How is Dr Sketchy’s different from a normal life drawing class?

In normal life classes, silent students sit in a silent room and draw a bored, oft-uninteresting model. In Dr Sketchy’s we’ve got scandalous performers as models. We’ve got ridiculous art contests (best incorporation of a woodland animal? Best imagined costume?), comedic skits, live acts, good music and flashy prizes. We’ve got a selection of posh beverages- alcoholic and not- available to buy.

At Dr Sketchy’s we don’t care if you picked up a pad yesterday or 50 years ago. Come to drink or to draw. We’re happy to have you.

Who started Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School? Who’s Dr Sketchy?

A New Yorker by the name of Molly Crabapple started Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School. Molly draws saucy Victoriana for magazines and used to work as a life model during art school. She thought they were boring and decided to take a stab at the medium. Thus, Dr Sketchy’s was born. Molly has been running Dr Sketchy’s in New York since 2005. Check out the Dr Sketchy’s New York website for more history of Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School.

Dr Sketchy is purely a literary device.

Is Dr Sketchy’s just in New York and Perth?

No! Dr Sketchy’s is in 50 cities and 4 continents around the world. This is the web-page of the Perth chapter. To find information about another Dr Sketchy’s branch, check out their page.

How often does Dr Sketchy’s Perth take place?

Dr Sketchy’s takes place once a month on a Wednesday at The Burlesque Lounge which is upstairs at 267 William Street, Northbridge.

We also run Life Modelling Workshops for those interested in learning how to be a life model. We also do special events – international art shows, cameos at the arts events… We’re available for hire at all manner of parties.

What mediums can I use?

All dry mediums are okay, as are dip pens and neat watercolour sets. If you want to use paints then please bring a plastic sheet to lay down so you don’t spoil our floor!

Are there easels? Tables? Sketchpads?

The venue we use has a heap of chairs and some small tables.  The best approach is to bring all your own art supplies and prepare to get comfortable on a chair with your sketchpad, and sketch on your lap. If you absolutely require an easel to work you are more than welcome to bring your own and set it up at the rear. Remember to arrive early to get your pick of seating, and if in doubt, buy a few drinks at the bar and you’ll be feeling more comfortable in no time!

We will normally have sketchpads and pencils for drop-ins, but it is best to always bring all your own art supplies.

Hey, why isn’t the model naked? I thought this was life class!

There are some regulations about naked girls and drinking in the same room, but besides, Dr Sketchy models show more than enough flesh to get in all the latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major you might desire. Dr Sketchy’s is about the chance to sketch something a little out of the ordinary, models that are glamorous, extraordinary, unique or unusual – if they’re naked, they’re just the same as any other life model, right?

At Dr Sketchy’s you might get the chance draw burlesque bombshells, glittering showgirls, circus performers, body builders, drag queens, professional dancers, sideshow oddities, a fabulous costume, fascinating props or some astounding physical skills! Isn’t that more fun than a birthday suit?

I did a great drawing at Dr Sketchy’s. Can I send you a copy?

Absolutely! Send it to us at info@drsketchyperth.com.au and we’ll post it on our blog!  You can also upload your work to http://drsketchy.tumblr.com for the whole world to see.

I’m a photographer. Can I shoot pictures of your models instead of sketching them?

Maybe, drop us a line to check first. We love photography, but sometimes the needs of photographers can be antithetical to those of artists – and a flash is downright distracting. Also not all models will want to be photographed, so we have to check with them first. Just shoot us an email if you’re interested, and depending on who is modeling that session and if there are other photographers going to be there, we’ll give you a yay or nay. For these same reasons, if you are there sketching, please don’t sneak out your camera/mobile and snap a photo without getting permission first.

If you’re press, you’re more than welcome to come and you can take as many photos as you like!

Dr Sketchy’s sounds cool. Can I be a model?

We’re always looking for models, especially if you are a burlesque bombshell, tight-lacer, circus performer, little person, contortionist, body builder, drag queen, professional ballerina, aerialist, or other person with unusual physiology, insane costuming or extreme physical skills!

Take a look at the ‘Be A Dr Sketchy’s Model’ link at the top to find out more.

I own a small business and want to sponsor you. Tell me some details.

We’re always looking for sponsors. Donations of cash, prizes, or printing will get you a logo on our poster, prominent placement on our website, mention in our newsletters, on stage shout-outs, and eternal love. Email info@drsketchyperth.com.au and find out more about how sponsoring us can help spread the word about your business.

I want to help out at Dr Sketchy’s. Need any helper monkeys?

Yessiree! If you want to hang flyers, haul chairs, post on message boards, do graphic design, hand out postcards or spread the word, drop us an email. We will shower you in free Dr Sketchy’s passes and our hot, sticky love.