A Wink and Nod

I often get a nervous wink and nod when people learn I work from the live nude. Having never been exposed to a life model situation people make assumptions about what happens there. At the very least it must be a bit "naughty". But the gap between what most people think happens at a nude session and the reality is wide. In my experience the overwhelming majority of artists are there to improve their drawing or painting skills. No other setting comes close in this regard. When the model goes into pose your work becomes the focus.

Nude Studies, oil pastel, 8 1/2" X 11",  2012 (Dupont Figure Group)

A nude model session is a world unto itself. It is one of my favorite environments. I've worked plenty of clothed sessions but there is a certain "edge" missing from the room. Nudity has a disarming affect. You have to leave your shyness or ego at the door. The model is revealing their exterior self while the artists are making public their inner selves and abilities.