As I approached the Getty for my art modeling booking last evening, I had an excited feeling of anticipation, knowing that this would be unlike any other museum outing. Parking on the “Top of the Hill” was more immediate then the scenic tram and afforded me time to peruse some galleries before I began work. The late afternoon sun on this L.A. mountain top oasis is quite exquisite. I wandered into a watercolor exhibit and was instantly pulled into in the David Hockney landscapes just as if I were sitting beside the artist himself. Next, I visited the Greek sculptures, feeling comforted and proud that I, too, was part of a long legend of models that would contribute to and hopefully be immortalized into a piece of art. At 5:30 I arrived at my work destination and was greeted by and warm, talented and appreciative group of artists. I sprung into action, contorting and twisting my body like a dancer for my audience. Creating shapes, shadows and lines that would be challenging and inspiring to draw. I could not help but think of my proximity to the masterpieces that hung in the galleries surrounding me. Is it possible that their historic energy and timeless meaning wafted through the walls lifting me to new heights of expression? As I brought out my signature Angel wings, I thought of Botticelli paintings, “The Fountain of Love” by Jean-Honore Fragonard, and Gianlorenzo Bernini’s “Ecstacy of St. Theresa”. The evening ended all too quickly. I had many more poses in me, just waiting to give birth. But alas, they have asked me to return to this meca of creativity in the spring…just in time to see their infamous Van Gogh Iris collection in bloom.
