I have started, after a multi decade break, to pursue figure drawing. So far I am working from reference photos rather than live models. Soon I will move to live models but for now I don't work fast enough to get full value from a nude model.
I have a friend who is considering trying some nude modeling. I think it is a great idea and I had asked him to pose for me even before I knew he was considering it. I was blatantly taking full advantage that he is my best friend and the person I wholeheartedly credit with encouraging me to embrace social nudity.
WE have a mutual friend who does model and who offers kind of an intro to modelling and helps start a portfolio for aspiring models. Since I am starting to draw nudes I was invited to join the sessions as an artist. I left with some great tips and encouragement. The only jarring thing for me was at the second posing session my friend set a 30 minute pose and we began drawing. Half way through the pose the trainer made a comment that all the body hair was driving him crazy. The trainer is head to toe clean shaven and, while not requiring that models be shaved if they feel strongly about it, made it very clear that almost everyone who did figure drawing preferred shaven models.
Is this the norm? I know that I want my models to be as natural as possible and I kind of like the models that actually have hair; sure it may cloud the muscle lines but it still works for me. How many models/artists expect models to be shaved and if you do, why?

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