The only sound in the studio at 1200 S St. Tuesday morning was the scratching of pencils and charcoal on paper as a small group of artists looked past their easels to study the live nude model on the stage.

S12 Studios and Patris Studio Gallery is home to a thriving artist community with an emphasis on painting life, whether it be still life or live models, said owner Patris Miller, who goes solely by Patris.

“I need to draw the figure to keep my skills up,” said professional artist Philippe Gandiol. “That is the most difficult part, and there are lots of live sessions here.”

Gandiol said he has been going to the studio for about three years and calls it a special place.

“There’s really a great artist community here,” he said. “There’s lots of live sessions.”

Patris said it’s the camaraderie of the approximately 150 artists who frequent the space that makes it unique.

“We have artists from all walks of life and all skill levels,” Patris said. “We have everything from high school students to professionals who have worked with Disney, the movie industry and the game industry.”

The goal, according to Patris, is to serve as a center for education – via classes and workshops, give exhibition space, provide a community-oriented environment and host events.

One recent event involved a group of artists going to Miller Park to paint for most of the day before returning to critique each other’s work and share a meal.

“It helps us have a lot of growth, support and encouragement,” Patris said.

Another event will be held in April on 35th Street in Oak Park, when a portion of the road will be closed and filled with classic cars, models in historic attire and artists painting the scene. At the end of the event, there will be a “wet paint” sale, in which paintings are sold as they dry.

During this weekend’s Second Saturday Art Walk, the exhibition space will be open, and artists will be painting in the studio with live models from 6-9 p.m.

Artists wanting to paint during the session will have to pay the same rate as any other session: $10. The public can view the creative process for free and browse the adjoining gallery.

“I like the people, and I just like having a place to come draw and paint,” said artist Sam Liberman. “Everything’s furnished, so I don’t have to build a studio and hire a model. Plus, we all learn from each other.”

Liberman said he enjoys coming to the studio every Tuesday and Thursday for sessions with a live model and occasionally hops in to practice on other days as well.

Artists who frequent the studio can pay a monthly fee of $150 for unlimited sessions and the ability to show up at off times.

Patris said it isn’t just about painting and drawing, as sculptors and even computer animators work in the studio.

Easels and models are provided, and artists need only bring their materials and canvases.

Upcoming workshops include two that feature internationally known artists, Patris said. Qiang Huang will give a workshop on still life in January, and in May, Calvin Liang will share his experience with a five-day plein air workshop.

“Sacramento is really the perfect place to have this,” Patris said. “Being the capital, we serve as a hub for the region, and we draw artists from all over.”

For more information and a schedule of sessions, visit the studio's website here.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.