I have been meaning to catch one of Rubbyyy Jones’ drawing sessions for forever!
I drew them once years ago at Full Moon Cabaret, and had such a good time doing it. Since then they have created Life Drawing Rubyyy Jones, a whole Patreon community for life drawing, and more, including movement classes and act creation instruction. Insta, personal Insta, linktree.
When they announced a January theme of sets and looks influenced by historic queer artists, I had to make the Tamara de Lempicka sesh!
It wasn’t easy. I am having a terrible symptom flare, and even making the small arm movements for pastel lines is painful. I find myself using the watercolor brushes more because they yield to pressure, so they don’t hurt my hand and arm.
pretty sure these days I have ME/CFS and fibromyalgia to add to my sick lady list. Or maybe those two have been the core of it all, all along.
Maybe I have been just fighting it since the day in 1994 when I was in my studio in St. Paul working on Star Trek and I heard Cher talking about a mysterious disease called Epstein-Barr that seemed to describe my symptoms so perfectly… Working is harder than it’s ever been. This month I have felt perilously close to being unable to draw at all.
But this joyous session made it possible.
Rubyyy is such an experienced and vibrant model!
Their energy and rolling flesh illuminated the lilac organza sets. They hit the perfect de Lempicka three-quarter profile! Their makeup was PERFECTION. The session was run smooth and slick with a Madonna soundtrack by facilitator Prinx Lydia. I only lasted for the first half, as I was just too weak and hurting. But –
I am hoping to join next week’s session, Orange and Opie, inspired by the photographs of Catharine Opie!
It’s gonna be leather-dyke-a-licious and you know I love that 😉
Updated January 25 with Rubyyy powering up in handmade gear!
I made another session of Life Drawing Rubyyy on Monday. I was not familiar with Los Angeles photographer Catherine Opie‘s work, so I am very grateful to Rubyyy Jones and session facilitator Prinx Lydia for the introduction!
I am so grateful to my Patreon Patrons, whose monthly financial support makes it possible for me to continue making art as a vaccinated but Covid-vulnerable disabled person.