I am Ace von Alling, a photographer creating fine art that re-imagines the mythic and romantic imagery of 1890–1960—where classical painting, fantasy illustration, and Pre-Raphaelite aesthetics meet.. My work spans nearly twenty-five years, from galleries in New York to studios across the rural Midwest. You can find my images through select art dealers and in several books that have become collector’s items.

Collaboration

I’m seeking artistic partners for ongoing creation of mythic and romantic figure art—women who understand that the human form is a legitimate medium for reinterpreting classical painting and golden-age illustration into contemporary fine art.

What This Involves

  • Classical figure studies in the tradition of Mortensen, Waterhouse, and Godward
  • Technical skill development in pose work and artistic interpretation
  • Integration of digital painting to create transformed final artworks
  • Creative partnership where you contribute ideas and artistic vision
  • Studio and location work incorporating elements of mythology, surrealism, and contemporary concepts

What I’m Looking For

Women interested in developing as figure study collaborators. This requires complete comfort with nude modeling from the first session – no gradual progression from clothed work. Sessions involve conceptual elements and costume changes but advance to classical figure studies within the first shoot.

No prior modeling experience necessary, but you must bring genuine artistic curiosity and physical confidence. This is artistic practice requiring interpretive intelligence, not simply being photographed.

Art model posing nude from behind, kneeling, stretching, bending to her right at an art modeling job in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, nude modeling for Ace von Alling

The Work

My current projects merge photography with digital painting to create contemporary works inspired by Pre-Raphaelite, neoclassical, and early 20th-century fantasy illustration traditions. You might find yourself working with vintage automobiles, architectural elements, or natural settings that complement the artistic vision.

The goal is museum-quality work that honors both technical excellence and authentic human expression. This requires collaborators who understand that pose, expression, and interpretation are artistic skills as demanding as any other creative discipline.

Creative Partnership

This operates as artistic collaboration rather than traditional employment. Revenue sharing when work sells through galleries or private collectors. The emphasis is on developing long-term creative relationships and advancing both our artistic practices. All finished works are fully transformed painterly images rather than unprocessed photographs—emphasizing art over documentation.

You deserve to love your work. Many collaborators describe these sessions as the most fulfilling creative experience they’ve had – challenging, meaningful, and genuinely collaborative.

Take a look at my portfolio to understand the artistic direction. Review the FAQ section for common questions about the process.

When you’re ready to discuss collaboration, complete the application. Include your thoughts on what draws you to figure study work and why this type of artistic partnership interests you.