Model fantasy dispelled

There is one question with regards my work that I am asked more frequently than any other. “Do you use a model?”

Now, if this question were to be asked by a person genuinely interested in how I arrive at the completed work, I would be delighted to repeatedly explain the process, but sadly it is usually a prelude to or an attempt at a far more sinister topic of conversation and I am getting a little sick of it.

Only once have I ever been asked this question by someone who wanted a sincere answer, and that was because the lady asking the question had herself been a model for an artist.

Invariably the question is put to me by men who will often, on my reply, allude to a sexual fantasy they may have or make a sexually suggestive remark about the possibilities of what could transpire in my studio.

So, after the same question was put to me again yesterday, with the same follow through scenario I decided it time to burst the sexual fantasy bubble that seems to have attached itself to my art.

I do not use a model. Initially, when I began painting nudes, I used a model who I photographed (partially clothed, please note) and thereafter worked from the photographic material. Having now drawn the naked body for more than 10 years, I am very familiar with its structure, curves and any positions that the body could possibly achieve. I am familiar with skeletal and muscle systems as well as body language and if ever in any doubt, I am fortunate enough to have a body of my own to which I can refer, although this little piece of information has never previously been divulged for fear of inspiring further fantasy on the part of the person asking the question.

Perhaps the scenario of naked model and passionate artist is a recipe for endless fantasy and wild imagination and I have little doubt that erotic stories and pornography have encouraged the idea, however the reality of my work is very far removed from anything that could have a sexual connotation.

Firstly, finding someone to pose naked is difficult. Secondly, it is very seldom that I have a chance to work with no interruption; the need to see to a child or perform a household chore. Thirdly, my studio is a large room with direct access from the garage on one side, and from my 18yr old son’s room on the other which sees an endless stream of teenage boys filtering through to chat, admire art or grab a cup of coffee from the little kitchen area. There is no chaise longue, thick carpet and soft draping and the lighting is harsh daylight that pours in from the windows surrounding the room that both the neighbour and people in the street can see into.

Similarly, I have often had men propose their services, who are not only willing to pose naked for me, but incredibly enthusiastic about the idea. Once again, the emphasis on what it possibly could lead to being more of interest than any resulting painting. To again burst the bubble; male nudes do not sell to the extent that female nudes do and although there is a small market for them , it certainly does not warrant the employment of a male model.

Although art is indeed deeply personal and I do not live without fantasy, creating a painting requires the artist to concentrate fully on the work at hand. Dabbling in a little clandestine activity whilst trying to work would result in unsellable paintings, for me anyway .Of course I am aware that a little paint and a few soft brushes could do wonders for foreplay but if that were my choice of activity for the day I would not be disguising it under the pretext of work and certainly not with someone I barley know........