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F.A.Q.
These are some of my Frequently Asked Questions and answers.
Are these images paintings or photographs?
Each image seen here is a photograph of a real Bodypainting. Some of my bodypaintings may incorporate a backdrop that is also painted or created but a painted human body is generally the focus of my work. I consider them paintings even when referencing the photographic printed images of my work. A similar concept is that music is music regardless of it being performed live or replayed from an audio recording.
Do I use Photoshop or other composite techniques to manipulate my images?
I'm a true lover of the real and tactile so NO is the answer 99.9% of the time. In the rarest cases and generally in a way that has no impact on my painted image I will use a bit of digital magic. I only use the most necessary or basic digital techniques to achieve black blacks, white whites and proper color saturation. I do everything that I can to keep all of my images authentic and honest to the moment that they were painted, posed and then captured. My behind the scenes images and video clips help illustrate the reality of my process.
My work is not virtual, digital or otherwise unreal. I describe what I do as "creating surreal moments in time utilizing my creativity, people and paint. These moments are then captured photographically so that I can share them with others."
Do I do my own photography?
Sometimes I do and Sometimes I use an assistant but I always without exception direct both the photography and the lighting. All creative aspects of my work are of my own doing. The use of photography in regard to it's involvement in capturing my creative work is absolutely technical. Both digital and film cameras have been used to record my bodypaintings as well many formats, sizes and brands were used. Clear and competent recording of my work is all that I desire and require from photography.
How long do my paintings take?
My average Bodypainting takes a full day. If there is a backdrop involved in my work it was most likely painted in advance of the body. If I create an image that requires more time then is comfortable for both the model and myself, I will possibly use a painting assistant to help speed things up a bit. I've used assistants on both "Beefcake" and "Eden."
Where do I find my models?
The truth is that my models find me most of the time. I never use an agency or service.
Do I use the same models repeatedly?
No, I instead use a different body for each painting. Currently, the only way that I will use a body twice is if another new body becomes a part of the composition. I will also make exceptions if the painting is limited to a small body part such as hands, feet or a face. I love the adventure of working with a unique individual each and every time.
How does someone become one of my models?
Please see the Modeling section here on this site. It will explain my process and possible commission opportunities.
How did I find my way into Bodypainting?
The full story is a bit complicated but I'll keep it simple here. I have always been an artist but I have never been satisfied with conventional contemporary art. I have always searched for a form of expression that would not only carry but amplify my unique creative perspective. Airbrush work allowed me the freedom to paint on limitless surfaces. Limitless surfaces lead me eventually to faces and then to full bodies. This then followed with the consideration of taking my bodypainting into the realm of fine art. Please read my Bio for more.
How long have I been doing this?
I have been a professional artist since the age of sixteen. I first started "seriously" Bodypainting in late 2002. I opened my gallery in early 2006.
Do I use special paints on the body?
I do use professional "body paint" primarily but I also use some traditional acrylics as well.
What techniques do I use when painting?
Most all of them. I use traditional paintbrush for the majority of the work with airbrush being used about twenty percent of the time. Finger-painting, sponging, splatter and dripping are also part of my process.
Where do I find my inspiration?
I'm often inspired by a specific body's shape or perhaps a unique pose. I'm greatly inspired by aspects of culture, nature and intellectual constructs. I try to allow inspiration to ebb and flow as it chooses but periodically I'll still find myself in "need." When this "need" happens I will then search deeply for inspirations spark. My searches can take years but more often then not I'll find it sooner rather than later.
Is Bodypainting harmful in any way to the model?
No. Using very basic common sense is all that is needed to avoid any ill effects regarding most aspects of life, Bodypainting included. Urban myths exist and one major myth was perpetuated in the "fictional" James Bond film from 1964, Goldfinger. It was believed that a person could be harmed or even die if painted fully. This is not true...
How does the model remove the paint?
A shower is taken. Soap, water and some scrubbing are all that is needed to remove most if not all of the bodypaint used. Some specific bodypaints are alcohol based and alcohol or baby lotion help to remove these.
Which of my paintings is my favorite?
"Speed" is my personal favorite image with the four panel canvas version of "Twogether" being my second favorite.
What is my favorite aspect of being a Bodypainting artist?
I love the sharing aspect the most. One form of sharing is the moment when people "you" are standing in front of one of my images for the first time consciously and they "you" realize exactly what it is that they are experiencing. The other sharing is done while working with all involved in my process. I really do love people and being able to paint on them is truly a privilege that I intend to never take for granted.
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