I must confess, I’m no stranger to a life drawing class. In the early parenthood years, I went along to a few sessions at the much-missed Jam Factory. The lure of a glass of wine and escaping bath time with a tired toddler was almost as appealing as reconnecting with any dormant artistic leanings. However, what I found there – and also more recently at New Ground, where City Life Drawing is based – was an uplift in my general sense of self and wellbeing. Turns out that two hours of fairly intense focus on something other than a screen has its own rewards.
My pencil case has been gathering dust for about 15 years, and the toddler has now left for uni. The promise of a fun, creative evening with all equipment supplied and the prospect, as promised on the website, of ‘joining a growing artistic community in the heart of Oxford’ was tempting – as was invitation to pick up a drink from the bar (excellent wines, soft drinks and New Ground’s own superlative coffee) before the session.
Heading down into the basement space, I paused to choose between charcoals or pencil and pick up paper and a clipboard before being shown to my allocated seat. The room was crammed with people filling the assorted chairs and a few sitting cross-legged on the floor. Some had even brought their own kit, preferring to use colour or even other mediums; paint, pastels etc.
City Life Drawing is organised by Max Foster Poole, who also hosts sessions in London and Reading. I asked him how he came up with idea: “I initially wanted to create an environment for me and my friends to practice our art. Once I saw the level of enthusiasm, I decided to direct my efforts into expanding and developing the sessions to be inclusive spaces for artists across the city.” And why these three locations? “I aim to find venues that align with our approach of creating welcoming and engaging artistic spaces in the city. I love it when the venue staff want to come along to the classes. It's a joy to be able to bring my passion for life drawing to Oxford and cities across the country”
I couldn’t say if any of New Ground’s staff joined the group, but I do have to commend them on their playlist which felt particularly well chosen, providing a jazz-infused atmosphere without ever feeling too intrusive.
If you’re expecting tutoring, this isn’t the place for you. What Max does is direct the session. His invited model is asked to form a variety of stances, starting with three-minute and building up to two longer poses. The model I was drawing was female but Max works with a range of models, from a group he has collated over his years in Oxford: “We want to represent all different body types…Every identity and background is respected, and we endeavour to create diverse, inclusive and safe spaces for all.” Reassuringly, Max works with his model throughout to ensure they are comfortable in holding their chosen poses.
The sense of ease pervades throughout the room. Sessions are largely silent but in the breaks people talk. If you want to show others – including Max – your work they’ll be happy to see it but there’s no pressure to share or comment. Moreover, although the images accompanying this feature all look as if the bar is very high when it comes to the talent in the room, there is a real mix of ability, so don’t be put off.
During the next two hours (bar a 15-minute break to refresh drinks/pop to the loo) my focus was firmly on my pencil, my paper and the model in front of me. The acknowledged benefits of life drawing are manifold: practicing and developing your artistic skills may top the list, but this is closely followed by improving both observational and motor skills, stress relief, mindful practice, fostering a sense of community, – and do not underestimate the sense of achievement you will feel if you are able to look down at your page and see something recognisably human. I put this to Max, and he replied “I think it's great that the spaces have become such a 'mindful' experience. I encourage people to get everything they can out of the sessions. Everyone can benefit from the classes – even if it's just a two-hour break to forget about work and tap into your creativity. Our classes are for anyone who wants to develop their artistic skills or just unwind for a couple of hours in an environment with like-minded people.”
City Life Drawing
6pm-8pm Monday-Wednesday at New Ground, Ship Street, Oxford
Tickets are £8 and can be purchased here citylifedrawing.com/tickets.
