South Croydon artist Francis Wardale has been running a life drawing class for the past five years, artistically capturing the human form.

But occasionally the 53-year-old is happy to expose himself to the gaze of his fellow artists by sitting as a model.

Stripping off while people draw intimate areas of his body is something Francis says he has got used to over the years.

"I suppose it's a bit embarrassing at first but it is something you get used to," he says. "After a while you don't really think about it."

Francis says being a model isn't as easy as you might think. In fact, there are a number of important things prospective subjects should remember.

"It's important for a model to be able to hold a pose for a long time." But Francis admits it is very difficult to stand in one position for a long time.

"Obviously it's impossible to stand completely still, since everyone has to breathe.

"But perhaps more importantly the model needs to be able to pose in an interesting way in a way that's interesting for people to draw."

On the plus side Francis says that standing still for such long periods of time leaves you with plenty of time to think.

"Sometimes you find your mind drifting and thinking about little things that you need to get done. But most of the time you're thinking about holding your position and wondering when your next break is."

For Francis the most enjoyable part of the artistic experience is producing something at the end of a session.

"I think I most enjoy the finished product. You're creating a work of art. One of the models looked at the drawing I'd done and I said could she have it," he says.

"She gave it to her husband and I'm told they've put it in their bedroom."

The life drawing class is held at the United Reform Church in Addiscombe Grove, South Croydon, every Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

For more information call Francis on 020 8686 9615.