10.02.06

My Art is Not Porn.

Posted in Uncategorized at 4:51 pm by April

Recently a good friend agreed to pose for a semi-nude painting session. Those of you out there who are artists as well know the value of working from life. I’d list the benefits, which are many, but I think it’ll suffice to say that it really sharpens your skills. There’s really nothing quite like it. It’s harder than working from photos and sketches and studies, but you really get a feel for the way light really looks in a way you just don’t get with any other method.

Anyhow, I just hung up the phone with her and she informed me that her boyfriend is really going nuts over the concept of her modeling for me. He hates it. My understanding is that it caused a pretty major fight. This, to me, is ridiculous for several reasons, but the main one is this: This is NOT PORN, it’s fine art. There’s a slight difference. Not to mention I would never ask someone to pose for a painting and then dishonor their image, especially someone I consider my friend. She isn’t even going to be nude during the actual session (which would be helpful, but I can leave out straps if I need to) and I only plan on doing an implied-nudity painting anyway (aka nothing showing). 

So if you, the aformentioned boyfriend happen to be reading this, get over it, pal. Most people don’t get the chance to be painted and I’m sure when she’s old and gray she’ll be really really glad she was one of the ones who did. Actually, she’s pretty excited about it now. The truth is, it’s an honor to be depicted in art. That painting will outlive all of us, and when her great great grandchildren can tell their friends that the painting that is hanging in such and such museum is a portrait of their great great grandmother, it’ll be worth your (very childish, I might add) jealousy. Besides, when it sells I’m paying her a decent fee for just sitting for a couple of hours. Just be happy I’m not a photographer.

So nice to be trusted.

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