Studio Rules

There are certain rules in place to ensure that the classroom remains a professional and structured environment for both models and artists:

• Studio doors open 30 minutes before the session starts, and close 15 minutes after it ends.
• No one other than participating artists are permitted in the classroom. Outside guests and/or pets are not allowed.
• Participants who arrive late may not enter the room until the model is on a break.
• All classroom doors and curtains stay closed while the model is posing.
• DARA equipment must be treated with respect and care. Rough handling of our easels or other studio property is not tolerated.
• Absolutely no photos or videos are allowed of the model, for any reason. Do not photograph your own work until the model is on break.
• Always ask other artists for permission before taking photos of their work.
• Everyone works quietly while the model is in pose. No chatting, taking phone calls, playing music or videos out loud, etc.
• The session monitor calls the breaks. After a break ends, the pose starts again promptly without delay.
• If the pose needs to be corrected, this will be done by group consensus at the direction of the model coordinator. Models should be given instructions to adjust the pose in a respectful, clear manner. If the pose needs to be adjusted mid-session, this should be done at the direction of the model coordinator. Artists should not interrupt the pose to call out directions.
• Models are not statues, and minor movements/differences in the pose are an inevitable part of working from life. Any hostility towards the model, including but not limited to rude comments, persistent sighs, or other loud and/or disruptive behaviour is unacceptable.
• There is a zero-tolerance policy for any behaviour towards models which is deemed, at DARA's discretion, to be demeaning, discriminatory, intimidating, or otherwise inflammatory.
• Easels are chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. Artists participating in long pose sessions which extend multiple weeks have the option of reserving an easel. See 'Participation in long poses,' below.
• Participants may not bring any materials which are forbidden for use inside DARA classrooms. See 'Prohibited Artist Materials,' below.
• At the end of the session, it is expected that participants will clean up after themselves, return all equipment borrowed from DARA, and leave the studio in the same condition they found it.

Refusal to follow these rules will result in permanent dismissal from DARA.

Registration & Right of Refusal

Participation is open to artists of any nationality, race or ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, medical status, marital or civil status, religion, or creed. Participants under the age of 18 are not permitted to join any session in which a model poses nude unless the participant's parent or legal guardian has provided DARA with express written permission for the artist to participate.

Sessions are booked on a first-come, first-serve basis, and are limited to a maximum of 16 participants to ensure that everyone has a good view of the model.

Easels, drawing boards, and stools are provided. All other materials are to be supplied by the participant, and must comply with our policies restricting the use of hazardous substances, such as solvents.

Right of Refusal
DARA reserves the right to refuse participation in open model sketch sessions under the following circumstances:

• Participants who have previously been dismissed from DARA due to repeated refusal to follow our studio policies and/or violated our Code of Conduct;
• Participants under the age of 18 who do not have permission from a parent or legal guardian to sketch from a nude model;
• Participants who have not paid the session fee.

Sketch Session Fees & Payment Policies

The cost of participating in an open model sketch session is EUR 14 for bookings made at least two days in advance, and EUR 16,5 otherwise.

Students who are enrolled in the Trimester Programme and are pursuing a diploma are eligible for a 25% discount during the fall, winter, and spring sketch seasons. 

The session fee is paid at the time of booking. Navigate to Open Studio > Life Model Sketch to pay and book. Payments are possible by debit or credit card, iDEAL/Wero, or SEPA Direct Debit. Attending a session without paying the fee is not allowed.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

You can manage all the sketch sessions you have scheduled in the booking app. To cancel or reschedule a session, navigate to Open Studio > Life Model Sketch Sessions to access your booking. Your session fee is refunded if you cancel or reschedule 48 hours or more in advance. If you cancel or reschedule after this time, you are not eligible for a refund.

If DARA has to cancel a session for any reason (insufficient participation, model falling ill, etc.) your session fee will be refunded. Except in instances of an emergency or other extenuating circumstance, we will notify you of the cancellation 24 hours in advance.

Prohibited Artist Materials

To ensure the health and safety of all artists working in our studio, DARA has strict rules in place regarding the use of drawing and painting materials, particularly those which contain toxic substances.

These rules are not negotiable. Wilful disregard of these policy will result in permanent expulsion from DARA.

Paint Solvents
The only solvent allowed for use inside DARA classrooms is Gamsol Odourless Mineral Spirits. Gamsol is one of the safest odourless mineral spirits currently available for painters, with virtually no toxic aromatic compounds. This is a strict rule and there are no exceptions. Gamsol is sold at DARA for the convenience of participants.

If an artist arrives to the studio with another type of solvent, or a painting medium which contains another solvent as one of its ingredients, it will be banned from the classroom. Repeatedly refusing to use the correct solvent will result in permanent dismissal from the studio.

Gamsol must be stored properly, in labelled glass containers or metal palette cups, while inside the studio. Containers with solvent must be sealed at all times while not in use. Plastic or paper containers are not suitable for storing Gamsol. If a student attempts to pour solvents in a communal drinking cup or bowl that was taken from DARA's kitchen or lounge, he or she will be expelled from the studio.

Toxic Pigments
The use of pigments which contain heavy metals (lead, cadmium, etc.) is allowed under the following conditions:

• Paints are stored in labelled tubes, and paint tubes are sealed with a cap when not in use;
• All paint spills / stains are cleaned by the artist with soap and warm water;
• Artists are strongly urged to wear gloves while painting;
• No paint is allowed in common areas outside of the classrooms;
• Brushes must be properly cleaned in a brush washer before rinsing in the brush sink (this applies for all oil paints, toxic and nontoxic).

It is strictly forbidden to bring in powdered pigment to the studio, or to sand down the surface of a painted canvas or palette in the studio.

Disposal of Oil Painting Waste
All painting waste must be disposed in one of the sealed metal waste bins which are labelled for paint disposal. This is both to reduce the risk of fire hazard, and to eliminate odour from painting mediums within the classrooms. Waste bins should be sealed with a lid at all times.

For disposal of dirty solvents: solvents should be recycled by using a brush washer or sieve to separate out the paint sediment. Do not pour solvents or oils in the toilet or down the drain.

Brush Cleaning
After painting, brushes should first be cleaned in an airtight brush washer, or a glass jar which can be sealed with a lid. As much paint as possible should be removed from the brush by swishing the brush in Gamsol or oil. After the brush is nearly clean of paint, it should then be thoroughly rinsed out with soap and warm water in the brush sink. It is forbidden to use any other sink to clean brushes.

Pencil Sharpening & Dust
Pencils and charcoal should be sharpened over a waste bin to reduce dust in the air, which can be irritating to other students. Any pencil shavings or dust that are left on the floor, easels, etc. should be cleaned up by students at the end of the work session.

Use of Spray Fixative
It is strictly forbidden to use spray fixative indoors. There is a designated area in the courtyard outside the studio where drawings can be set with fixative. Wait at least 5 to 10 minutes after spraying before bringing the drawing back indoors, so that the odour wears off.

General Rules
Communal studio equipment such as easels and stools must be handled respectfully and with care. Any broken equipment that is discovered should be reported to a member of staff immediately. Students should clean any messes made at the end of the work session, and leave the studio in the same condition in which they found it.

Participation in long poses that extend multiple weeks

Artists who join a long-pose sketch group, in which the same pose is sustained across multiple weeks, have the option of working on an extended drawing or painting.

Participants who would like to work at the same easel for more than one week must mark the easel position on the floor with tape, and write their name on the tape. The session moderator can assist with this. It is the participant's responsibility to arrive on time for each session to ensure the easel is available. It is not guaranteed that the easel will still be available if the participant arrives late. We encourage joining the DARA community group on Whatsapp to communicate a late arrival.

Participants may request storage space for their drawing or painting, which will be made available for the duration of the pose. At the end of the final sketch session, the artist must take this artwork home, regardless of whether he or she attended the session or not. DARA does not agree to provide storage space past this point, and accepts no liability for work left in the building once the final sketch session ends.

Code of Conduct

In order to ensure a safe and professional working environment, the Code of Conduct establishes guidelines for appropriate behaviour while on the DARA premises. The Code of Conduct applies to all students, staff, models, and guests of DARA.

Behaviour which is in violation of the Code of Conduct will result in dismissal from class and/or permanent expulsion from DARA and all future events. DARA reserves the right to refuse admittance to classes, workshops, programs and events based on violation of this Code of Conduct.

Expected Conduct

Students at DARA are expected to attend classes and events at the studio with a sincere commitment to learn the fine arts training DARA provides. It is the student's sole responsibility to read DARA's Studio Policies as a condition of enrolment, and to ensure that their behaviour is compliant with the terms established therein. Students are expected to respect themselves, DARA staff and other members of the community, and studio facilities. 


Prohibited Conduct
Any conduct which threatens the safety of a member of the DARA community, or hinders the functions or operation of the studio, falls under the purview of this Code of Conduct. This including instances in which the unacceptable conduct occurred off the DARA studio premises.

Prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to the following:

1. DARA has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment towards students, staff, models, or other members of the DARA community. Harassment includes, but is not limited to: bullying, inflammatory remarks, unwelcome advances, and behaviour which creates a hostile or intimidating environment. Instances of harassment will result in disciplinary action, up to and including permanent expulsion from DARA or legal action.
2. Discrimination or harassment towards a member of the DARA community based on race, ethnicity, country of national origin, sex and/or gender expression, sexual orientation, creed, religion, age, disability, veteran or military status, pregnancy, genetic information, marital status, or citizenship status.
3. DARA has a zero-tolerance policy for any form of sexual violence towards a member of the DARA community. This includes, but is not limited to: sexually demeaning language, inappropriate touching, stalking, all forms of sexual assault or misconduct, and the exploitation of an authority position to groom underage or otherwise vulnerable individuals. Instances of sexual violence will be met with immediate disciplinary action, up to and including permanent expulsion from DARA, prompt reporting to law enforcement, and/or legal action.
4. DARA has a zero-tolerance policy for any form of physical violence or intimidation towards a member of the DARA community. This includes, but is not limited to: threats of injury or bodily harm, domestic violence, and any form of physical assault. Instances of physical violence will be met with immediate disciplinary action, up to and including permanent expulsion from DARA, prompt reporting to law enforcement, and/or legal action.
5. Deliberate destruction or theft of property belonging to DARA, or to a student or staff member. Instances of theft or deliberate destruction of property will result in permanent expulsion from DARA and reporting to law enforcement. If a piece of equipment is damaged accidentally or breaks from prolonged use, it must be reported to a member of staff.
6. Disrespectful conduct in the classroom which disrupts the instructor's ability to proceed with the lesson, or undermines the tone he or she has established for the class.
7. Communication with members of the DARA community, both in-person and online communications, should strive to maintain a tone which is professional and respectful. The use of derisive or offensive language towards students or staff is not in accordance with DARA's practices. Recurring instances of such behaviour may result in dismissal from the studio. 
8. Abusive behaviour directed towards a member of the DARA community, including the use of profanity or slurs.
9. Obscene, lewd, or indecent behaviour on the DARA premises.
10. Conduct which disrupts the functioning of DARA's classes or events, or discredits the studio's professional ethical standards.
11. Failure to observe safety guidelines, including policies regarding the use of artist materials. Repeated instances of this behaviour will result in dismissal from the studio.
12. Failure to observe fire safety guidelines, including but not limited to: engaging in arson, blocking emergency exits, improper disposal of flammable substances such as oils or solvents, failure to switch off space heaters, and/or falsely activating fire alarms.
13. Smoking and/or drug use is not permitted inside DARA premises. Working under the influence of illegal substances is prohibited.
14. The consumption of alcoholic beverages during events at DARA is only permitted for those over the age of 18. Excessive intoxication is prohibited.
15. Possession or use of dangerous chemicals, explosives, fireworks or deadly weapons on the DARA premises is strictly prohibited and will result in expulsion from the studio and reporting to law enforcement.
16. Attending an instructed class in which a model poses nude is not permitted for students under 18 years of age without the express permission of the student's parent or legal guardian.
17. Refusal to comply with the posted building/studio hours. Please clean up promptly after class and be respectful of closing staff.
18. Attending a class, sketch session, lecture, or other paid event without full term payment.
19. Disregard of the studio's Model Policies (please refer above.) Repeated instances of this behaviour will result in dismissal from the studio.
20. Recording photos or videos of nude models is never allowed, and will result in expulsion. Recording photos or videos of clothed models is only permitted with express permission from both the model and the studio.
21. Recording photos or videos of other artists and/or their work is not allowed without his or her express permission.
22. Students who arrive late must enter the building quietly and may not disrupt lessons. If the student arrives late for a model class, he or she must wait outside the classroom until a break in the pose.
23. Trespassing and/or unauthorised use of studio facilities.
24. Refusal to follow instructions given by DARA staff, such that it may result in bodily harm to oneself, other students, guests, or members of staff.
25. Violation of any published rules and regulations now or later in effect.