Etiquette in Open Studio

[Chris Saper]

Over the past month or so, I have noticed more than one dreadful faux-pas.

1. Unless open studios begin to function with pre-set easel positions (I think they all should), there's the universal first-come first-serve rush. (Also compared to hungry dogs and the meat wagon.) The first to arrive take the easel positions they want most, typically close-up and sort of front-on.

If you do not arrive to find a spot in the closest tier, choose your spot so that you are not on the heels of the person in front of you. There needs to be room for each person to back away from their work.

If you choose a spot in front of someone already placed, be absolutely certain you are not in their line of vision, especially when you lean over to view the model. You need to find a spot where you have enough back-up room.

2. Once the model starts with the pose, assume that is the pose. Just because you don't happen to catch the attitude of the gesture before the model has drifted, don't assume that others don't have it stated properly, and argue that now that the model has moved that this needs to be the new pose.

If possible, it's a good idea to assign one person the job of helping to keep the model in position. If you know who in the group is fast and accurate, give that person the job. Otherwise there ends up being too many conflicting instructions, and it's frustrating to all, especially the model.

3. Don't bring music and assume everyone else wants to listen to what you like, or to anything at all.

Feel free to add to his list, as you think of additional things to include.