The Lion's Roar/Kelli Meynard
Junior animation major Karlos Thomas takes on the opposite role of the artist, becoming
the object of design as model for the Visual Art Societies Figure Drawing Night.
Thomas held many poses, giving the artist opportunities to draw a variety of figures.
Caitylyn Clark, freshman drawing major, (top; left) was one of several art students present.
 

The Visual Art Society hosted Figure Drawing Night for any members interested in advancing their skills and techniques.

On September 16 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. the VAS members met in Clark Hall to practice drawing a live model. Using a live model helps these young artists better understand the human anatomy. 

Freshman graphic design major Ashleigh Keelen hoped to better herself at gesture sketching and remarked on seeing improvement in herself.

 “It is helping me get quicker with my movements because I am not really used to that just yet,” said Keelen. “It’s helping because people tend to move around a lot; so I have to be able to draw it quicker.”

The model for the night was junior animation major Karlos Thomas. This was Thomas’ second time modeling for Southeastern’s Art Department.

Thomas would transition between poses throughout the night. He held one pose for 30 minutes, nearly falling asleep during the process.

According to Thomas, he was very excited to be modeling again and was not nervous in the slightest.

“It makes me feel like my body is good enough, and it makes me feel helpful to the art community,” said Thomas.

The energy of the night was very relaxed, happy and welcoming. The artists present were there to get better and practice their figure drawing skills. 

Event coordinator Olivia Moreno hopes that VAS will be as popular as it once was. In the beginning, students would have to submit a portfolio to get into VAS because it was so popular.

“We are trying to get people to care about the quality of their work and also engage with the rest of the campus,” said Moreno.

Moreno hopes that by continuing to have Figure Drawing Night, art majors will produce more quality work. 

The VAS Vice President Trent Pechon claims joining VAS and attending Figure Drawing Night is a great way for developing artists to make connections and friends. 

“I think it’s a great thing to put on your résumé, and it’s a great way to meet new people that are interested in the same thing you are,” said Pechon.

Even non-art students can attend VAS events and become part of the organization. For more information about VAS, email [email protected]. 

—

Editor's Note 10/09/2015:  This story has been corrected to provide the approriate contact information.