“The human body is the best work of art.”
― Jess C. Scott
Jess felt like she had been holding her breath for an age. Her breath, her tummy, her neck elongated. Every part of her body felt burning hot and screaming at her to move.
But she needed the money. This was easy money, she told herself. Sit still for a couple of hours in an awkward pose. Just breathe. The artist had told her to breathe in deeply and then breathe out slowly. But I can hardly breathe, she thought. Perhaps it was the hot air. There seemed to be so little air movement in the room.
“John…” she said, her voice quivering. She hated to interrupt him.
“Hmm?…”
“John, I…”
The thud that followed seemed to echo around the room. Pushing his canvas to one side, John rushed over.
“Jess! Oh god.” He took his phone from his back pocket and began to tap in the numbers for an ambulance but the bleeping seemed to cause her to stir.
“John?”
“Jess, are you okay?” He gathered some cushions and slid one carefully under her head.
“I’m fine, maybe just a bit of water?”
“Of course.” Within seconds, John had been across the room to the sink and retrieved what happened.
“I’m so sorry, John.” Her cheeks flushed. “I remember feeling hot and then, I’m not sure”
“No worries at all, Jess. Do you feel well enough to pose again or do you want to go home for the day?”
The thought of all the bills mounting up flashed through Jess’s eyes.
“No, no. I’ll finish” But as she got to her feet, she wobbled again slightly.
“Listen, Jess. Why don’t you lie back on that couch?”
“No, no. You need to finish your sketch.”
“I do, but Jess, you are so beautiful, I can draw you in any position. Why don’t you lie down for a while and we can pick up the other one another day. Perhaps a day which isn’t so warm?”
She smiled. Gratitude filled her flushed face.
“Thanks John.” John nodded and after a few alterations, he was soon busy behind his easel again.
Knowing she could make her bill payments, Jess finally relaxed. As John looked in her direction, his heart fluttered, he thought she had never looked so beautiful.
Many, many moons ago. Whilst I was a student, I modelled for several life drawing classes. I am curvy, pale, with wild red hair, not the person you would usually typecast to be a life model I am sure. To begin with, I was so nervous, but the class teacher was so lovely, the artists were all so kind, often showing me their works after, that despite the fact I was doing it for the money, I learned quite a lot about body confidence. Before long I was calm and natural (I hope!) and actually enjoyed the experience.
Originally written in response to:
- WQW – Fitness
- Your Daily Word prompt – Typecast
- Fandango’s One-Word Challenge – calm
- Pensitivity’s three things Challenge – heart
Much Love.
KL
That’s such a clever story and the fact that you know what you’re talking about makes it even better! 💜💜
Thank you for the lovely comment, Willow. KL ❤️
I do admire you ☺️
☺️That’s very kind, Willow. KL ❤
💜💜💜
I took several life drawing classes. It is interesting how “platonic” it is from the artist’s side. As to “type”, we had many models that were very different, of all ages (adult) and body types, from muscular, to thin, to very heavy and all variations, but there is no judgement, just art. Anyway, I liked the story – Jess needs to learn to speak up when she is that uncomfortable!
Thank you for this wonderful comment Trent. I spent time with some of the artists and they pretty much said the same thing. KL ❤️
Yep, all body types welcome. Curves are more fun to draw, anyway!
Absolutely Jemima! The artists were so kind and some even shared their work with me, they actually helped build my body confidence. KL ❤️
Very well written and the insider knowledge helped to paint the picture.
Thank you so much Peter. I love the thought of being an insider in the art world. KL ❤️
A lovely story KL
Thank you, Sadje. KL ❤️
You’re welcome
Wow, what a great life story. You’re very brave, I couldn’t have done that, I’m way too self conscious
Everyone should try it at least once 😜. Actually, I was a little nervous at first but it taught me alot about body confidence. KL ❤️
What a great story and beautifully written.
Thank you, that’s very kind. KL ❤️
My pleasure! ❤️
Hi KL, I loved your story. It puts fitness in a totally new light. I can’t imagine every posing, like Nope, Not Pam, I was way too self-conscious, which is also somewhat self-centered. I’m also not too artistic, and I appreciated Trent’s comments. The whole experience is way beyond my realm of reality. Thanks for sharing both the story and your experience. You are super brave.
Thank you, Marsha, that’s very kind. It’s something I look back on fondly now and I’m glad I did it, although I was a little nervous at the time. KL ❤️
I can imagine. Did you ever get to keep any of the art?
I did! A couple of wonderful artists gifted me their works. I still have them now, although they are up in the loft (they’re huge, A1 size I think). 🙂 KL ❤
Wow, that’s amazing that they gave you huge ones! Did you do any drawing yourself?
A very good story
Thank you. KL ❤
You are welcome
I enjoyed your writing and your quotes!
Thank you. KL ❤️