Evolution of a Portrait

One of my favorite things about returning to the Jersey Shore is posing for the local artists. Art gigs pay a mere $15-$35 per hour wage, and are generally much more physically taxing. However, the experience itself is most rewarding. 

Firstly, what a comfort it is to feel ‘at home’ in one’s work, especially when I am, indeed, ‘at home.’ The morning of my first session back, I stepped out of my truck and felt the lush grass, and its sandy soil, give just a little beneath my feet. The air was crisp and smelled faintly of the salt marsh, a very nostalgic scent to me. Perhaps my favorite scent.

Immediately following that feeling of salt air on my skin, I am greeted by the warmest, smiling faces of artists, some for whom I have posed for more than 6 years. These artists are loyal, both to their work, and to their community. They are always abundant with welcome and gratitude.

There is, truly, nothing more fulfilling than being genuinely appreciated for my work. Needless to say, those collaborations are always the most fruitful for all involved. The artists here appreciate my hard work and integrity. Moreover, they value the fact that I am an experienced professional, which is often hard to come by in small communities, and therefore I am given priority in their calendar whenever I’m in town. This is a privilege that I am so honored to have. I am inspired by their gratitude and dedication, and thus find myself heartily reciprocating effort and obligation in my posing.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing these works with you, as well as a little bit about the respective session, or the respective artist behind the piece.

This drawing was done this afternoon over a two hour period by Tom Rutledge.

I have modeled for Tom’s sessions for about 7 years. Tom is a rosy, jubilant, smiling guy. He is an incredible portraitist, and he draws beautiful figures as well. He is the moderator for the two hour portrait session on Sunday afternoons at Pineshores Art Association. He occasionally attends the other sessions, as well. He almost always sets his easel up in the same exact place, which is about 9 o clock from my platform. During figure sessions, I will often give him the hell of foreshortening, and he actually quite enjoys the challenge. Many artists find it frustrating. 

Every twenty minutes, I am given a ten minute break. This is quite generous. Most gigs only allow five minute breaks every thirty minutes. During my break, I stretch for about three to five minutes. I spend the other five minutes observing the works in progress.

One interesting characteristic about Tom’s drawing, is that he does not start with the traditional geometric sketch, (circles and lines)  as do many accomplished artists. He simply shades away at textured paper, until he has chiseled the light from it. It is as if he is sculpting from marble. It is an incredible process that I was fortunate of photographing and sharing with you.