Fine Art Drawing

Joga is an exciting new model for our group! The session is held in the TRA Community Hall, Ground Floor, Simla House, Weston Street, SE1 3RL. As you face Simla House from the street, the entrance we use is on the left hand side of the building. All abilities are welcome to draw and meet likeminded people. Two hours of active dynamic poses from 2 to 25 minutes. £12.00 for the session. The group is run on a drop-in basis. Pay on the night. Cash or card. Artists are advised to bring their own materials although a small amount will be available for emergency use. I think that is everything but message me if you have any queries. Kind regards, Cliff

HELLO HELLO!! We'll be at the THE CAMBRIA today as per EVERY WEDNESDAY!! 🥳 🌟 We'll have wonderful professional Life Model modelling for us tonight 🌟 We'll run a SHORT or LONG POSES SESSION (depending on the week) with POSES from 2 to 30min. 🌟 Check out our INSTAGRAM page for more information! https://www.instagram.com/Camberwell_life_drawing ALL LEVELS WELCOME ! ¸¸.•¨•♫¸¸.•¨•♫¸¸.•¨•♫¸¸.•¨•♫¸¸.•¨•♫¸¸.•¨•♫¸¸.•* Let's get together for some drawing and a glass of wine!! Camberwell Life Drawing is a group for anyone that want to spend a lovely and chilled evening creating some art in a relaxed, friendly and bohemian atmosphere. Untutored life drawing classes, every Monday (ar The Sun of Camberwell) & Wednesday (at The Cambria) evening from 7pm to 9pm. https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/5/8/a/event_464082378.jpeg *£14 per session (Cash or Card)* Some materials will be provided but please feel free to bring your own too! RSVP or drop-in on the night Latecomers are very welcome, too. WE HAVE LIMITED SPACE SO COME EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT* *WHY US?* Untutored Cozy room with beautiful lighting and Bohemian looking venue Relaxed, friendly atmosphere and cool people! All abilities welcome!! Don't be shy!! A glass of wine/beer for the interval & pub for a post-session wind down chat and possibly another drink. Background soft music Like us on Facebook & Instagram for more informations! https://www.facebook.com/camberwellifedrawing https://www.instagram.com/Camberwell_life_drawing

**What we are about:** Life drawing sessions every Wednesday 7.30pm-9.30pm This class is for all drawing levels, aiming to improve your own drawing style and learning about drawing the human form and anatomy in a relaxed and friendly environment. The class invites you to study guided or untutored with professional models in a variety of different poses. Usually we begin with a series of short poses and warm up exercises from 1min to 5mins. Followed by longer studies of 10, 15 and 20mins. We have a small break and the we’ll continue with a 25 min pose and concluding with a 20 minute pose. A different model each week All levels welcome Guidance given/optional Drawing materials and paper provided and included in the price. We are a friendly, welcoming, sociable group. Price: Drop-in, single session £15 - weekly sessions art materials and paper provided You can pay by cash or use this pay pal link : // [paypal.me/CreativeLifeDrawing](http://paypal.me?CreativeLifeDrawing) please choose - pay friends and family members If you like to secure your spot you can pay via this meet-up site but they will add some additional fees. CreativeLifeDrawing [J_wolfmail@yahoo.com](mailto:J_wolfmail@yahoo.com) Jennifer Wolf

Join us at this historic studio under the arches of Hungerford Bridge on the South Bank of the Thames, where the renowned painter and reportage artist Felix Topolski RA worked from 1951 until 1989 for an evening hosted by his grandson Lucian Topolski. If you would like to find out more about Topolski Studio, please visit the website and join the mailing list at [https://www.topolski.org](https://www.topolskistudio.org). Mark Lovelace will lead the drawing, Mark is an artist, with a special interest in drawing, who has been running classes at the Barbican Art Society, and at London Life Drawing, for many years. The studio has easels and all the equipment you might want, including a variety of drawing materials. Sketchbooks with reproductions of work by Felix Topolski are also available to purchase. Lucien will be around after the class to socialise, and you are welcome to bring your own drinks. There is also the Topolski Bar nearby. Mark will explain some approaches to drawing which reflect the artistic concerns of Felix Topolski. Individual feedback is available if desired. Mark can either help you to develop your drawing in similar directions, or he can support you as you pursue your own path. We will have a mixture of pose lengths. Tea, coffee and biscuits are available during the break. We aim to foster a warm atmosphere for a wide variety of skill levels, and to support a vibrant, and welcoming community of artists. **BOOKING TICKETS & DROPPING IN:** £13 Drop-In Tickets, but you can pay less with a [Draw More Pass](https://www.adriandutton.com/copy-of-drawmore-passes) (click on link or see details bellow) The class at the Topolski Studio runs every Wednesday . In Person only. Doors open, 6.30 pm. Life drawing, 7 - 9 pm. Socialising 9 - 9.30 pm. Just drop in, or if you prefer you can book in advance. Buying a ticket means you can simply drop in without needing to worry about paying on the night. Please use the link bellow to book: [https://bookwhen.com/londonlifedrawing_livestream](https://bookwhen.com/londonlifedrawing_livestream) **SCHEDULE & POSE LENGTH:** 6.45 pm, arrival 7.00 pm, We start drawing at 7pm with poses of mixed short and medium length: 15 min pose 5 x 1 min pose 5 min pose 10 min pose 20 min pose 15 min break 20 min pose 25 min pose 9.00pm drawing session ends **DRAW MORE PASS:** If you have a Draw More Pass - HOWEVER OLD - please select that ticket option in Bookwhen - this will give you a free booking confirmation - bring a print out or screen shot of the booking to the session along with your Draw More Pass - if you have any difficulties please call Adrian on 07966925723 **BUYING A DRAW MORE PASS :** The Draw More Pass makes our classes the most affordable in London and it's incredibly versatile. The Pass enables you to drop into our classes in person or online, any time you want to. You don't have to come back every week, instead choose your times and just turn up, they never expire - you can buy a Draw More Pass in any class or via our website: [https://www.adriandutton.com/shop](https://www.adriandutton.com/shop) When you buy a pass online you will receive a PDF, simply screen shot this or print it out and bring it to any session and we will exchange this for a PASS, also, as soon as the transaction is made you will be listed to receive our link emails for online sessions: 5 sessions: £52.50 10 sessions: £100 20 sessions: £190 50 Sessions: £450 **SHARE YOUR WORK** You are invited to share your work on IG, please hashtag #adriandutton_life_drawing so we can re-post and share. For those who do not use IG please email adrianmarkdutton@gmail.com with your photos **THE VENUE** About the venue. **The venue opens at 6.30pm**. It is wheelchair accessible via a ramp to the space. It has been an education and teaching space for many years, as well as housing the archive of the artist. If you would like to take a guided tour of the studio, you can book a place on Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/topolski-studio-64310090343 **TRANSPORT** Tube: Waterloo (Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee and Waterloo & City lines). Embankment (District and Circle lines). Bus: Routes 1, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, N1, N68, N171, N343 and X68 stop on Waterloo Bridge. Routes 76, 77, 211, 381, 507 and N381 stop on York Road. We look forward to seeing you!

**7-9pm** **MIXED SHORT & MEDIUM POSES** [www.instagram.com/adriandutton_life_drawing](www.instagram.com/adriandutton_life_drawing) IN PERSON & ONLINE The Garrett Centre 117 Mansford St E2 6LX Join us at our main studio for the Wednesday class, equipped with easels and all the equipment you might want, this is our principal teaching space. Following our mixed length pose formula this is an ideal class to develop your practice and get support with any issues you are trying to resolve in your practice. We serve hot vegan food in the break too, so don't worry if you are hungry after work. Expect a warm atmosphere and a wide variety of skill levels, equipment, easels and a vibrant, welcoming community artists. Every Wednesday Real Life Drawing, 7 - 9pm: Tube: Bethnal Green *** Dear Friends This is our regular Wednesday class at the Garrett Centre, Bethnal Green Just drop in, or if you prefer you can book to draw the session online. **£ COST - BOOKING TICKETS & DROPPING IN:** JOIN US IN PERSON OR ONLINE **IN PERSON: £13** This is a drop in class, but buying a ticket means you can simply drop in without needing to worry about paying on the night, use the link bellow to book: https://bookwhen.com/londonlifedrawing_livestream **ONLINE:** **£8** These sessions are streamed via Zoom making it possible for you to join us where ever you are. You can book to join online by using the same link and selecting **Zoom Online Ticket** https://bookwhen.com/londonlifedrawing_livestream **SCHEDULE & POSE LENGTH:** 6.45 pm > arrival 7.00pm > We start drawing at 7pm with poses of mixed short and medium length: > > 15 min pose > > 5 x 1 min pose > > 5 min pose > > 10 min pose > > 20 min pose > > 15 min break > > 20 min pose > > 25 min pose > > 9.00pm session ends **DRAW MORE PASS:** If you have a Draw More Pass - HOWEVER OLD - please select that ticket option in Bookwhen - this will give you a free booking confirmation - bring a print out or screen shot of the booking to the session along with your Draw More Pass - if you have any difficulties please call Adrian on 07966925723 **BUYING A DRAW MORE PASS :** The Draw More Pass makes our classes the most affordable in London and it's incredibly versatile. The Pass enables you to drop into our classes in person or online, any time you want to. You don't have to come back every week, instead choose your times and just turn up, they never expire - you can buy a Draw More Pass in any class or via our website: [https://www.adriandutton.com/shop](https://www.adriandutton.com/shop) When you buy a pass online you will receive a PDF, simply screen shot this or print it out and bring it to any session and we will exchange this for a PASS, also, as soon as the transaction is made you will be listed to receive our link emails for online sessions: 5 sessions: £42.50 10 sessions: £80 20 sessions: £150 50 Sessions: £300 SHARE YOUR WORK > You are invited to share your work on IG, please hashtag #adriandutton_life_drawing so we can re-post and share. For those who do not use IG please email adrianmarkdutton@gmail.com with your photos About the venue. **The venue opens at 6.30pm** our classes take place in the Lower Ground Floor The Garrett Centre - This is fully wheelchair accessible via a ramp to the space and has wheelchair accessible doors and amenities Nearest tube: Bethnal Green (central line). **Directions (see map below):** Tube/train: approx. 8 minutes walk from Bethnal Green Tube (Central Line) and 12 mins. walk from Hoxton & Shoreditch overground stations. Buses: Nrs. 8, 388, D3 - stop Pollard Row. Nrs. 26, 48, 55 - stop Hackney Road. Nrs. 106, 254 - stop Old Ford Road. Nr. 309 - stop York Road. When walking/cycling, there is a footpath behind the Tesco's on Bethnal Green Road that will get you there faster (see highlight on map above). If driving you will need to go via Hackney Road and turn left on Mansford St, follow to the end of the Street where you will see the Garrett Centre on your left. Parking is free after 6.30 in the surrounding streets and directly in front of the centre, however, you should note that the thick white lines denote no parking areas, only use actual parking bays. **Bikes:** please bring your bikes down to the basement, we are currently able to offer secure space in one of the rooms of the centre. To view a BBC film taken at the Bethnal Green Life drawing class, see below: You can watch the BBC film of Rhod Gilbert's Work Experience' made at our life drawing class here: https://vimeo.com/120288888 (http://vimeo.com/ziplinecreative/review/78714935/a64159a7bb) http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/9/1/8/600_434466424.jpg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/5/f/9/600_433149721.jpg http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/9/f/3/600_432579411.jpg

We will have LONGER POSES for in depth work. It is for artists that use various medias that takes time. Also complete beginners are welcome as tutoring will be available. Join us to draw and relax. Delicious coffee, drinks and cakes are available at the bar .\*\*\* ticket: £15 / discounted vouchers available, pay £45 for four classes (£11.25 each) \*\*\* basic art materials are provided. \*\*\* Drop in pay cash / card at the door \*\*\* PRE-BOOKING on info@5rhythmswithkat.com, or mobile: [07886935716](http://tel:07886935716) \*\*\* 11am- 1pm - life drawing. \*\*\* Tutoring available on request. \*\*\* drinks at the bar available. @https://www.facebook.com/pieropierinidrawings @Piero Pierini – Argentinian artist, studied art at the University of Buenos Aires, (BA hon in Fine Art and Drawing) , has been working as a professional illustrator in UK for the last seventeen years and has been involved in working with different art charity projects. He is passionate about helping individuals to find they way of expressing their own artistic 'voice'. He has a rather strong sense of humour and an easy way of being.

We are really excited to welcome you into the studio for our weekly drop in life drawing sessions! As with all our drop in classes- expect professional tutors and models in an inspiring and unique space. With poses from 30 seconds to one hour- there is something for everyone. This is a general life drawing class with tuition for beginners and advice for those who are more experienced, all designed to encourage you to develop your own style and approach. Easels and drawing boards provided Materials available to buy, or bring your own- Paper 20p per sheet, charcoal 25p per stick Wednesday Studio Every Wednesday 6.30-8.30pm £15 / **£10 students and under 25's** advance tickets or cash/ paypal on the door Venue: The Waterloo Action Centre 14 Baylis Road, London SE1 7AA [BOOK YOUR CLASS HERE](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wednesday-studio-weekly-drop-in-life-drawing-waterloo-tickets-426730802317) To keep up to date with classes, its helpful for us if you register your interest – email us at info@londondrawing.com

ONLY A FEW SPACES LEFT Super low-key art meetup focused on sketching, doodling, and drawing for fun. No experience required and no pressure to make anything “good.” We’ll have basic materials on hand, so you can just show up and draw. Come hang out, make marks, and enjoy a relaxed creative break with other people who like to doodle.

**Join Flow Room for a life drawing session, created to bring artists and creatives together in a relaxed, supportive environment.** This session is open to all level, whether you are an experienced artist or a complete beginner, you'll fin a calm space to draw, connect, and unwind **£5 – pay on the door (cash or card)** We will have a **clothed** model with soft jazz, lo-fi playing in the background to set a calm and focused mood. Material are provided, charcoal, pencil, pastels, watercolour, and coloured pencils, but feel free to bring your own. **Location: Barnfield Hub, Herbert Pl, London SE18 3QT** Come sketch, explore your flow, and be part of a creative community in the making.

Accessible-format life drawing and portrait session with a range of poses from 2 minute tutor-led warm up exercises to 15 mins in the first half of the class with general tips and tuition. In the second half, a long portrait pose of 35-40 mins with a demo/draw-along led by tutor Rod who will show and talk through the process of drawing a portrait in front of the class. There is the option of doing a life drawing or a portrait as the model will be fully nude throughout. One-to-feedback given where required. Material and half-time tea provided.

In our beginner-friendly first hour, we offer verbal guidance on how to approach poses, and one-on-instruction for anyone who wants it as you move through the process by Ann and Jen (don't worry--if you just want to show up and do your own thing we won't be looking over your shoulder). We've seen and tutored artists of every level, from stick figure to full-on academic drawings, and are here to help-simply let us know at the beginning of class where you're at or raise your hand if you'd like personal guidance. If you'd like to book in advance, you can purchase tickets [here](http://www.soholifedrawing.com/store/p81/Thursday_Drop-In_Life_Drawing%3A_1_Session.html) ABOUT US Soho Life Drawing is a non-profit drawing group in central London that aims to make life drawing affordable and accessible. We believe that creativity is an essential part of well-being that is often stifled by the demands of busy schedules or fear due to lack of experience. We want to change that. Whether you're a professional, student, or amateur artist you'll find yourself at home at Soho Life Drawing. Located in one of London's most central locations, our drop-in classes provide an easily accessible and nonjudgemental space for you to hone your life drawing skills. We offer a portfolio boosting mix of both short and long poses with new models every week, making us a great fit for professionals and novices alike. Our members come from literally all walks of life, so don't be afraid to drop by if you have no background in art--at Soho Life Drawing, you are guaranteed to find a supportive place to explore your artistic abilities. Here's why you'll love Soho Life Drawing It's a Great Space!--Our sessions are held at one of London's best kept secrets--the historic Quaker Meeting House, which provides an oasis of calm just minutes away from Leicester Square Station. Short and Long Poses!--Our sessions begin with short, gestural poses and move up to a longer sustained pose. Our models are personally vetted professionals, and some of the best in the business. No Need to Bring your own Supplies!--We provide clipboards, and pencils, paper, and rubbers are available on site. Tea and Biscuits!--Yes, that's right. We provide tea and biscuits to keep your energy up during the breaks! Also, quite often homemade cookies! Drop-ins Welcome!--No need to book in advance! So come by and check us out—we look forward to seeing you there! Timetable 6:30-7:30 PM Guided Life Drawing (Pose Length: 2min min. building to 15 min max) 7:30PM-7:40/4545PM: Tea Break 7:45-8:00PM: Life Drawing: Longer Poses (5 min min building to 20/28+ min max) \*We charge by the hour: £12.00 1 Hour; £14.00 2 Hours For more info about our classes and about us please visit www.soholifedrawing.com We also host private events. For more information visit www.privateartevents.co.uk

**Friday 21st** **Friday E2** **7-9pm** IN PERSON & ONLINE The Garrett Centre 117 Mansford St E2 6LX One of London's only drop-in Long Pose classes, set in our main studio space, providing all the equipment you might need, the format for this class is a single pose for the evening, with three short warm up poses to get you started. We also serve hot vegan food in the break, just as we do on Wednesday, so perfect if you arrive hungry. Expect a calm and relaxing atmosphere, lots of time to explore your drawing practice and tutored support. Real Life Drawing - Long Pose - Every Friday - 7pm: Dear Friends This is our legendary Friday Long Pose class - Each week we work with London's best models, providing you with tuition if you want it, and leaving you in peace if you prefer that. There is food and great company, this is the class for you if you would like to connect with a community of like minded artists. We will make you feel welcome and always have a good word to say about your work, even if you don't. That is what this group is all about, community, friendship and art, come and join us. **£ COST - BOOKING TICKETS & DROPPING IN:** JOIN US IN PERSON OR ONLINE **IN PERSON: £13** This is a drop in class, but buying a ticket means you can simply drop in without needing to worry about paying on the night, use the link bellow to book: https://bookwhen.com/londonlifedrawing_livestream **ONLINE:** **£8** These sessions are streamed via Zoom making it possible for you to join us where ever you are, we have a warm online community and this is the perfect way to keep drawing throughout the week even if you cant make it to a class. You can book to join online by using the same link and selecting **Zoom Online Ticket** https://bookwhen.com/londonlifedrawing_livestream **SCHEDULE & POSE LENGTH:** 6.45 pm > arrival 7.00pm > We start drawing at 7pm with 3 poses of 5mins each and follow this with a single pose for the rest of the evening We have a 15 min break at 8pm and the session ends at 9pm: > > 7pm start > > 3 x 5 min pose > > Long Pose > > 8pm break (15 min) > > Long Pose > > 9.00pm session ends **DRAW MORE PASS:** If you have a Draw More Pass - HOWEVER OLD - please select that ticket option in Bookwhen - this will give you a free booking confirmation - bring a print out or screen shot of the booking to the session along with your Draw More Pass - if you have any difficulties please call Adrian on 07966925723 **BUYING A DRAW MORE PASS :** The Draw More Pass makes our classes the most affordable in London and it's incredibly versatile. The Pass enables you to drop into our classes in person or online, any time you want to. You don't have to come back every week, instead choose your times and just turn up, they never expire - you can buy a Draw More Pass in any class or via our website: [https://www.adriandutton.com/shop](https://www.adriandutton.com/shop) When you buy a pass online you will receive a PDF, simply screen shot this or print it out and bring it to any session and we will exchange this for a PASS, also, as soon as the transaction is made you will be listed to receive our link emails for online sessions: 5 sessions: £52.50 10 sessions: £100 20 sessions: £190 50 Sessions: £400 About the venue. **The venue opens at 6.30pm** our classes take place in the Lower Ground Floor The Garrett Centre - This is fully wheelchair accessible via a ramp to the space and has wheelchair accessible doors and amenities Nearest tube: Bethnal Green (central line). **Directions (see map below):** Tube/train: approx. 8 minutes walk from Bethnal Green Tube (Central Line) and 12 mins. walk from Hoxton & Shoreditch overground stations. Buses: Nrs. 8, 388, D3 - stop Pollard Row. Nrs. 26, 48, 55 - stop Hackney Road. Nrs. 106, 254 - stop Old Ford Road. Nr. 309 - stop York Road. When walking/cycling, there is a footpath behind the Tesco's on Bethnal Green Road that will get you there faster (see highlight on map above). If driving you will need to go via Hackney Road and turn left on Mansford St, follow to the end of the Street where you will see the Garrett Centre on your left. Parking is free after 6.30 in the surrounding streets and directly in front of the centre, however, you should note that the thick white lines denote no parking areas, only use actual parking bays. **Bikes:** please bring your bikes down to the basement, we are currently able to offer secure space in one of the rooms of the centre. To view a BBC film taken at the Bethnal Green Life drawing class, see below: You can watch the BBC film of Rhod Gilbert's Work Experience' made at our life drawing class here: https://vimeo.com/120288888 (http://vimeo.com/ziplinecreative/review/78714935/a64159a7bb) http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/9/1/8/600_434466424.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/5/f/9/600_433149721.jpeg http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/9/f/3/600_432579411.jpeg

Join us for an engaging and inspiring life drawing sessions at the Toynbee Art Club in Aldgate Shoreditch, London. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner looking to explore your creative side, this session welcomes all skill levels. Our friendly and talented life models will strike poses for you to sketch and paint in a nurturing and supportive environment. This is a great opportunity to refine your drawing skills, meet like-minded individuals, and immerse yourself in the world of art. Beginners are especially encouraged to attend as guidance will be provided for those that request it. Come unleash your creativity with us! Poses are 1min to 50min. All materials provided.

Life drawing session with a range of poses for 15 mins before a 1hr+ long pose, with a break in the middle. Tutor led with tips and strategies for draughting over a longer period, in a logical, accessible way. Material and half-time tea provided.

TBA...

We are a real world Martial arts group. \ Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \ Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \ We have been around a while. \ We are donation based. Every week we get together and work technical skills and live pressure testing. \ Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from altercations in the real world to the ring and some still compete in the cage. \ If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \ We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 inside the whetstone rec center in the auditorium, upstairs in classroom B or outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295 Saturday 1pm Wednesday 5:30pm From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \ \ You must have a free leisure card for the rec center and must be registered for our class specifically .\ Wear workout clothing \ Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \ WE HAVE GLOVES. \ Hope to see you soon :-).\ We are run off of donations. \ let me know if you have any questions :)

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads**®**, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

As you may or may not know--I didn't until late last year--Aristotle wrote extensively on "friendship" in the Nicomachean Ethics. After 69 years the concept of friendship still creates questions and uncertainty. I had close friends in high school and for a few years after high school but our interests diverged and people moved all over the country so it was hard to maintain connections. * So if I/you haven't talked with a friend for several years, are you still friends? Are we friends who meet at Drunken Philosophy or Omnipresent Atheists? * Can you be friends with someone with whom you have virulently divergent political views? Sartre and Camus could not. * Aristotle regarded friendship as essential to a good life, not merely an added "bonus." Do you agree? * In the Nicomachean Ethics (Books VIII and IX), he claims that wealth and power are meaningless without friends. Trump has wealth and power but seems to have no real friends, but wealth and power seem meaningful to him in perverted ways. Can you have meaning in your life without friends? * Do men and women view and maintain friendships in different ways? * Aristotle categorizes friendship into three types, based on what forms the bond: * **Utility**: Based on mutual benefit, but this type is fragile and ends when the usefulness ceases. * **Pleasure**: Based on shared enjoyment (e.g., humor, hobbies). Common among youth but fades as interests change. * **Virtue (The "Complete" Friendship)**: Based on mutual respect for each other's character and goodness. You wish good for the other for their sake, not yours. * **Key Principles of "True" (Virtuous) Friendship:** * **Permanence**: Virtuous friendships last a lifetime whereas those based on utility and pleasure are fleeting. * **Reciprocity**: Requires mutual goodwill; secret or unreciprocated affection does not qualify. * **The "Second Self"**: A true friend is "another self"—their virtue helps you understand and improve yourself. * **Time and Intimacy**: Deep ("complete") friendships are few, built on time and shared experiences. * **Self-Love and Friendship:** * Good friendship starts with being a friend to yourself. * They distinguish shallow egoism (chasing honors) from real self-love (pursuing virtue). * A virtuous person’s pleasant self-company allows them to be a stable, good friend to others. * Aristotle argues that one's social circle ultimately reflects one's character—a view with striking relevance today. Well--the Drunken Philosophy social circle certainly reflects good character!