Baby Won't Wait

I know artists who work best under the impending deadline of a show. Other than the rare commission I haven't worked with any real deadlines since art school and I like it that way. A couple of weeks ago I got word of another expectant mother in search of an artist (see July 18th, 2016 post). Her main interest was to participate in a body positivity exercise. She had already posed for a drawing group and found the experience enjoyable and empowering.

Pregnant Nude, oil pastel, 11" X 7", 2016

We set up a meeting where it quickly became clear that her pregnancy was in its ninth month. In all likelihood we wouldn't have the luxury of multiple working sessions before she gave birth. All live model sessions come with built in time restraints but this one had an extra sense of urgency and finality. The above drawing is one of three attempts from our lone session. I find working with pregnant models very appealing but I think a seventh month starting date might be better for my nerves.