Lover's Muse (The Art Models Club) Read Online Free Page A

while drawing the figure is that the model is a human being, that is alive, that exists there on the stand. Look on the model with respect. Appreciate his or her humanity. Be very humble before that human being. Be filled with wonder at its reality and life. There is a human creature that lives and breathes and feels, a being with a mind and character of its own – not a patchwork of light and shadow, color and shape.'”
    Amanda swallowed, feeling the tension in the room. She was sure that most of the other students were seeing a nude model for the first time as well.
    Professor Collins signaled to Hunter who nodded and approached the door. “As always, no speaking to or touching the model.”
    Hunter disappeared and then re-entered with the model. He shut the door softly behind him, stopping to tape up a sheet of paper over the door window so no one in the hallway could gaze in.
    The woman, wearing a flowered silk robe and slippers, walked calmly to the raised platform and up the few steps. Looking at no one in particular, she disrobed and placed the silk fabric neatly on the back of the chair. She glanced at the large clock on the wall and then struck her first pose. She shifted one leg out and slightly bent it, testing her balance. Then she twisted her torso slightly and raised both arms above her head, clasping her hands together. She moved her head to one side to create a clean profile.
    For the first few seconds, Amber sat transfixed. As soon as she heard the scratching of pencil on paper, however, she found herself simply focused on capturing the model's form. She quickly sketched in the woman's silhouette and then began to capture some of the details. The woman's breasts were large and drooped. Her belly had stretch marks and bulged. But her limbs were shapely and strong. Amber was engrossed in her drawing when all too soon the woman shifted her pose. This time, she spread the robe across the seat and sat down, one leg elegantly draped over the other. She reached up and loosened her salt and pepper hair so that it splayed down her back. One had reached up as though to touch her neck while the other rested on one thigh.
    As Amber and her classmates worked, she noticed Professor Collins and Hunter silently circling the room, peering at sketches but not speaking. Amber sketched furiously the rest of class and was only vaguely aware of either the Professor or Hunter viewing her work. She was surprised when the model stopped, put her robe and slippers on, and quietly left the room. Glancing at the clock, she was amazed that the entire hour had gone by.
    Professor Collins asked Hunter to pull forward a model skeleton. “Some of you are having difficulties with proportions. I want each of you to study Mr. Bones here and make note of how each limb relates to the other in size and position. In particular, where does the hand fall in relation to the hip? Study the hands themselves. Observe the fingertip lengths. Also, make sure you check your syllabus for homework assignments this week.”
    Professor Collins and Hunter spent the next half hour canvassing the room and making comments on the sketches. Professor Collins nodded several times as he viewed her work. “You have a great eye, Amber,” he said. “I like how you captured the lines so quickly in these. Keep an eye out on your proportions though. See how this arm is too short here? Overall, though, good work.”
    Amber was glowing as Professor Collins moved on to the next student. By the time class was over, Hunter was busy with several students. Oh, well, she really didn't have time to stay late today. She was anxious to get to the Financial Aid Office.
    After a brief stand in line, she was happily surprised when the student worker let her know that the loan had been processed.
    “Great!” Amber gushed. “Can I get a check for it?”
    “The money got placed in your account,” the guy said. “You'll have to see one of the Financial Aid Officers to have some of