A Paradox

Excellent models offer artists an opportunity to do superior work. They also present a paradox. When confronted with a top notch model in an outstanding pose one can be gripped with a deep sense of inadequacy. I have always felt this when trying to paint a flower in full bloom. In both cases my first thought is that there is no way I can possibly do justice to the subject before me.

In these situations it is best to just start putting down brush strokes and hope that a small amount of the model's aura will make its way to the canvas.

Lise, oil on canvas, 14" X 12", 2018

The Apprentice

Early this spring I was introduced to a young artist who expressed interest in working from the live figure. Viewing her drawings it was clear she had talent. As my summer schedule was fairly open, I suggested she might be interested in an internship of some sort. Discussing the possibilities we decided "apprenticeship" would be a better designation. It didn't take me long to realize that she wasn't going to be the only apprentice. My learning curve was about to take a decided upward tilt.

Reclining Nude, oil on canvas, 8" X 10", 2018

Preaching to the Wind

By example I had hoped to entice other artists to abandon secondary source materials in favor of working from life. I might as well be advocating using smoke signals as a form of communication. Besides, I have come to realize that working exclusively from life might not be the best approach for most artists. So I'm done trying to convert anyone. I will continue to extol the inherent power of the live model.

Nude Study, oil on linen, 10" X 12", 2007