Model catching painter in confused situation (6)
I believe the answer is:
morass
'confused situation' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'model catching painter' is the wordplay.
'model' becomes 'moss' (I've seen this in other clues).
'catching' indicates putting letters inside.
'painter' becomes 'RA' (member of the Royal Academy of Arts).
'moss' enclosing 'ra' is 'MORASS'.
'in' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for morass that I've seen before include "Mire, quagmire" , "Area of marshy or swampy ground" , "dangerous situation" , "Bog or swamp" , "Bog or marsh" .)