As an art degree graduate, I always thought the nude models had guts.
I would suggest that you approach an accredited art college or institution. Beware of “independent” instructors that provide classes on weekends in a warehouse somewhere. And if you choose to model for an artist, be sure they are willing to allow you to bring a third party of your choosing; unless of course you know the artist and trust them explicitely. Don’t agree to any poses that you feel are inappropriate or make you uncomfortable, it may be their art, but it’s still your body! These things should be outlined and agreed to in advance. Get a contract to protect yourself and ensure you receive payment for you work if you are not volunteering.
In my life drawing classes the models changed poses every few minutes. I was so busy studying/drawing there’s really no time to think about nudity, it becomes shapes, structures, light and shadow. Keep that in mind, you’ll be less self-conscious.
None-the-less, the psychology of the culture associates nudity with sex. That will be an uncomfortable hurdle for you when it comes time to drop your robe. In art nudity has been used as a symbol for vulnerabilty (which you will feel) and also innocence (but you may feel guilt, after all we are all taught it’s not right to be seen naked in public). Also, you are a person, a thinking rational being, but you are allowing yourself to become an ‘object’ as a model. When woman are seen as objects, and nudity is involved you have crossed the threshold of pornography! Tread cautiously don’t allow yourself to be pushed across that line!
Keep in mind that men suffer the curse of being male. Sexual stimulation is visual. Consider this carefully—you may want to abandon this goal and save what you have for your husbands eyes only.
There are benefits to the study of human anatomy and the difference it plays in great and mediocre art, but there is also a dark side, that is abusive and degrading.
Consider also how you would feel if perhaps a parent took the class you were modeling for or viewed an exhibit that diplayed works that you posed for. Are you comfortable with that?
Be wise. Be careful. Be courageous!
(It may take as much courage to abondon your goal as it would to see it through.)
P.S. Don’t get drunk. Be self-controlled. Impaired judgement is an unnecessary risk to your well being!
