Stillness & Movement

‘Is all of your weight on the right leg?’ A great question asked by a student from the Orange Art Center in Pepper Pike who understands the subtlety of human movement. Standing 6 feet, 3 inches tall, a lean, yet muscular physique is deceptive. The anatomical definition on Yusef Endure is clearly stated, yet the mass of his arms and legs can be exaggerated. Here lies the challenge of drawing from a live figure. ‘It’s easy to see the muscles we’ve studied in class’ said a participant of the Michelangelo Exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art in 2019. Yoga, HIIT, and plyometrics help, but there’s skill in holding the right kind of pose. ‘Students…and teachers love to see the curves of the spine, the shoulders and arms twisting off-axis from the hips, and the stillness that represents movement’ says Yusef. ‘He doesn’t move’ says another student from the Murray Hill Drawing Group in Cleveland’s Tricia Kamen Studio at The School House. ‘He’s one of our favorites’ says Juan Quirarte, a longtime artist, member, and administrator of the group.

With decades of experience, Yusef knows what poses work. He learned the craft at the Cleveland Institute of Art. Modeling for 1st and 2nd year life drawing classes, he learned from expert instructors like the late Joseph Cintron. Mr. Cintron emphasized turning a drawing into ‘a living piece of art.’ ‘He had me take 2 steps as if going for a walk, then said ‘freeze,’ says Yusef. ‘The students would start drawing from all angles. That’s where I learned terms like chiaroscuro and contropposto. The light and dark contrast plus the twisting made for an exciting drawing. I loved that. Still do.’

Yusef has modeled for 79th Street Studios, The Beck Center for the Arts, Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College, The Friday Drawing Group in addition to those groups and galleries listed above. He also does private sessions for area artists throughout the Greater Cleveland Area.

For 2 minute, 20 minute drawings, or long portrait paintings, Yusef brings a fresh sense of professionalism (he brings his own props) to the studio. Even in the era of Covid, he safely works to bring life to art. For a consultation, contact Yusef for more information.