Life Drawing FAQ’s

Where is it?
The new Faultline Gallery at 3908 MacArthur Blvd in Oakland, CA.

What’s the parking situation?
There is paid parking on MacArthur and free parking in the neighborhood, Patterson Street is around the corner from the gallery and is probably the safest street in the area to park.

Is tipping the model expected?
No, the model is paid by the venue and tipping is totally optional. We do have a tip jar set up so models can make a little extra and look forward to coming back.

What materials are allowed? Water based paints are fine, no oils. Low dust charcoals, just clean up after yourself whatever you use.

Are materials provided? We have a stack of newsprint and you can borrow some charcoal or a pencil if you find yourself in need. We do have a good stack of drawing boards you can use. We have easels, tables, and drawing horses available which are first come, first serve.

Do I need a ticket?
We highly recommend you pick up a ticket beforehand on our website. Ticketing allows us to moderate the number of attendees to an optimum number to reduce crowding and maximizing funds to pay for the models, the space, moderators, and equipment like easels and heating/ air conditioning. You’re welcome to show up without a ticket, but ticket holders will have priority to the easels, drawing horses, and tables. People start to leave around 7:30 and by 8:00 there is usually plenty of prime spaces you can move to if you get stuck in the back.

What’s your refund policy?
If you bought a ticket and can’t make the event, please let us know as soon as possible, at least 24 hours in advance so we can resell your ticket and offer you a refund. If 24 hours is not possible, a rain check will be offered for a future session. Please do not come sick!

Can you  please post who the models are? 
We try really hard to get the names of models from the Guild so we can let everyone know what to expect. However the booking coordinators are often overwhelmed and sometimes can't respond to our requests, and there are occasionally last minute changes so we may not always be able to provide that information accurately or at all. If we have the names, we will post on the ticket on the life drawing page or in the weekly email reminders. 

Is photography allowed?
No photography is allowed. If you would like to take a picture of the model for reference or social media, you need to get permission from the model. Some models may ask for an additional fee or refuse outright.

Can I come late/ leave early?
Yes, you may come and go as you please. Doors open by 5:40/5:45 and the model takes the stand as close to 6 as possible.

Can I model for the group?
We really prefer to use the Guild, even though they are sometimes more expensive than independent models, because they have an excellent no-show policy, they can send a replacement model quickly if the scheduled model doesn’t show, and we can book months at a time with a single email. The Guild has high standards for models and we appreciate the extra effort they put in to ensure that every single model is skilled, enthusiastic, and professional. Here’s a link for the Bay Area Models’ Guild, they have regular auditions to become a model.

Any plans for other sessions, such as different times, instructed classes, or longer poses?
Yes, it’s all up in the air but the Fall is looking real good to expand our options.