A GLASGOW woman who was rejected from a prestigious art school has become one of the world's busiest LIFE MODELS.

Camberley Clendenin was told she wasn't good enough with the brush by one of the UK's best-performing art institutions - but has posed nude for nearly two decades.

She has spent 17 years stripping off for painters - and says her size 20 figure is the muse for thousands of portraits across the globe.

Camberley submitted an art portfolio 20 years ago but was rejected.

The 37-year-old has had to grow a thick skin after being depicted as bigger than her true size.

Glasgow Times:

She said: "The first time I did a life modelling class I was nervous.

"I didn't wear a robe or slippers. You just feel like you are the centre of attention and it feels a bit cold and you get goosebumps.

"Your feet are covered in charcoal because the floor is dirty.

"While all eyes are on you, you know at times you are being scrutinised by other artists while they paint you. But I do not like modern art, I like classical art.

"Classical art is more revealing but I don't mind that because on a podium I am already sitting naked.

Glasgow Times:

"Seeing paintings of myself does make me feel proud to be a life model but at times I do not look like the paintings.

"Some artists exaggerate the drawings and make me look bigger than I am but I've learned to be ok with that because it is an artist's impression that matters and it's their job.

"It doesn't feel as nice but it is their job."

Camberley's sessions feature sets and props to make it more interesting for artists attending.

The life model can't believe that she has been featured in so many paintings and sketches over the years.

She added: "It’s a job but I enjoy doing it. It feels a bit like a performance, you get to decide the poses.

“You sit in a podium or stand on it. You can use different props.

“I feel amazing about my weight and artists truly do embrace it.

"I can't believe so many artists have painted me but unfortunately I do not know how many paintings have been done of me, I am guessing probably thousands.

"Although I never got into art school as a student, I got into art school as an art model."

Joanna Susskind, the founder of Scottish life-drawing class All the Young Nudes, has worked with Camberley since starting her classes nearly 10 years ago.

She said: "Camberley was one of the first life models we worked with. Generally, we hear about models via word of mouth.

"She is a lovely, lovely person. Always arrives on time, a delight to work with.

"She's extremely reliable. The sketchers love drawing her and she seems to have a good time posing too.

"All The Young Nudes life drawing club is all about making art and drawing accessible to everyone, not just the artists."