V53: 18th Century Costume Modeling at Nevada Museum of Art

Last night I posed for artists at the Nevada Museum of Art’s costume painting class.  I wore the Revolution Dress I made last year, and dressed my hair in a simple pouf style.

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I was tickled when one of the students said I looked like Marie Antoinette, except more of a prostitute! LOL.

The pose was 3 hours, and after awhile you start to slump and squish into all kinds of weird positions – forgive me my bad posture and wrinkly bodice!

I was so flattered at the end of the night, when one of the painters, Dan, gave me his painting. Squee! Thank you Dan!

Painting and photo of painting by Daniel Helzer

I have to admit I was kindof jealous of the students – I wanted to be painting, too, so I intend to sign up for the class for next session as soon as it’s available for enrollment. ๐Ÿ™‚

If you have a local art museum or college that offers figure drawing classes, it’s a wonderful experience to model your historical costumes and get to see how they are interpreted by different eyes and hands, plus the artists love getting the chance to draw things we never normally see – ladies in fantastical dress. ๐Ÿ™‚

I will have a tutorial for you tomorrow on the simple pouf hairstyle, so stay tuned. ๐Ÿ™‚

20 Comments

  • Maggie

    February 22, 2012 at 9:14 PM

    This is so cool! I really loved the resulting paintings from the last time you did this. It's so fun to see everyone's interpretations!

    Reply
    • Lauren R

      February 22, 2012 at 9:19 PM

      I like to see the interpretations too – this particular class is wide open for whatever media the students want to work in, so there were oil painters, watercolorists, pastel artists, pencil. Very interesting.

      Reply
  • Olympe de la Tour D'Auvergne

    February 22, 2012 at 9:15 PM

    I used to model in college for one of the art professors. He did a very nice full-length painting of me in my first sacque-backed gown that was shown at an art museum in PA somewhere. Sadly I did not get to see it in it's finished form, but the modeling was great fun, and he gave me one of the sketches he did of me as a graduation present.

    Reply
  • Mackin-Art

    February 22, 2012 at 9:28 PM

    I've modeled in costume both for a class and a portrait painter – it's surprisingly hard work! It was really interesting to see the different interpretations in the class. I've not yet been "face to face" with the portrait painters work yet – the thought makes me so nervous – he's done such fabulous work in the past, but it's different when it's YOU.
    I love the portrait you received – just beautiful!

    Reply
    • Lauren R

      February 23, 2012 at 10:13 PM

      It IS hard work! Who thought sitting still for so long could hurt, lol. Do post a pic when you get to see your portrait. I would love to see it ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  • izzyfalloni

    February 22, 2012 at 9:38 PM

    The painting he gave you is so beautiful! Combination of fabulous model and talented artist! It sounds like a fun class for the artists, I would love it although my art skills are nowhere near the level shown here.

    Reply
    • Lauren R

      February 23, 2012 at 10:14 PM

      Izzy, thank you. ๐Ÿ™‚ There were all different skill levels in the class, and it seemed like a really supportive environment. The fellow who painted this one is an instructor at NMA – makes us all look bad, lol

      Reply
  • ReadyThreadSew

    February 22, 2012 at 10:02 PM

    Wow, I can't even sit still while watching a film on TV so to sit for three hours would be torture for me. The artists created some amazing artwork though, so I can see why you did it.

    Reply
  • Lady Carolyn

    February 23, 2012 at 1:59 AM

    You're lovey as usual. I knew they would enjoy you in this class! Next week they are doing a WWII, German Officer with all the bells and whistles on his costume. Jerry will enjoy you in class the next session.

    Reply
    • Lauren R

      February 23, 2012 at 10:17 PM

      Jerry was telling me about next week's model. He's excited, and asked him to bring three different sidearms to choose from, lol. Dan said the next session is posted for enrollment. I'm SO there, even if I have to miss one for the cruise ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  • Angela Reichelderfer

    February 23, 2012 at 12:55 PM

    OMGoodness, the painting of you is beautiful – but then again, the artist had a lovely subject. Definitely an heirloom piece if I ever saw one! ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
    • Lauren R

      February 23, 2012 at 10:18 PM

      I feel kindof weird about it – Chris likes it, wants to frame it and hang it up. I don't know how I'll like lookin' at my own self on the wall every day, lol

      Reply

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