Capturing the beauty of the body

by TRACY COOK
reporter

 

An art student draws Emily Pollock, a model for the Department of Art. "It is crucial to draw the human form because the proportions relate to everything," said Stanley Sporny, visual arts professor. Photo by Tracy Cook

"It is crucial to draw the human form because the proportions relate to everything," said Sporny, a visual art professor whose students stand in a crowded classroom twice a week and draw the human body as they perceive it.

"It's like easing them into a hot tub," he explained. "Figure drawing needs to be done so a student can learn how to draw the body when someone is clothed. This way, you don't have to guess what is underneath."

Drawing the human form dates back more than 100 years. The Romans, Greeks and Spartans all created such artwork.

The practice decreased be-cause they thought it was "dangerous and would cause chaos," Sporny said.

Nude models are used in several art classes, he said. Teach-ers use a model for short periods of time in introductory classes. Gradually, students have classes that involve nothing but nude artwork.

Sporny said he thinks drawing nude models is a way to glorify the human body.

Models are difficult to find because people are afraid to do it or their schedule conflicts with class times, Sporny said.

Posters are hung up when models are needed, he said. Most of the models are art majors because they hear about the opportunities first, Sporny said.

Sporny said the Department of Art can have only six models on its payroll at a time, creating another problem. The models have to fill out several forms and cannot earn more than a certain amount each semester.

Sporny said he gets frustrated because he thinks there should be more figure drawing classes and an increase in studio time. More practice would help students hone their skills, he said.

Many students prefer male models, Sporny said.

"Men are different because their bodies are more defined and easier to draw," he said. "Women have more subtle curves."

Heftier models are preferred because they are more interesting and challenging to draw, Sporny said.

"They have more curves, more lines and volume," he said.

To give his students an appreciation for the models and what they do, Sporny makes his students stand in a pose for three minutes.

"I was nervous for about five seconds," said Emily Pollock, a Parkersburg senior and nude model. "Once you drop your robe, what can you do? The biggest part of getting over it is the class' attitude and maturity."

Pollock said she thinks modeling helps self-esteem and considers it to be meditative.

"My fiance didn't like it at first," she said. "But he accepted it because he wants to support what I do. Now, he thinks it's kind of neat that I am a model."

She also said it is interesting to look at the finished pieces because they all are different.

"I want something from every class I model for," Pollock said.

Sporny said models have to stay very still for 20 minutes and then they get a break. Having been in her high school marching band helps her, Pollock said.

"This is a job and students aren't here to cater to me," she said. "I'm here for their benefit."