The Art Model's Handbook: The Naked Truth about Posing for Art Classes and Fine Artists [Paperback]

Andrew Cahner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 17, 2009

The nude figure has been the subject of art for centuries and continues to inspire contemporary artists. Figure drawing is part of the core curriculum at art schools and college art departments. Art models young and old play an important role in this creative process. So how does one learn how to become an art model? The Art Model's Handbook explains what you need to know to model for art classes and professional artists. You'll learn about the structure of figure drawing sessions, how to come up with interesting poses, costume modeling, professional conduct, finding work, and security concerns. Awkward but important questions about nudity and body issues are addressed. Guidelines for faculty and sample policies are also included. The book is based on the experience of the author, plus interviews with male and female models, artists, fine art photographers, and art school management. This is the definitive guide for art models, artists, and workshop leaders.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Andrew Cahner is an art model based in southern California. He has modeled for numerous schools, art groups, professional artists, and photographers. Works inspired by Andrew have been featured in art galleries and have been sold internationally. He is fascinated with the artistic process and motivated by creative collaboration with artists. Andrew believes in the dignity of the nude figure in fine art, and is inspired by the works of Michelangelo, Auguste Rodin, Maxfield Parrish, and Norman Rockwell.

Product Details

• Paperback: 148 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace (May 17, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1442169699
• ISBN-13: 978-1442169692
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #512,179 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-own for artists and artists' models, October 7, 2009

By 

Aisling D'Art "artist and author" (Portsmouth, NH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art Model's Handbook: The Naked Truth about Posing for Art Classes and Fine Artists (Paperback)

The Art Model's Handbook, by Andrew Cahner is one of those books I look at and exclaim, "Why didn't anyone write a book like this before..?"

If you use artist's models in your studio, work as an artist's model, or have ever thought of working as an artist's model*... you need to own a copy of this book.

Yes, I usually say, "Read this book at your public library first, and see if you want to buy it." However, this is the kind of book that you'll refer to so often, you may as well buy a copy and save yourself multiple treks to the library.

This book is 141 pages of to-the-point information. There's no fluff, and the author is knowledgeable, experienced, and addresses issues on both sides of the canvas (or sketchpad).

Author Andrew Cahner has left nothing out. He tackles the difficult aspects of nudity in Chapter 2. In Chapter 3, he tells you the two things that every model must bring with him (or her), and then lists many items that will make your work easier and create a more professional environment.

Chapter by chapter, Cahner provides useful tips and the kind of information every artist -- and artist's model -- needs to think about before, during and after a modeling session.

For example, the author provides some brilliant ways to research poses, so you don't stand in front of the group, blink, and ask shakily, "Err... what do you want me to do?" (Likewise, if you're working with models, these resources will avoid wasted time while the artists try to think of poses, and the model responds, "Okay, how about this?".)

There's even a list of useful links to find modeling work, online.

If there's anything missing from this book -- from either the model or artist's standpoint -- I can't see it. And, I'm speaking as a third-generation artist who worked as an artist's model during her college years.

I rarely give a book five stars, but -- for this topic -- I can't think of any way the author could have improved the book. Every working artist and every classroom that uses models should have a copy of this book in their studios. When you have a question, the answer will be right there.

And, of course, every working model should own one as well.

I read many books about and for artists, and this one stands out as a brilliant idea, well executed and long overdue. It's well-written and easy to read, but -- even more importantly -- it's a useful reference that provides far more than just the basics.


*If you're willing to sit still for 20 minutes at a time -- with a roomful of people staring at you -- this can be a fine career choice for people who need work or want extra income. Taking off your clothes is optional but will significantly increase your chances of getting work, but it's not vital. (Portrait and other models are needed, too, but -- for economy -- classes often swap-out students in those roles. At the very least, the competition is more fierce.)

Even better, this book will explain the nuances of working in this field so you don't feel like a total novice.

-- Aisling D'Art, senior editor, Art Books Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars very concise yet thorough guide, January 19, 2010

By 

Arthur krummel Jr. "figurative oil painter" (northeast ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Art Model's Handbook: The Naked Truth about Posing for Art Classes and Fine Artists (Paperback)

i have worked with nude models for nearly 50 years. some were very good, most were mediocre or bad. the biggest reason they seem to fail is their lack of a full understanding of what it takes to model properly.

i wish they'd all read this book. there would have been fewer boring poses, fewer models in motion.

this book will take the art of being an art model from step one through how to write a professional contract.

there are rules of conduct. suggestions on what to bring to a job. how to find a modeling job. what the pay range might be.

all of this advice comes from a model who has years of experience and knows the business.

there are interesting interviews and personal anecdotes.

being a figurative artist i urge any prospective or even working nude model to please read this book. you could save artists hours of frustration and find yourself working much more.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From A Figure Drawing Instructor's Perspective, April 22, 2010

By 

Rachel Roske - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art Model's Handbook: The Naked Truth about Posing for Art Classes and Fine Artists (Paperback)

As a drawing instructor who frequently hires figure models, this book was an interesting read. It gave me some new teaching ideas for when it comes to the figure. It also gave me some much-needed (always wondered about) insight into model's perspective that will help me in my interactions with figure models in general-- from booking, to breaks, to poses.