Nudes In Art History
The nakedness of woman is the work of God. (William Blake)
There is nothing in all the world more beautiful or significant of the laws of the universe than the nude human body. (Robert Henri)
The body always expresses the spirit whose envelope it is. And for him who can see, the nude offers the richest meaning. (Auguste Rodin)
Nudes where first painted by cavemen to express their fascination with nakedness. The Ancient Greeks perfected the vision of the most perfect body type for men but chose to see the female body as awkward and not so attractively proportioned.
The first popular Western female nude painting 'Sleeping Venus' by Venetian Artist Giorgione encouraged the importance for European artists to study the human figure.
I am fascinated with nudes in art and photography. I have been fortunate to have the availability to hire professional models for drawing. They are amazing... how they sit there so still and in such wonderful poses so I can sketch.
I continue with painting and drawing always being challenged by adding nudes and figures into my art works. Every artist no matter their subject or style should take time out to challenge drawing the naked human to further enhance their artistic visions.
Book I enjoy & recommend:
Reclining Nude: Lidia Guilbert Ferrara, Chronicle Books San Fransisco
One of my most favorite books. Full color, full pages, 127 paintings of the female form reclining in many styles and artists in every era... If you like nudes this one is awesome to gaze upon.
