Studio Thibodeaux

*This review is for Sarah’s weekly session at Eye Street Studios*
Like Mikkela, I’ve been fortunate enough to have had the chance to attend one of Sarah’s open studio figure drawing classes. Just not as an artist. From the other end. As a model.
A nude model, to be precise.
It was something I was contemplating on doing for a while, for a variety of reasons. At the recommendation of Mikkela, I called Sarah a while ago to see if she needed anyone extra to model for her.
A week later, I got the fateful call: the regularly-​scheduled model couldn’t make it that night, and was I available?
My chest started to get a little tight as I realized this was precisely where the rubber hit the road. There’s no turning back now. The Art world needs me. I was Lloyd Bridges as Izzy Mandelbaum in Seinfeld: It’s Go Time!
I’ve always held a certain appreciation for artists, not least of all due to the fact that I could probably screw up drawing stick figures if I applied myself and put the time and effort into it. For me to be able to see people with actual artistic talent that I can only dream about was a real mind rush. I was really impressed by the talent level. I truly wish I had one iota of talent the artists possessed that night.
People come prepared to draw whatever strikes their fancy, using a variety of methods. Some painted full body portraits. Others focused on certain body parts. Some used acrylics, others sketched in charcoal. Sarah, to my surprise, drew a head portrait. She was able to recreate the exact same type of poise and demeanor that I literally dream about. I kid you not, I was almost tempted to ask her to paint a blue tunic, medals, saber, and diagonal red sash, as the exact visage she captured belonged out of a Napoleonic cavalry portrait.
Watching everyone’s progress was amazing: after each 20 minute pose, I put on a robe and took a 10 minute break, and I had the chance to check out everyone’s work. To be able to see everyone’s work go from start to fruition was simply amazing.
The atmosphere was really chill and laid back. Like Mikkela says, the noise level can be loud, but the band in the room next door was quite talented, and it definitely helped me focus.
A word on modeling: there’s actual work involved. You can’t just sit on a stool and daydream for several hours. There’s a lot of endurance, patience and mind over matter required. It’s not for everyone, and it really takes a modicum of professionalism. I can honestly say I was sore afterwards, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. Sarah and her fellow artists are total professionals and really made me feel at ease.
The verdict: $ 10 for open studio figure drawing at her Eye Street location lets you practice art in a chill setting with like-​minded professionals. For such a small investment, you really can’t beat the experience!

Open Studio — Figure Drawing (Long Pose)… what overwhelming joy! Finally, a place to gather with like minded souls (on the Metro) and spend three hours painting or drawing from a live nude figure. The artist who arranges this, Sarah, is really nice, and she also teaches art, if you wish for instruction. For my liking, for $ 10, I enjoy a chance to paint the figure! The open figure sessions are at the Eye Street Studios, 443 Eye St. NW, near Gallery Place/​Chinatown. It’s a really relaxed atmosphere. A band practices in the next space (so free concert), and there are all levels of art and interests. Different people show up every time, although some of us are showing up every time! Next time is May 7^th.
So if you want to re-​awaken the artist and practice your figure drawing or painting, this is the place! Be prepared that the noise/​music is loud (although the band is good).