Bay Area Artist, Element, Figure Drawing Session Connects All Creative Backgrounds
- Erin Walker
- Aug 4
- 5 min read
Artist Joshua Mensah and Vocalist and Model, Desoray Explore Sacred Geometry
Written By Erin Walker Jul 26, 2026
At a recent figure drawing workshop in Oakland, Artist/Model Element led participants through a live model session shaped by art, music, reflection, and community. Special Guest Artist Joshua Mensah, and Vocalist/Model, Desoray joined the gathering, adding to an intimate setting where artists could study the body, draw from observation, and connect with fellow art lovers.
The event offered more than a traditional figure drawing session. It brought together a curated atmosphere, beverages, bites, music, and guided creative practice. Element, known for portraiture, spiritual art, and group sessions centered on sacred geometry, framed the workshop as both an art experience and a space for personal growth.
The Oakland workshop centered the live model experience
Workshop Overview
The Oakland workshop centered the live model experience. The workshop gives the model another perspective on being perceived as a creative centerpiece. The ambiance is important for the model too.
Main Focus
The workshop’s main focus was figure drawing from a live model, a practice that asks artists to slow down and observe carefully. Participants worked from the model’s form, posture, gesture, and presence, using the session as a chance to sharpen their eye and loosen their hand.
Importance of the Environment
In a live model setting, the room matters. The lighting, music, seating, timing, and emotional tone all affect how artists approach the page. This Oakland session leaned into that idea. Rather than treating the model as only a subject to copy, the workshop invited participants to see the model as a living source of inspiration.
Creative Environment
That approach gave the session a grounded pace. Artists could study anatomy and proportion while also paying attention to mood, energy, and personal interpretation. The result was a creative environment where technical practice and self-expression worked side by side.
Joshua Mensah and Desoray helped shape the atmosphere
Special Guest Artist Joshua Mensah attended the workshop as part of the creative circle, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on the artistic process. His presence added another layer to the room, creating an atmosphere rich with inspiration and collaboration. Participants had the invaluable opportunity to connect with an artist who not only shared his personal journey and insights but also engaged actively in the creative exercises.
Joshua's ability to draw alongside others broke down barriers, allowing participants to feel more at ease in expressing their own creativity. This interaction not only enriched their experience but also encouraged them to experiment with new ideas and approaches in their artwork, making the workshop a truly memorable and transformative event for all involved.
Exploring Creativity
Vocalist and Model, Desoray, also brought a distinct presence to the gathering. Desoray was exploring other avenues of creativity because she also loves art and drawing. Her passion for art extends beyond mere hobby; it is a profound expression of her inner thoughts and feelings. Through her unique presence, Desoray fostered an environment where artistic collaboration thrived, inspiring others to embrace their creative passions and think beyond conventional boundaries.
The event placed value on atmosphere, not as decoration, but as part of the practice. Music supported the rhythm of the session. Conversation gave participants room to meet one another. Refreshments helped the workshop feel open and social, rather than rigid or formal.
For many attendees, that balance made the experience feel more accessible. Figure drawing can feel intimidating, especially for people who are new to working from a live model. A welcoming room, led with care, can make it easier to begin.
Element led the session with a focus on art and inner growth
Element’s role as the workshop leader shaped the event’s tone. As an artist and model, she brings an understanding of both sides of the drawing session. She knows what it means to observe the body as an artist, and what it means to be observed as a model.
Her creative practice includes portraiture and spiritual art, with group sessions that focus on sacred geometry. That background gave the workshop a wider frame than technique alone.
Sacred geometry often uses patterns, shapes, balance, and symmetry as a way to explore connection and meaning. In a figure drawing setting, that lens can help participants look at the body with more care. The human form becomes more than lines and measurements. It becomes a reflection of rhythm, structure, and presence.
Element’s guidance encouraged participants to honor themselves as reflections of art as well. That message carried through the session. Artists were not only asked to draw what they saw. They were invited to notice how they were seeing.
The event blended practice, reflection, and community
The workshop offered a well-rounded format. Participants had time to create, learn, pause, and connect.
The experience included:
A live model session for observational drawing
Guidance from Element through a creative and reflective lens
A curated space designed to support focus and comfort
Music to shape the mood of the room
Beverages and bites for a relaxed social setting
Time to meet and speak with fellow art lovers
That mix helped the workshop feel complete. It did not separate artmaking from the people in the room. The gathering treated creative practice as something that can be personal, social, and skill-building at the same time.
For artists who regularly attend figure drawing sessions, the event offered a fresh setting and a more intentional environment. For newer participants, it provided an entry point into live model drawing without stripping away the depth of the practice.
The curated space played a key role
A strong figure drawing workshop depends on more than pose timing and drawing materials. The physical and emotional space shapes how participants respond.
The room was curated to support focus and ease. Ambient music set a steady tone. Food and drinks created a sense of hospitality. The presence of guest artists and creative collaborators encouraged conversation without taking attention away from the model.
That kind of environment can change the way people create. When participants feel welcome, they often take more risks. They may draw more freely, ask more questions, or stay open to what appears on the page. The workshop’s design supported that process.
The social portion also mattered. Art events often serve as meeting points for people who may otherwise create alone. By making room for conversation, the workshop helped participants build connections beyond the drawing session itself.
Oakland continues to support intimate art gatherings
The event added to Oakland’s ongoing role as a place for community-based art experiences. Rather than centering a large institution or formal classroom, this workshop created a smaller space where artists could gather around direct observation, shared energy, and creative care.
That model reflects a growing interest in art events that feel participatory and human. People are not only looking for instruction. They are looking for places to practice, reflect, and feel part of a creative circle. Element’s figure drawing workshop met that need by combining structure with warmth.
The takeaway from the evening was clear: figure drawing can be both a discipline and a form of honoring. This session gave participants a chance to study the human form, connect with others, and recognize themselves as part of the art in the room.
Figure Drawing Sessions
Join our Figure Drawing Sessions this Fall! This is an exceptional opportunity for artists of all levels to refine their skills and connect with fellow creatives.
Membership Perks
Become a member of the Eclectic Social Club to enjoy exclusive discounts on these sessions and other club events. Take advantage of this chance to advance your artistic journey and engage with fellow artists!
Register now and become part of our vibrant community!
Comments