It has been a while since I’ve done any nude modelling for artists.
But I was asked recently by one artist if I would consider posing for him. It would be a paying gig, he told me.
I said yes immediately, with details to be discussed later. Then I realized the devil is in those details: how to do it safely during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Yes, the threat and fear of an invisible devil is something we are all living with these days.
Still, I am not going to turn down a modelling opportunity. I love doing it — even though it can be an endurance test holding positions — and I could always use some extra cash.
I’m guessing most, if not all, artists’ workshops promoting body awareness have been on hold since March, when so much of the world went on lockdown. Those are the types of sessions I’ve done in the past. I was invited to do them because of my connections to an Ottawa naturism organization. They were freebies: My reward was the experience and the thanks I received — along with some sketches they did during the sessions.
I have always wanted to do some one-on-one sessions, à la Mona Lisa, albeit in the buff. I would pose in clothes, too, if asked. But I totally get an artist who is also a naturist wanting a nude model.
Still, the artist and I will need to find a way to do this safely.
I know that some of this blog’s readers do some modelling for artists. I’d like to hear from you here. Have you been doing any such modelling since March? If so, what safety precautions are being taken by you and the artists?
— Jillian
P.S. Tap here to read about my first nude modelling session for an artists’ workshop.

Social distancing should be rather simple if you’re to be a model. I’ve never had to be close to one, unless I have a pose in mind and need to help position them. Group sessions should have the artists encircling the model, as opposed to a group sitting together in one section.
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The artists always form a semi-circle around me in the group sessions. The photo I provided only showed a cross-section. But that was pre-coronavirus days. Now, I can’t see that many artists being in a room together. As for modelling for one artist, I don’t see a big problem with that, but some precautions will be necessary. Of course, given the times, the artist might want to incorporate mask-wearing into his art. So, I could be the naked Mona Lisa with a smile hidden behind my mask. Hey, I could wear my Led Zeppelin mask! Smiles.
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I’m suddenly smiling under my mask at that last part 😁
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Hmmm… The mask could be incorporated as a veil. Gives it an exotic, middle-Eastern touch.
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Good idea!
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Nude modeling must be a real rush….Love to give it a try….
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I could be a stand-in for Jabba the Hut.
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Artists need all kinds of models: all shapes,sizes and ages.
So, go for it, Steve!
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It is a rush, Norm, but it is also hard work. One has to hold positions for long periods of time — and if your nose starts itching, you can’t scratch!
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I had a modeling gig all lined up with College of the Canyons out here when COVID-19 hit and in-school classes for the entire 2020 year was canceled. Haven’t posed for anyone (maybe except a few hiking selfies) in a very long time. I did a lot of modeling when I was in my 20s but that fell by the wayside with marriage and starting a new career. That was 35 years ago. I’m retired now.
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