Reviews


"Andrew’s book is wonderfully readable, lucidly written, and a one-of-a-kind resource for art models both new and experienced, as well as artists, teachers, and students. With its very publication, The Art Model’s Handbook has solidified the legitimacy, virtue, and immeasurable value of serious, professional art modeling." entire review

Claudia Hajian, Art Model and Museworthy Blogger, New York City


"As an artist who works with models virtually every day, and who trains people to be art models, this handbook has proven to be a most comprehensive and well thought out addition to my library. I recommend it to every person who comes to me wondering what it is like to model for an artist. This is a great book to read about the art and business of being a model."

Brian Smith, Artist, Toronto


"A majority of the models who contact me wanting to pose for our workshop have little to no experience modeling for artists. Many mistakenly assume fine-art modeling requires little to no knowledge or skill. This book is the first comprehensive resource I have found that clearly explains every aspect of fine-art modeling. With this foundational knowledge any aspiring or experienced models will be able to communicate a level of professionalism that will set them apart. I regularly recommend it to people."

Trent Reynolds, Art Instructor and Creator of Dabbleon Videos


"This volume is an essential addition to any library that serves the studio arts." entire review - PDF

Barbara Furbush, Art Libraries Society of North America


“An invaluable resource for the new art model, the professional art model, art schools, art instructors, art students, and anyone wanting to learn more about the complexities of creating inspiration as a professional artist’s model.”

Wendy McClay-Triplett, Manager, Models & Props, Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, CA


"From my standpoint as an artist, I would love to see more models read this book and apply its instruction. The material is clear, interesting and thorough. ... It is highly recommended and very affordable." entire review

Steve Armes reviewing for DFW Art Models, Dallas, Texas


"For the first time a book concisely defines what is expected of an art model and the fellow expectations of the studio or colleges involved. Through interviews readers enjoy professional art models' advice." entire review

Waverly Tinsley, Art Model, Indianapolis, Indiana


"This is an excellent book for the curious or inexperienced, through the accomplished model, artist, instructor, and those trying to work with models." entire review

Missy Loewe, Academic Dean, Washington School of Photography, Washington, DC


"...recommended for artists’ models, artists that work with models, people that book models for life drawing classes or groups, or students that attend such groups... This book is the real deal about the profession of modeling for artists." from the Drawing Life blog

Fred Hatt, Artist and Life Drawing Monitor, Spring Studio, New York City


"There is no question that every art model should read this book; but let me suggest that every figure photographer read it as well." entire review

Craig Rothfuss, Figure Photography Magazine


"With sensitivity and skill, the author describes what the figure drawing experience is like for both models and artists, and establishes the parameters of mutual respect and concern that must exist between them. He also deals with most of the awkward or unfortunate situations that might cause a model distress, or even put him or her in danger, and offers guidance on precautions that would minimize discomfort and risk." entire review - PDF

ForeWord Reviews


"a thorough, wide-ranging how-to guide... which will also be tremendous help to artists who work with models." entire review

Scott Kirkman, Figure-Drawing League


“This work has all the tools one needs to develop into a skilled professional model—a boon to art instructors, art students, model coordinators and those artists who meet in groups to work from the nude figure.”

David R. Quammen, Founder, Figure Models Guild, Washington, DC


"This is quite a unique book. At first glance it's obvious it should be read by anyone who is thinking about modeling for artists. It certainly covers every aspect of what a model should know in order to properly function in this specialized business.  ...  But it's even bigger than that. This 141 page paperback guide is written through the eyes of a model. An unusual perspective in comparison with what has been available on the topic. And it contains valuable information for everyone involved with this art process." entire review

Dee Overly, Artist, Ann Arbor, Michigan


"From handling bookings and typical business practices, to preparing for poses and keeping one's mind entertained during long stretches, this book covers it in a down-to-earth fashion that is succinct and clears the air of those ridiculous historical stereotypes. This is a great book for those looking to become an artist's model." entire review

Jeffrey Wiener, TheGreatNude.tv, New York City


"Everyone involved in representational figure drawing from the model to the artist should take a look at this book to get a perspective on the experience different from their own and to make the experience a profitable one for everyone involved." entire review

Franz Fiedler, figure-drawings.blogspot.com


"This is a long overdue book on everything related to being or hiring an art model. Andrew himself is a very experienced model, but instead of just relying on his own experiences he interviewed artists and photographers, managers of art programs and other models. The result is comprehensive, and extremely helpful in telling both the artist and the model what to expect and how to make a session professional and productive." entire review

Terry Rafferty, Artist, Albuquerque, New Mexico


"The Art Model's Handbook should be available in every library of every art organization, art school, and anywhere else that models and artists may seek out information about figurative art." entire review

Kelly Borsheim, Artist, Austin Texas and Florence Italy


"I rarely give a book five stars, but — for this topic — I can’t think of any way the author could have improved the book. Every working artist and every classroom that uses models should have a copy of this book in their studios. ... I read many books about and for artists, and this one stands out as a brilliant idea, well executed and long overdue. It’s well-written and easy to read, but — even more importantly — it’s a useful reference that provides far more than just the basics." entire review

Eileen Morey, Senior Editor, Art Books Reviews


"There are so many aspiring models out there that I talk to on a daily basis and the same questions always come up; 'where do I start, what should I do, not do….' ?   In The Art Model's Handbook I think Andrew, an experienced life and photography model, really captured a lot of topics essential to both models, artists, art teachers and everyone involved in figurative art." entire review

Antoine de Villiers, Artist, Savannah, Georgia


"This book is like an informative and interesting documentary... It's recommended to models, would-be models and people who work with models." entire review

Parka Blogs, Singapore


"Until now, I've never seen a book that is written from the model's perspective, directed mainly to models and instructors who don't have a lot of experience with posing for and directing figure drawing sessions... It explains very thoroughly about why particular things are done. It's a very good resource for those that are considering to become art models or are still new to the profession. There are many short anecdotes from different artists, instructors and models, as well as longer interviews with models. As a person who has been on the drawing side, it gives me an insight into the model's perspective of figure drawing." entire review

Rie Shibazaki, Artist, Toronto, Ontario Canada


The Art Model's Handbook has been featured on The Art Engine and About.com.


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The Art Model's Handbook: The Naked Truth about Posing for Art Classes and Fine Artists • by Andrew Cahner
ISBN-13: 978-1-442-16969-2 • ISBN-10: 1-442-16969-9 • Available from Amazon.com
contactartmodelbook.com • Contents of this site © 2009-2012. All rights reserved.
Painting on book cover: “Trois Couleurs Noir.” Oil on canvas. © 2004 Antoine de Villiers. Used with permission.