The human body is a beautiful and wonderful machine that has taken countless generations to perfect to what we see today.  There is no better canvas for an artist to show off the talents and thoughts of the day.  There is a price of using this canvas, the image will be fleeting, as true beauty always is.

We are blessed to be alive during an age when taking a picture of art can freeze a moment in time, as that is the only way you will ever see one of these pieces of art.  In the past only those lucky to be nearby could see what can take hours to complete.

What type of Paint can you use?  I am going to stick with the non-airbrush type for now.  The brands that I have used (available in North America) at least are "Ben Nye", "Kryolan", "Mehron" and "Snazaroo".   

For a beginner I find the price point of the Snazaro to be the best, and it can be found in a large number of Art shops around.  I also find it is one of the easier (for a beginner) to work with as it A) Washes off Easily  B) Stays on 'decently' for a water based product.  The truth is, any product that is Safe for the Skin and you can get easily is a great way to start.  To test out if you do enjoy working with the challenges the human body can give.

To paint a body, one in theory has to paint the skin that covers a body.  If you are just starting out as a painter, you need to be aware that some people will have allergic reactions to the products you use.  This is why it is very important that you do two things:

1) Use a medium that is friendly to the skin.  Non-toxic paints specially designed for use on the body are best.  See the previous blog for mention of a couple you can use.

2) Test each model for reactions, but most of all Listen to them if they complain about being itchy or if the skin starts to react with bumps and other reactions.  This is rare and should not be something you are scared of, but be prepared.

If possible always have somewhere nearby to clean the model (be it someone you paid, coherence, begged, or married).  Not everyone will be willing to drive or take the bus home coloured many different colours.

... test test ... is this thing on?

Hello everyone.  I just wanted to announce that my death was greatly over-reported.  It was in fact so over reported it didn't make it into a single blog or news paper.    Seriously though, I went through a lot of issues this past summer which at the time took over my life and made me glad I live in a land where medical expenses are not a worry.   To anyone who has to live with chronic pain and other issues my heart will be with you forever.  I know you can live with it, but I don't enjoy it.

I would like to say, that due to the fact I fell of the face of the earth for nearly 4 months the contest for the best picture is not going forward for now.  I'll see if I can bring it back around new years... but I don't feel it's fair trying to bring it back to life right now.   Thank you for all the nominations and sorry

I'll try to post a good blog in a few weeks... and again sorry for going so radio silent.

You need to nominate your favorite Body Paint picture of 2010-2011.

It's Easy:
To nominate comment on the blog in this link: [link]

Copy this and put your image link to the comment area:

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Bodypaint from 'Only the finest' [link]
-link-

Facepaint 'Only the finest' [link]
-link-

Bodypaint from the folder `Bodies` [link]
-link-

Facepaint from the folder `Headshots` [link]
-link-

Temporary Skin Art from the folder `The Rest` [link]
-link-

I said I was declaring the Month of July as Bodypaint/Face Paint/Temporary skin art month on DeviantArt... and despite have ZERO rights to do so... it is still happening.   During the month of July we are going to be having first ever "Best of the Year Bodypaint/Face Paint/Temory Skin Art Contest".

The best part is, if you have an image in the group by July 31, 2011 you are already entered... and you might even win with out wanting to!  Each winner will be awarded a digital plaque stating they are awesome (Note to self: Find a good plaque the last 4 you tried to make sucked!), plus your work will be placed into a very special "Super Awesome 2010-11 Award Winners" folder.

The Prizes being awarded is:

1 - "Founders Award" of 2010-11
1 - Best Bodypaint of 2010-11 from "Only the Finest"
1 - Best Facepaint of 2010-11 from "Only the Finest"
1 - Best Bodypaint of 2010-11 from "Bodies"
1 - Best Facepaint of 2010-11 from "Headshots"
1 - Best Temporary Skin Art of 2010-11 from "The Rest"
+ A bunch of runner up prizes

Judging will go over the next few weeks and this is HOW YOU PARTICIPATE to make this fun for everyone.   Remember there are no cash prizes... no reason to get upset if you don't win.  This is just a fun contest to encourage YOU the Watchers/Members of the group to look at our Galleries and get inspired to win next year.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
First Round requires you to reply to this blog with your pick for any or all of the awards listed above except for the "Founders Award".  Simply Link the image of your choose in your comment to this blog, and which award you feel it should get.   I will then take the top 10 (or less if need be) and place the entries into a poll that everyone can vote on to choose a winner.

Now before you worry this will be just a "popularity" contest, don't worry.  There will be awards given out that have just as much virtual merit as the publicly voted ones above.  Stay tuned for more.

Virtual Nominations End SOON

PS: If you are good at photoshop and can get me a PSD with a good template for a few GOOD Gold/Silver/Bronze plaques I will virtually bow at your feet (was feel!) in thanks.

I am thinking of holding another contest.  And since my contest money is currently being used to fund the 4th pair of shoes my son has owned in 4 months (I swear his feet growth means he'll be 8ft tall!)... I have no prizes.

So I was wondering... If I was to declare July as Body-painting Appreciation month... and reward a set of image "Aware Plaques" would that be enough to get people interested?

Any suggestions on how to setup nominations... actual reward give-away?

Just curious on other people's thoughts.