Happy weekend to all Cryptofauna* creatures - both big and small.

In this post I'm shifting gear into color.

I've posted 2 entries with "white on black" illustrations: SET 1 / SET 2
and now I feel like sharing something a little more provocative to your retinal experience :)

I've always loved sketching and painting nude figures. The human body is nature's work of art, as expressive as poetry and music; and i'm drawn to finding ways to capture its expressions of both vulnerability and strength, sensuality and danger.

These three pieces are sisters with only one day apart between completing each one. This was an art challenge I took part in for an exhibit that was dedicated to women's beauty. However, besides the obvious nude girls and me giving them slightly wider hips and thighs to work with, I also wanted to include a dark twist in each one - a surreal element that would take away the innocence.

Here are also a few sketches I've done to get ideas for the composition and to work-out certain elements before going onto the big surface:

Of course each painting has a bit of a personal story to tell (especially "Margarita's bouquet"), but I rather not say too much and leave the interpretation to you.
I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Also please let me know if I should add the tag "nsfw" since there are nipples and such... not sure if the rules are different for art... I was debating with myself and decided not to... but will add if its requested. thank you!

Enjoy

"Life Masquerading as Death"

Acrylic and pencil on a wooden board 12" x 24"

"Margarita's Bouquet"

Acrylic and pencil on a wooden board 12" x 24"

"Fish Flavored"

Acrylic and pencil on a wooden board 12" x 24"

Thank you for your support !!!

*Fun-fact, "Cryptofauna" is actually a real word that applies too all living creatures that exist in protected or concealed micro-habitats - I found it quite appropriate for this space of ours :)