Revealing the importance of the craving

Its been a while since I drew my male model but we were finally able to get together this week for another drawing session.

After our usual initial cup of hot sweet tea and chat about any updates in our lives we were ready to start. I made sure the room was warm enough as this week has been particuarly cold. So, fire lit, easel set up with paper and drawing implements to hand and we're ready to go.

He asked me what pose I had in mind, and I eyed his shirt and stated that a pose with his shirt partly un-buttoned might be a good idea. He started to unbutton it, and then on the spur of the moment we decided between us that his undone jeans might be a better idea. Ok, then, undone jeans. And that led to him taking off his underpants since they were "in the way" and that is how I ended up drawing him with his jeans half off, and no shirt at all!!!! LOL

We chatted as I drew him, the background beat of "Bad Company" in the background adding to the artistic flourishes (I DO like Paul Rogers!). And as I drew him, he stated that on the way to my house he'd had a thought  and a grin to himself that within an hour of coming to see me he'd be naked in my company. And said that he wished various other women in his past life had asked him to do that too!!!! He made me laff with that comment. But, joking aside, we both know its not sexual, its just.................well..........art!

The drawing went well and I was happy with it when it was finished. We both stood contemplating it afterwards and he made the comment "There is no better compliment than someone drawing you" and I thought about his words. I suppose I'm so used to doing it that I sometimes forget. That to be looked at, and for the artist to take what they see and use their talents to enhance and create a work of art from it, taking the essence of what they are, and adding it to the essence of what you are, to make a third being - a piece of ART is such a special thing. I sometimes underestimate the importance of it. But, no one else in my life seems to. They all KNOW.

The drawing, after due deliberation,  is entitled "Reveal the craving". the craving is both within the man in the drawing, and the viewer themselves. His left arm is hidden infront of him so the viewer can only guess at his craving, but the fact that he is gently dropping his jeans shows us that he wants to interact with us. And certainly, I think that those peachy male buttocks are certainly creating a craving within the viewer too! MMmmm...... :) 

Fully satiated

Sometimes it's difficult to make arrangements to have a drawing session with a model, it's like any other business arrangement, where you have to find compatible days and times to suit both parties. But once done, its easy to keep to that arrangement. But also it has to be borne in mind that sometimes the model might be expecting business calls of their own, and might want to keep their mobile switched on during the time they are with me. It's not a problem......... we can work around it.

Since the last three drawings I've done of him are telling part of a story, I wanted to carry on that aspect of the series. The first drawing "Opening gambit" shows a man offering himself with no complications, relaxed and at ease. The second drawing "Feel the need" shows him lying on a settee, still relaxed but with his hand lying on his upper thigh, the need within him rising. Which leads to the third drawing "Caught in the act" as he is half turned away from the viewer, as he starts to masturbate, the need within him quite obvious. The amount of interaction with the viewer for them to decide.  So...............how to depict the fourth drawing? I discussed my thoughts with my model. The most OBVIOUS pose would be to show him at the point of orgasm, with nothing left to the imagination, but I thought that that in a way would coarsen the series. I didn't need to draw the most obvious pose, I could do it in a far more subtle way - at the point when he has already achieved his orgasm, whether or not he was on his own (and that is for the viewer to decide how much they have interacted with him............). And to show him lying face down on a rumpled bed, the hint of a dint in the pillow next to him of maybe where another has just lain............. that would complete the series in a far better way. Of course, the picture on its own just looks like a man sleeping, and that in itself is a nice enough image.

So, the pose was easy, the model was happy, as he could just lie down and try not to fall asleep (the snoring might have put me off!! Ha ha!). It took me a few minutes to sort out the lighting so that I was happy with the effect, then we're off - a simple pose, but saying a lot when viewed with the other drawings. We settled down to the drawing, chatting, and sharing the same humour helps, listening to music, and the odd tutting from me as I try to get the lines to look right on the page. I'm never aware I make noises until someone in the room comments on my sighing, tutting, or gently cursing!

The picture progresses, and I'm happy. I'd almost finished it when his phone rang. He apologised as he answered it but I knew he'd been expecting a business call, and I was more than happy to immediately turn off the loud music, and to keep quiet as he answered his call. Perhaps it's my wicked sense of humour, but it amused me GREATLY that I had a stark naked man in my room having a serious conversation with someone who hadn't got a CLUE what was happening  at this end as they discussed business matters. Oh the joy of mobile phones. And that made me wonder how many people I'd spoken to in the past who might have been doing something equally naughty and I hadn't got a clue at the time! LOL

Back to the pose after the call had ended, and I'm pleased with the way its gone. The light catches the body well, at shoulder and hip. His face is hidden, the front of his body is hidden, but he is in repose, and the image tells the story I wanted it to, with subtlety. I've called it "Satiated" as I think that sums it up well and shows he has done more than *just* sleep.  I love the way the dark areas around the body tell enough of the story, the lost and found edges that make the picture look more appealing. And I think it's a fitting end to the series of drawings............

Caught in the act

The last two drawings I've done of my male model have begun to tell a story, so I wanted to explore the natural progression in my next drawing of him.

He arrived on a bright but very cold day, snow was still lying on the ground and everything felt chilled. After our usual cup of  hot sweet tea and lively chat we discussed the pose. I knew I was asking more of him than he might have been happy with, but we discussed it in detail and he agreed that he was happy to pose in the manner I described. Neither of us were embarrased about it. But why should we be - it was a natural pose, for a lot of people..........

There was only one disappointment to start with, and that was that I had to cut out the lovely natural golden sunlight flooding through the window. I know from past experiences that if I had started drawing with the low level winter sun streaming through the window, it was going to fade fast and the light caressing the model would have gone with it. So, curtains firmly drawn, and the artificial light had to be arranged, and then manoevered for best effect.

The pose was set up, and I walked around him looking intently this way and that to decide which angle looked best, then I was ready to start! Bad Company blasting out of the cd player, and we're off!!!

The drawing went well, we chatted, and the warmth of the fire kept him warm on this cold day. We talked of many things, and there was an ease between us. He's told me before that he finds it very comfortable to be naked in my company and I take that as a huge compliment, as he's never posed for anyone else before and says he's not sure that he would want to. It shows the rapport we have, and I'm greatly touched by it.

I worked hard, and got to the point where the picture was finished, almost, except for the face, and I tried again and again to decide how I wanted to depict the facial expression, and then it dawned on me! It doesn't need one. You know what he'd doing. You know if you like it, or not. You know if he's looking at you, and is giving you an invitation, maybe, to join him. I don't need to draw the face, because you KNOW what is on his face already.

So, here's the drawing. You look at first and see a man, you admire the way the light shines on  his firm bottom and shapely legs. You see that he is turned away from you and notice his right arm is loose by his side. Then you look further and see his other hand, and see what he is doing, and see the movement of the muscle in his left leg, and the way the foot is slightly raised, as if he is about to turn, and face you. And you know EXACTLY what look is on his face................. especially when you find out the drawing  is called "Caught in the act". But you add the next part yourself, of what happens next, because that is what the picture is all about.......


When I'd finished it, and showed it to the model, he was as delighted with it as I was. I know he feels the same way as I do about doing these drawings, its not about sex, even though that is what he is depicting in this picture - its about the art, and the creation of it. We both stood there, looking at the finished drawing, that had only existed for a few hours. Both mute with understanding of what it stood for. It was "him" but not the view he has of himself. It was an art form, a creation, a sensuous piece of work, that depicted a man in an erotic pose. And I had created it, from a blank piece of paper, of him, as he stood infront of me. I didn't draw everything I saw, I made conscious decisions about what to put in, what to leave out, what to enhance, and that all went together to make the piece of art.


Later on, he emailed me to thank me for the day....

Jackie, thanks again for another fabulous drawing and a wonderful experience. I am amazed at how natural, comfortable and at ease I am being naked in front of you and always humbled by the dedication in your work, knowing it is me on the canvas. It sparks so many emotions and strangely for what the images are supposed to portray, sex is not one of them! It is an overall feeling of well-being, being human and it always feels 'right'. Thank you.

I am absolutely delighted with the drawing and thank you so much for the wonderful feelings this one (and the others) create for me. I am still in awe that someone of your ability takes the time to make me feel so welcome and is prepared to use me as a model; after all I am just an ordinary guy. I cannot find words to describe how incredibly humbling I find the experience and yet it somehow inspires something inside to do with personal achievement and knowing more about yourself.It certainly feeds
my spirit too and the 'high' posing gives is unlike anything I have ever experienced - whether it is the overcoming of nerves or perhaps doing something we are conditioned to think of as being naughty ..... whatever it is, I thank you.

Jackie, I would be honoured for you to use any of my comments - they are heartfelt and warm with the deepest admiration for your abilities as an artist and as someone I trust explicitly. The care you take to make sure I am ok with the pose, the surity of what you are creating - everything comes together to make me feel safe in your hands (so to speak!!).

Aw, now I'm humbled as well.............

Feeling the need

The second time he took his clothes off for me he was far more relaxed. He'd enjoyed the first experience so much that he told me he'd found a new hobby! He found the experience of sitting naked in my company to be liberating, and thoroughly enjoyable he said, but I wasn't to think that he would do it for just ANYBODY - it was something he was happy to keep for me alone. And I was very touched by that sentiment. Because I know its not easy. And he's not done it before for anyone else.

I don't think I could do it, and sit still for that time, and I'd  be sure to get an itch or feel a draught. So because of that I'm aware of my models needs, of making sure they feel happy and relaxed and enjoy the experience as much as possible. It's in my interests to do so - because a happy model will sit still for as long as I need them to. But its more than that too - its having a rapport with the model. Since you're sitting in the same room together, albeit one of you naked and the other one drawing the nakedness. It helps if you actually like each other. It doesn't have to be a stony silence. It doesn't have to be clinical and detached. Its better for me if I feel relaxed, and at ease too. A happy artist makes happy art. So, if there's a bit of chit-chat that's nice as well.  If there's some music to help me draw that helps too. If its got a good beat to it, that helps  enormously for me. If the model likes the same music, then that improves the whole thing. And when the model announces after listening to Bryan Adams that it was ok but what he really likes is Paul Rogers then that makes me a VERY happy bunny!!!!!! YAY!!!! We like the same music! And added to all that, it helps if you have a similar sense of humour. Something to smile about, and share the smile together. And having an ease of personalites helps too .............So when you're hesitating over the pose and you're not quite sure how to voice your concerns and the model says "Do you want me to move my cock, Jackie?" that helps a lot too!!!!! :)

The pose this time was a nice relaxed diagonal one, with the model semi lying on a sofa. His weight resting on his left arm, one leg slightly curled under him, his right hand lying on his upper thigh, his face turned to the viewer but the expression enigmatic. He is certainly aware of the viewer. But then you find that the title of the drawing is "Feel the need" and you think "What need would that be then?" and you look a little closer and realise that its that right hand that's about to do something. But what? What need is rising within him? MMmmmm....?

Bearing flowers

He arrived bearing flowers. Beautiful white roses. As he walked through the door he kissed me, a peck on the cheek. There was an understanding between us.....

An easiness pervaded  the room as we chatted and I made him tea. But we both knew he wasn't here for the chat or the tea. There was a more pressing reason. One that couln't be denied or delayed any longer.

It was time.

I lead him into the other room. He looked around and knew what was expected of him. I described my desires and he nodded in agreement.

I turned away and by the time I had turned back, he was naked. And ready. And waiting for me.

But I knew it was his first time, and I wanted to make it as easy as I could for him.

I looked at him for a while before I made a move, then I raised my right hand and gently caressed the paper infront of me with the pencil. The first mark was the start, and I carried on, my hand moving over the paper, my eyes moving between the real him and the one I was creating on the paper infront of me. We still chatted, and the easiness was still there between us. And at the end, he stood and looked at what I had created and he was greatly moved by it and told me so. Because his perceived view of himself was not the one I had drawn. But I had only drawn what I had seen. And told him so. He said he had wanted to be drawn for some time, and wanted to see how the world views him. I've heard this said before. And I know he had searched for a while before he found me. But he said he knew he had made the right decision in choosing me. And I'm glad he did, because I think we will work together again. We both enjoyed each others company and I liked the ease between us.

The fact he likes rock and particularly AC/DC helps though! LOL

This drawing is my first of him, but hopefully not my last. He thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and thanked me for making it so pleasant for him. And is certainly keen to try it again. So I obviously didn't scare him too much on his first experience of life drawing.

And here it is, the drawing. I love doing these white on black images and find them far more sensual because of the effect they create. Its called "Opening gambit" because I feel there is more on offer that may appear at first glance. A naked man. A relaxed pose. But on closer inspection there is a glint of something ......................... a piercing.

De clogging

I suppose we all get clogged up with life some of the time....................Sometimes its the things we have control over, sometimes it isn't. Sometimes its the people in our lives, and sometimes its ourselves. Sometimes we can do something about it then and there, and sometimes we can't. So we have to work through it the best we can.

And the best thing to help me sort my problems out is talking to the close people I care for, and who in turn care for me. Their wise words are invaluable, their support, advice, listening ears, intelligence, empathy, and strength of verbal communications help me to move on through the difficult times and back to the light.

I don't like losing my way. Normally I know exactly where I'm going.

And when I'm clogged up, its not clear, and its difficult to be creative. And yet its hugely important for me so.

But yesterday, I cleared something. The "clog".

My channels are clear again. For the moment, anyway.

A new start. How exciting!

So, when my usual model came to see me last night, to be drawn, I knew I was in a positive frame of mind. She had also decided to declog me - in the throat and nose department at least, with her magical mixture of honey, lemon, grated ginger and boiling water to clear my cold. She also came bearing gifts - flowers and pears from her garden, and the most useful of all medicinal properties - humour. So, we chatted, we listened to music - 80s disco and then put some serious music on - AC/DC, and sat there as the music flowed through us, and I drew her. The pose came to me immediately, I knew exactly how I was going to do it, the lighting was easy to set up, I drew with confidence and the picture worked straight away............ my creative channels were open. And here is the result!

Its called "Open invitation". And is the lovely white on black that is so effective with the light on the body, but with just a bit of red to add interest. I love the feminine curves within this shape, lots of lovely flowing lines and patches of darkness against the light. It depicts a full breasted woman looking openly at the viewer with the start of a smile on her face, inviting you to join her, as she holds her panties between finger and thumb, just about to drop them, or maybe swing them around, as she teases you, as she interacts with you.............and as you join her..........to see what pleasures await...........

Beautiful dreams

The last but one time I saw her, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with her. I wanted her flat on her back with her legs in the air.

She complied, and naturally put her hand between her legs as she closed her eyes and smiled.......


And that was the pose I drew :)

But, somehow it didn't work. I think it was because I'd decided to work in natural light and it faded as I drew, so the lighting wasn't definite, but too defused. The picture was...................ok. Not good, but ...........ok.

This time when I saw her, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with her. I wanted her flat on her back with her legs in the air.

And I'd try it again. But this time with better fixed artificial lighting. And I'd get it right this time.


So, that is what we did. And I was perfectly happy with that idea. Until I walked past her to get to the power socket to plug the light in.

As I turned, and saw her lying there, with the light on her. I knew I'd made a huge mistake. HUGE!

The pose was far far far better from the other side!!!!!!

So, I set up my easel on the other side of her, and drew her from there.

And here's the picture. Far far better than the first (which I've now ripped up and thrown away!). The picture is simple, and yet effective. Its got some lovely lines in it, and just the basic light catching her womanly body, lighting her breasts, stomach, face and limbs. Its called "Beautiful dreams" and as you look at it, you think its of a woman lying sleeping. Until you find her right hand. And then you smile as you realise what she's doing! LOL

Chasing the erotic

Its been a while since I did a black and white drawing, well, one I was happy enough to show you anyway.....................!

But this week I've done one that I'm pleased with.

I know from past experience that if I don't do regular drawing that my brain gets out of practice, and although I still know how to draw, its just a little bit harder to get the effect that would flow naturally when I paint and draw on an almost daily basis. That's why its important to do life drawing, or at least to be drawing out images for a painting on a regular basis. But still, I am aware of that, and try to keep myself "taut" most of the time. Its only when things like holidays come along and I don't do any artwork that I get like this.....................but with a bit of practice I'm back up to my normal flowing drawing level and the art is back to the level it should be...................

So when I saw my model this week, I had an idea in my head for an image - it was of her lying with her back arched up and her head thrown back in abandon, probably with her hand at her breast or crotch. That was my plan.

She had other ideas.

She had backache.

"Ok, then, well what CAN you do, if you can't do that?" I asked.

And whilst we contemplated the pose problem, she pointed out that she had some new specs - I like them, and thought they suited her. As she took them off, the idea for the pose came to me! Yes!!!!! As a secretary, with a white shirt and black tie, her clothes undone, her bra on show, as she looked directly at the viewer and removed her specs.................YES...................that'll work, and work well!!!

We set up the pose, I put on my favourite rock tracks, loud. The thumping music filled the room.

I started drawing, and yes, I knew instantly it would work, the image was a good one, the pose was good, there was enough black and white to make the image interesting, it was erotic, very erotic! I'd found it!!!!!!

YAY!

And here it is......................the image. There's lots of lovely lines and contrasts in it, and I love the fact that some areas have more detail than others. I think the message gets across nicely. And the title? MMMm.................."Hot and bothered" ................that describes it nicely, I think!!!! :)

The art of voyeurism

I've had an interesting conversation recently with a friend regarding the joys of voyeurism - we agreed that watching someone else doing something erotic is very sexy. And that got me to thinking about how I would portray that in a drawing........ Its an interesting concept, and since we all like to look at things that are erotic, we ALL do it to an extent......

So I set my model up in a pose that I thought might portray that thought. I liked the shapes that were formed in the composition, I liked the way the light worked within it, and I liked the idea. And it flowed as I drew it so I knew it was working as a concept within the drawing. And as I drew it, I realised that there was one part of the drawing that TOLD the story, and it isn't the obvious bits. The obvious parts are the way she's looking at herself in the mirror, the nape of neck, the way the open blouse is just starting to fall off her shoulder, the way her hand is near her nipple, almost about to brush it. But all of those are a woman looking at herself in a mirror, women do it all the time, there's nothing particularly erotic about that. No....... its the thigh. The fact that when you look at the thigh, you realise she's sitting on the floor, with her leg agape. And that starts to make you think...................why is she sitting on the floor, why is her leg wide open.............where is the other leg.......................................

And then you learn that the drawing is called "Playing to the audience".

And that makes you think even more.................................

What audience? You wonder. Is it herself, is she about to play with herself infront of the mirror?

Or is there someone watching her? Who could that be? A man? A Woman? A group of men? Or women? Or a mixed group?

Or..........................are ..........you............................ the audience?

Is it...........you......................she's doing it for.....................................?

Mmm....... now that's got you thinking hasn't it...............................!

Don't you feel like a voyeur now.............................?

Have I achieved my aim???!!!!! LOL

Decision made whilst injured

I've been working diligently on Fitzys painting, and am delighted that the second working painting is progressing well now I've worked out more or less what I need to do.......! It helps!!!!! LOL It still needs some more work doing on it but at least its going positively in the right direction!


I've not shown you a drawing for a while, and thought I'd show you my latest. I love these white on black images and think this one works particularly well. I had decided that I'd draw my usual model in a wide brimmed hat, and she was still wearing her black bra whilst we were deciding on poses. I liked the basis of the pose but felt it needed a bit of something else, and with the addition of a long scarf, this was it!!!! I loved the pose the instant I saw it - lots of lovely strong diagonals, her face in shadow under the wide brim, her hands on her hips in a defiant pose, and lots of white flesh peeping out from under the clothing, with enough black clothing and shadows to add a lot of interest..................The picture works really well and I really do love it! As for the title, I felt that she was thinking about something with her head held down and her hands on her hips and that she had reached a decision regarding it, and this was what lead to the title - "Decision made" - as to whether the decision was to her choice of clothing at that moment in time, or a deeper and more profound problem, that's for you to decide................


And I think this picture is even more special considering I was injured whilst I drew it!!! I'd burnt my finger just before I was starting to draw and the best thing I was taught for a small burn is bicarbonate of soda held against the damaged skin. This isn't easy when its a finger on your drawing hand and your model has turned up ready for a drawing session! She watched incredulously as I covered half a tissue in the bicarb of soda, wrapped it around my poorly digit and bandaged it up with plasters to keep the whole thing in place. I let her get away with the hysterical laughing at my plight, since it wasn't a bad burn.


My fingers fine now, so the treatment worked! As did the picture. And as is Fitzy's painting. Yay, a hat trick! Yes, I know......................... a pun!!!!!!! :)