretentious, stuffy and formal affair. But Dog Life Drawing is completely different.
Before I sit down I’ve already been greeted with wet noses and waggy tails. As a dog owner myself, I’m reminded that having a four-legged companion is the ultimate ice-breaker and small talk tonic so making new friends (furry or otherwise) is a walk in the arboretum.
As the aptly named host, Alix Barker says, "It's a lot less intimidating. Lots of people want to come just to see what flavour of dogs we've got that week. We've got regulars. Some people come for date night as a fun, quirky thing to do… It's not necessarily about getting a photorealistic picture out of it. It's about experimenting with as many different materials as you can get your hands on, different little exercises, not being afraid to put something on paper and the dogs aren't judgmental at the end of it."
The shape of what you think of as a dog is totally different. They're lying down or sitting down or just weird angles. It's so difficult. And there's fur as well
The idea is the original creation of Sheffield based artist Liah Edwardes who’s been running classes in Sheffield and Leeds since 2018. When Alix saw the classes advertised on Instagram she was eager to get involved and has been hosting monthly classes in Nottingham and Loughborough for the past two years.
Having taught art and drama in comprehensive schools for years before going freelance, Alix now hosts a range of different workshops including a recent “rubbish portraits” class at Ay Up Market which involved making portraits from recycled materials. But of all the classes she hosts, the Dog Life Drawing sessions are her favourite.
Each class typically has three doggy models of different breeds to give participants a variety of muses. On the night I attend we have Skye, the Cairn Terrier, Bamford, the Leon Berger and a rescue Greyhound called Eve.
The main challenge in Dog Life Drawing compared to human life drawing is that the models are much more unpredictable.
"It's a lot harder,” says Francisco, a first timer. “People sit still and you're more familiar with the shape of a person. The shape of what you think of as a dog is totally different. They're lying down or sitting down or just weird angles. It's so difficult. And there's fur as well."
However, the challenge doesn’t seem to have deterred him as when I asked if he would come back he replied with a resolute “definitely.”
Drawing dogs instead of people can also have its advantages.
Sveta, a professional artist, specialising in wedding and event illustration enjoys the opportunity to hone her skill of live drawing and likes the novelty of the class.
"There's a bit more freedom in terms of how expressive you can be,” she says. “Realistic or abstract. With people you have to be precise.”
Using dog models can also give way to greater creative experimentation.
As Alix says, "If a dog is fidgeting and moving, for that dog I'll say, 'change colour every time they move' or change the material or start a quick sketch over the top. We just work with whatever the dogs are doing."
Dog Life Drawing also seems to attract a more diverse demographic. From students who are missing their dogs from home to seasoned artists, dog lovers and people who just want the opportunity to be creative in a chilled out environment.
Nicola who studied a foundation art degree was gifted a class in January as a Xmas present and has been a regular attendee ever since.
"I love dogs for starters and also I'm quite a creative person but I don't have the time to stop and draw,” she tells me. “But if you've signed up to a class and you get to see dogs it's a win-win situation."
Dog Life Drawing certainly makes for an enjoyable and relaxing creative activity that you can do solo or with loved ones. You don’t have to worry about being the next Dog-Vinci or Pooch-casso. It’s more about having fun, expressing yourself and putting your best paw forward.
The next Dog Life Drawing session at Blend is on Mon 11 May. f you think your dog could make a good model then you can contact her via email lixbarker@yahoo.co.uk or instagram @alixbarkercreative
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