Models bare all for the sake of art

It's just nature.

But some nude art models say it's not easy work being natural.

"You have to be in shape. It takes an endurance and stamina," said Renee Woods, TVI and former UNM model. "It's not that it's hard. It's just not easy. You can't just be a lump on the log."

Some drawing classes at UNM and TVI require students to draw nude figures.

There are 28 models at TVI and 17 at UNM who vary in gender and shape. During classes, models are asked to take different poses that can last from seconds to hours.

"It really doesn't matter who you are as a person as long as you can put off an interesting pose that can inspire them," Woods said.

At UNM, models sign up for classes that fit their availability. Professors at TVI contact models directly.

"In my experience, body type is not a high priority as long as the model is in the mainstream of human proportions," said Ernest Garcia, a TVI art instructor. "I might not want someone exceedingly tall, but would use a roly-poly one if they were available."

Elen Feinberg, associate dean of Fine Arts, said she looks for people who do not look like they just stepped out of a modeling magazine because they would have a misconception about what what modeling for an art class should be.

Dianne Schlies, a TVI art professor, said she tells her students the first day of class that the study of a figure is a fundamental part of an artist's training. She said there is simply no substitute for drawing from a live nude model, and it would be tragic to not have that experience in a drawing class.

At UNM, models are paid $7 an hour, $10 an hour at TVI and at other open and private studios in Albuquerque, they are paid $12-$15 an hour.

Woods began modeling at UNM in 1985. She said at that time, UNM's rate was competitive, paying better than any other place in the city.

After working at UNM for nearly 10 years, she said the job was a bigger hassle than it was worth. After parking and taxes, she said she was receiving checks for $6 for two hours of work.

"It is ironic that the largest institution pays the least," said Don Shrader, who has been modeling at UNM since 1988. "If this were a poor institution, that would make more sense, but it's not."

Complete with office gossip, models said the job is just like any other. Many professors said models don't seem to have any problems with students, and professors discourage chatting between models and students. Garcia said a business-like atmosphere is preferred.

"On the stand is one thing. Off the stand is another," Woods said. "I will be friendly and amiable, but I know not to cross any boundaries, knowing certain things need to be separate."

Above all, she said models should know to check their ego at the door.