A Plein Air Life

A few months ago, I started this figure painting group that meets at a local Community Gallery. Our figure model came to be our muse for the evening and we started some chit-chat while setting-up for the session. She took off her robe and set her pose – lying on her back with her face to me looking over her shoulder. We kept the discussion up and she made a comment that she had not done much modeling in the Conejo Valley due to the conservative mindset, that does not “appreciate” nekid models. I laughed in agreement. I DO know of one more group, but you have to go to LA to find several groups on any night of the week.

She told us about her years of dancing, and her art background. She loves working out and is very fit, not buff. She is a great model, with fantastic energy. The talk turned to spiritual matters and she told the three of us painters that her conservative Christian father did not really understand why she would do this, but he thinks it is “OK” because it is for professional artists. She told of her journey from conservative evangelical, to Mormon missionary, and finally settling for a pagan mother-earth worshiper/wicca-girl. (BTW, it is really fascinating to talk about God and his creation when you have a very beautiful, fit dancer, posing in-the-buff for you to paint.) She got excited when I finally started to talk to her about my path and how I was once on staff at a church and left somewhat jaded. Although not losing faith in Jesus, I said that I have lost something for the Church in its current form and I am looking for a new approach to faith in Jesus. We talked for the entire three hour session, which is very unprofessional, but we both kept talking. My painting was a bit distracted because of all the chatter, but it was one of the most awesome talks I have had with anyone about Jesus, the Church and our spiritual lives in this world.

After we were done at 9:45 pm, she asked me to meet another figure artist at Chili’s bar. She said “After talking to you tonight, I know you would love my friend, Ryan. He talks about spiritual things like you do.” So, I went and we continued the conversation about art, expression and spiritual matters. It was a great evening.