Mixing a life drawing class with live cabaret may seem like an unlikely combination, but it works perfectly in Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School, which launched it’s London season at the Phoenix Arts Club in September and will continue at the Toulouse Lautrec in October and November.
Hosted by the king of London cabaret, Dusty Limits, and featuring three burlesque acts/ models, you grab a drink, sketch pad and pencils from the bar and settle down to watch each performer do their thing before attempting to draw them. Dusty helps you along with hints and tips and drawing challenges and the brave share their work in the hope of winning prizes (perhaps a bag of Haribo or Skittles, depending on what Dusty has picked up from the shop). The acts are performed by three very different performers. Lady Cleo does a touch of magic, Mysti Vine is all about the feathers, while Sebastian Angelique is a little risqué.
It’s a fun few hours where you may actually find your inner artist, and if not you will certainly laugh and quite probably chat to the people next to you (one exercise has you swapping drawings and trying to continue in the style of the other person). The audience the day I was there was a motley crew of Londoners in search of something different, art enthusiasts and tourists and the audience creations ranged from my out-of-proportion burlesque dancer to some pretty fabulous drawings that captured the atmosphere of the afternoon.
Monday 25th October, Monday 8th Nov and Monday 11th Nov at Toulouse Lautrec, 7pm
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