figure drawings and paintings by Shane McDonald

Life Drawing & Figure Painting Open Studio
in Marietta, GA

A community of artists who draw, paint, and sculpt the human figure from life.

Since 1998, Shane McDonald has hosted weekly open figure sessions, providing a dedicated space for the Atlanta art community to study the human form. Currently held at Artisan Resource Center (Studio K2), these sessions offer a relaxed, friendly, and professional environment for artists of all levels to work from live models.

Reserve Your Spot

The Experience

These 3-hour uninstructed sessions are designed for practice and community. While there is no formal teaching, our group is famously supportive—if you are a beginner, feel free to ask fellow artists for guidance during breaks.

Studio Amenities: We provide easels, drawing boards, tables, chairs, and a drawing horse for up to 12 artists.

$15

Space is limited to ensure a comfortable view for everyone. We use Setmore for easy scheduling.

  • Pay your way: Pay online in advance or in-person via cash/app when you arrive.
  • No-Call/No-Show: Please cancel at least 24 hours in advance if you cannot attend so another artist may take your spot.

*Note: Model tipping for reference photos is handled separately (see policy below).

Upcoming Sessions:

Shane's images above were all either completed or started in a life draw/paint session. See more of Shane's affordable art below:

View Shane's Figure Drawings   View Shane's Figure Paintings   Post Your Art to the Facebook Group

Agenda:

While the schedule may vary based on the model, our sessions generally follow this standard flow:

  • Gesture: Six 2.5-minute dynamic poses to warm up.
  • Short Pose: One 8-minute pose.
  • Long Pose: One sustained pose for the remainder of the evening (with scheduled breaks).

Standard 7-minute model breaks occur every 23 minutes. On specific dates, a model may be scheduled for consecutive sessions to allow artists to complete more elaborate, multi-week works.

Reference Photography:

Photography is permitted only with the explicit consent of the model. Please respect their privacy and professional boundaries:

  • Ask the model (or the session moderator) discreetly during a break.
  • Do not assume permission given to one artist applies to the group.
  • Cameras must be silent (no flash, no shutter sounds).
  • Tip your model: If you take reference photos, a tip of $5–$10 per pose is standard and appreciated.
Studio Materials & Etiquette:

The studio provides easels and drawing boards for up to 10 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Sightlines to the model are important, so late arrivals during full sessions may need to sit up front on chairs or pillows. No need to wait for model breaks to enter if late; just find a spot that doesn't disrupt the session.

Supplies: Please bring your own paper and drawing tools.
Painters: We require the use of odorless mineral spirits (such as Gamsol). Hardware store solvents are not permitted due to high toxicity and lingering odors. Please take any oil-soaked rags home with you for proper disposal.
Sculptors: Please contact Shane in advance so we can arrange the space to ensure clear sightlines for everyone.

Refreshments: Many participants bring wine or snacks to share; while not required, it is always welcomed. Models are invited to partake in refreshments during breaks; we ask that they bring a robe for these social periods to maintain a comfortable environment for everyone. Music is played throughout the session to set the mood.