Quick soft pastel nude studies

The point of these studies is doing them as quickly and spontaneously as possible, avoiding over thinking and over analyzing, just observing.

5x8 inches pastel on canson paper

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Seated nude girl pastel drawing/painting

You can still see the vine charcoal marks used for the initial mapping of this drawing, it helps with composition, placement and overall formatting, after this I usually proceed full on color with large pastel sticks. 

5x8 inches pastel on canson paper

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Seated female nude figure

A rather large pastel sketch on newsprint sketching paper drawn from a live model. 

12x18 inches pastel on paper

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Also check out my other nude figure drawings and sketches from life that 

I just listed here

Undertow

6x8 inches pastel on Canson paper

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Blue overall mood, feelings and color, the idea was to create movement and a surreal twist to an otherwise representational piece, there might be even some illustration in there too style - wise, pastel also lends iteself to this type stylisticly, something bordering a drawing a painting and illustration, whatever you wanna call it.

Portrait of a young woman

6x8 inches charcoal and white chalk on gray Canson paper
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Beauty and aesthetics have always been dynamic concepts, subject to the ever-changing currents of time. Over the past century, the notion of beauty has experienced a remarkable evolution, reflecting shifts in societal norms, cultural values, technological advancements, and artistic expressions. This blog post delves into the transformation of beauty and aesthetics over the last 100 years, exploring the diverse influences that have shaped our perception of what is visually appealing.


The Roaring Twenties and the Rise of Glamour The 1920s marked a seismic shift in beauty standards. Following the end of World War I, a newfound sense of liberation and freedom permeated society. Women embraced shorter hemlines, bobbed hairstyles, and bold makeup choices. The flapper style, characterized by its rebellious and glamorous nature, became an emblem of the era. Women began to challenge traditional norms, and the pursuit of beauty became intertwined with individual expression and assertiveness.



The Golden Age of Hollywood and the Idealized Beauty 

The advent of cinema in the 1930s introduced a new realm of beauty ideals. Hollywood played a pivotal role in shaping public perceptions of beauty, with stars like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn becoming icons. Women sought to emulate their sophisticated and glamorous looks, emphasizing hourglass figures, flawless skin, and elegant hairstyles. The influence of Hollywood beauty standards extended far beyond the silver screen, permeating fashion, cosmetics, and popular culture.


The Swinging Sixties and the Emergence of Counterculture 

The 1960s witnessed a seismic cultural shift, as counterculture movements challenged traditional ideals. The youth-oriented "Swinging Sixties" celebrated natural beauty, rejecting the constraints of the previous decade. The "mod" fashion movement embraced androgyny, shorter haircuts, and bold, experimental makeup. Icons like Twiggy, with her doe-eyed appearance and slender figure, epitomized the new ideals of youthfulness and non-conformity.




The Body Positivity Movement and Diverse Beauty 

The late 20th century and early 21st century saw a growing recognition of diverse beauty standards. The body positivity movement emerged, challenging the narrow definition of beauty and promoting self-acceptance. Models and celebrities with different body shapes, ethnicities, and genders began to gain visibility, challenging the long-held notion of a single ideal. Brands embraced inclusivity, with marketing campaigns featuring a broader range of individuals. This shift marked a turning point, encouraging people to celebrate their unique beauty and fostering a more inclusive society.




Digital Age and the Rise of Influencer Culture

The rise of social media in the past decade has revolutionized the beauty and aesthetics landscape. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube have given birth to the influencer culture, where individuals amass large followings based on their beauty and style. This digital era has brought both positive and negative impacts, with a democratization of beauty standards alongside increased pressure to conform. Virtual reality filters and photo editing apps have also created an augmented version of beauty, blurring the line between reality and illusion.

The last century has witnessed a profound transformation in beauty and aesthetics, reflecting the evolution of society, culture, and technology. From the roaring twenties to the digital age, beauty standards have continually evolved, shaped by a complex interplay of societal ideals, artistic expressions, and individual empowerment.

Undressing

A more expressive charcoal of a female figure undressing.

6x8" charcoal and white chalk on canson paper

Smoke

6x8" charcoal and white chalk on canson paper

Vanity, revisited

Vanity through multitudes of virtual mirrors around us, confirming, strengthening and 

re-enforcing our vanity. 

6x8" charcoal and white chalk on canson paper

Anna's torso

6x8" charcoal and white chalk on canson paper

The Release

11x8 inches conte crayon on Handmade paper

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Letting go is an essential aspect of personal growth and emotional well-being. It involves relinquishing attachment to things, people, or situations that no longer serve us or hinder our progress. While it may seem challenging at first, letting go holds immense importance in various aspects of our lives.

Firstly, letting go allows us to move forward and embrace change. Life is a constant series of transitions, and holding onto the past can prevent us from fully experiencing the present and embracing new opportunities. Whether it's a failed relationship, a job loss, or a missed opportunity, clinging to what was or what could have been hinders our ability to adapt and evolve. By letting go, we create space for new experiences and personal growth.

Letting go also promotes emotional well-being. Carrying grudges, resentment, or negative emotions towards others or ourselves weighs heavily on our mental and emotional health. It can lead to stress, anxiety, and even physical ailments. By releasing these negative emotions and forgiving ourselves and others, we free ourselves from the burden of bitterness and find peace within. Letting go grants us the freedom to cultivate positive emotions, foster healthier relationships, and nurture our overall well-being.

Additionally, letting go enables us to cultivate resilience and inner strength. Life often presents us with challenges, setbacks, and disappointments. By learning to let go, we develop the ability to bounce back from adversity and face new challenges with a positive mindset. It empowers us to view failures as opportunities for growth and to find strength in our ability to adapt and persevere.

Letting go is also crucial for maintaining healthy relationships. Sometimes, relationships become toxic, unfulfilling, or simply out of alignment with our values and goals. Holding onto such relationships can drain our energy and prevent us from forming healthier connections. Letting go of toxic friendships or romantic partnerships allows us to create space for nurturing relationships that support and uplift us. It is a declaration of self-worth and a commitment to surround ourselves with people who genuinely care about our well-being.

Moreover, letting go fosters self-discovery and personal freedom. Often, we hold onto identities, beliefs, or habits that no longer serve our growth or align with our authentic selves. By releasing these attachments, we allow ourselves to explore new aspects of our personality, discover our passions, and redefine our values. Letting go liberates us from societal expectations and empowers us to create a life that aligns with our true desires and aspirations.

In conclusion, the importance of letting go cannot be overstated. It grants us the freedom to grow, heal, and create a life of meaning and purpose. By releasing attachment to the past, negative emotions, toxic relationships, and limiting beliefs, we open ourselves to new possibilities, foster emotional well-being, and cultivate resilience.

Letting go is a powerful act of self-love and a vital step on the journey to personal fulfillment.