Now that we're getting used to all sorts of new norms, it seems that this one has really taken off. Using the video conferencing app ZOOM, we can all participate in online life drawing sessions from the comfort of our own homes.
I've been joining sessions since the lockdown in Ireland began in March 2020. Tadhg McGrath from Dublin Life Drawing quickly set up the online sessions when his real life classes were suspended due to you know what.
With Tadhg facilitating the sessions from Dublin, we worked with life models in Germany, UK, USA, Hawaii and even one or two Irish models!
I've found them an absolute life saver during all of this. I found it difficult to get to the classes in Dublin before so I was missing drawing from life. Although it's not the same as the atmosphere you get in a life drawing room, it means that you can still keep up your practice.
Everybody has adjusted now so the models are well set up, lighting is good and the range of sessions proposed from facilitators all over the world is developing week on week.
There are sessions for portraits, expressive portraits, long or short poses, themed sessions with costumes, mirrors and props. I've also made some bas-reliefs and sculptures.