My obsession with nude portraits began when I was about 7-years old. That’s when I first saw the Titanic and I saw Jack sketch a nude Rose. Let’s ignore the fact that I was too young to watch that movie, but that particular scene always captivated me. Yes, it was incredibly sensual but it was also such a sentimental gesture.
We all know how the story ends and while the portrait didn’t make it, I still think the gift of a nude portrait can stand the test of time.
From that moment on, I made it my life’s mission to learn how to sketch a nude portrait (or have one sketched of me) at some point in my life.
Fast forward to now, the opportunity presents itself through The Artful Bachelorette.
Meet the Artful Bachelorette
The Artful Bachelorette is a nude portrait experience that recently launched in Chicago. What makes it intriguing is guys and girls can have a private party where they can sketch a nude model in the venue of their choice. Work, home, or any place of your choosing can be the destination for this unique rendezvous.
It’s definitely an out of the box experience that’s sure to put an unexpected twist on any occasion. I highly recommend enjoying it with the finest bubbly and charcuterie for the best results.
Traditions from Down Under
I was first introduced to The Artful Bachelorette at a private party they had in Chicago not too long ago. While there, we indulged in quite a few glasses of champagne while chatting with the artists and the founder Fleur Childs.
Fleur kicked off the class and shared that the practice of sketching a nude model originates in her native Australia.
The tradition goes, that an Australian bride before her wedding, sketches a nude male model while in the company of friends. The artful party is in stark contrast to the male stripper nights American bachelorettes enjoy. Since I don’t care for male strippers, I think the Australian way is more my speed.
No Experience Required
So who is this experience for? Anyone who simply wishes to release their inner artist. As someone with zero artistic experience, I was very nervous about sketching a real live human being. I can barely draw stick figures let alone a living and breathing person.
Cameron who was our model for the evening did stand in some challenging poses but I didn’t let that deter me from trying my best. I went into this knowing I would be the Picasso of the group.
Luckily, The Artful Bachelorette was all about having fun so absolutely no experience is required.
In fact, the class started off by just drawing stick figures. My specialty 🙂
Fleur lead us through a variety of fun drawing exercises such as sketching with your opposite writing hand, sketching without picking up your pencil, and sketching by only using straight lines.
My favorite exercise was the collaborative piece where we rotated throughout the room and contributed to each other’s individual sketches. I liked this exercise because it was nice to see everyone’s own personal touch reflected in my final piece. My specialty was the male anatomy so I made it my signature to include a detailed depiction in every sketch. Lol
In order to make sure we had all the help we needed with our sketches, two Chicago-based artists walked around the room and gave us helpful techniques. My favorite technique would have to be shading and smudging. It’s funny how this simple technique can instantly transform your work. It also gives the illusion that you know what you are doing.
Show & Tell
Following each sketch we had to present our works to the class and our lovely model Cameron had to pick a winner.
I would like to add that I won best drawing not once, but twice. My artistic abilities did not go unnoticed.
While we drew, shirtless servers made sure our glasses were overflowing with champagne. Seriously, they would not let my glass get empty lol The more champagne, the more relaxed we got with a naked stranger in the room.
An Artful Addition to Chicago
All in all, The Artful Bachelorette is right up my alley and I highly recommend it. I love it because it’s so out of the ordinary and it’s sure to be an unforgettable affair. I’m trying to see when I can go to another class!
Who knows, maybe I can be the Rose that sketches her Jack 😉
Welcome to Chicago The Artful Bachelorette! If you want to book your own experience head to TheArtfulBachelorette.com
All photos are courtesy of Sandy Noto
*My experience was complimentary courtesy of The Artful Bachelorette.
