Power Pose, 2017

Female nudes can be philosophically and socially problematic as it pertains to the negative effects of the male gaze and objectification, As an artist, I paint models in a figure study session where they choose to be naked or clothed, and are paid...

Female nudes can be philosophically and socially problematic as it pertains to the negative effects of the male gaze and objectification, As an artist, I paint models in a figure study session where they choose to be naked or clothed, and are paid for their hard work. While painting these works and reselling them create higher visibility of this woman's body, her ownership of the time, place and conditions of her nudity - for the sake of art - was her empowered choice. I hope in my portrayals of women, their pride in their bodies, and their ownership of the artistic narrative, is made plain. To emphasize this power and yes, beauty, I utilize bold stokes of a palette knife with warm pinks and violets contrasted with cool blue shadows. This woman is owning how she is gazed upon, not as a submissive subject, but as the writer of her own pose and power.