Sitting in my living room, enjoying the evening light, I created this life drawing – an original nude watercolour on handmade Khadi paper (29.5 x 20 cm), by Chris Shopland.
This piece was part of a 12-hour charity marathon Zoom session, during which I drew all but one of the models. The pose here was both relaxed and brave. We are born naked, and I’ve always been pro-nudity. Why else would we have events like the Naked Bike Ride each year, or embrace “European” saunas? Nakedness is natural. Clothes are for protection from the elements, not to hide who we are.
If you wish to be modest, you are worthy. If you wish to show all, you are worthy. What truly matters is character. I am forever grateful to the amazing models who made this experience possible. With this particular sitter, we really connected—I would have loved the chance to draw them more. The lighting was magical.
Even over Zoom, there was a sense of real connection with fellow artists. I’m always amazed at how it can still feel like an authentic, in person life-drawing session, even if being live on zoom could feel like a photograph, it doesn’t..
The painting could be Perfect for the bathroom or bedroom—or why not display it proudly in the guest room as a conversation starter? Perhaps it will help dissolve shame and instead celebrate the beauty of simply being.
The work was painted on beautiful handmade paper from India, purchased at Cass Art.
Sitting in my living room, enjoying the evening light, I created this life drawing – an original nude watercolour on handmade Khadi paper (29.5 x 20 cm), by Chris Shopland.
This piece was part of a 12-hour charity marathon Zoom session, during which I drew all but one of the models. The pose here was both relaxed and brave. We are born naked, and I’ve always been pro-nudity. Why else would we have events like the Naked Bike Ride each year, or embrace “European” saunas? Nakedness is natural. Clothes are for protection from the elements, not to hide who we are.
If you wish to be modest, you are worthy. If you wish to show all, you are worthy. What truly matters is character. I am forever grateful to the amazing models who made this experience possible. With this particular sitter, we really connected—I would have loved the chance to draw them more. The lighting was magical.
Even over Zoom, there was a sense of real connection with fellow artists. I’m always amazed at how it can still feel like an authentic, in person life-drawing session, even if being live on zoom could feel like a photograph, it doesn’t..
The painting could be Perfect for the bathroom or bedroom—or why not display it proudly in the guest room as a conversation starter? Perhaps it will help dissolve shame and instead celebrate the beauty of simply being.
The work was painted on beautiful handmade paper from India, purchased at Cass Art.
Image 1 of 3
Image 2 of 3
Image 3 of 3
