Butterflies tickled my tummy as I strolled into the The Toff in Town for Dr Sketchy's Anti-Art School life drawing class. As much as I doodle and dabble in my spare time, going to a life drawing class seemed so exposing, literally.

I suppose we (me?) tend to equate art classes with an emphasis on disciplined technique and an undertone of judgement. How very wrong I was. They do not call it Anti-Art School for nothing...

On the last Sunday of every month, Dr Sketchy hosts a night of drawing, wine, cabaret and fabulous music for the fine citizens of Melbourne. It is a place where people bask in creativity, community and a little nudity. The fine things in life really.

The night was off to a mighty beginning, as I strolled into an almost Parisian setting, with a scattering of small tables embellished with red wine and paint brushes. People sat calmly clasping notepads, transfixed by burlesque siren L'amour, as she perched in a pink corset on stage.

Resident Sketchy's DJ The Knave blew me away with a selection of classic tunes that inspired nothing more than a shimmy and a shake. Soon with a glass in hand I calmed down, realising that everybody was just there to humbly create, support and appreciate.

Glittering under the disco ball on the grand Art Deco stage, was a habitual place for femme fatal L'amour, who soon stripped down to her finest nipple tassles and a translucent kerchief. Every now and again there would be a change of pose or costume, along with a cute quip from the adorable MC. It was a great chance to experiment with life drawing in a new and fun way, for beginners or established artists.

In the end L'amour encouraged everyone to present her with their favourite sketch of the night. She then sat in her ruffled pink underwear and contemplated them, as if they were eager suitors holding their most persuasive dowries. In the end the winner was awarded with a delicious assortment of macaroons. The perfect Parisian ending.

If you would like to explore your sketchy side in an a cheeky way (quite literally) then enroll in the next Anti-Art school event and visit:

http://drsketchymelbourne.com/