I don’t know if I’ll ever use a “professional” model for my paintings. The term “amateur” leaves an impression that needs repaired.

Professional models in a life-drawing setting are perfect for for skill building and spatial-physical  awareness training. Artists are best served by the co-ops and colleges who hire people for that.

When it comes to the creation of specically designed fine art compositions, at least in my world, nothing beats the so-called amateur model. They don’t do the annoying poses and faces that I’d never have a use for.

Instead, they give it their honest best and just have fun. They look like real people in real situations with authentic expressions. And this is the visual substance that in a painting is to communication what a personal conversation is talk.

I don’t mean to disparage the professionals because if they can pull off what the amateurs do so well, they could probably quadruple  the value of a photo shoot and convert me. The experienced and capable in any craft will always get you there faster and almost always in better form.

When I decided I would try to prove this theory, I quickly discovered that all solicitations for an artist model are assumed to be cover for mischief. Not worth it.

I’m happy with the excellent talent at hand.