"Seated Nude", graphite, 2007.

Drawing or painting the figure from a live model during long poses of half an hour or more, I am always struck by what the model does upon breaking from the pose. It is a moment of relief or rest, or of stretching and shaking out the limbs. It is always an exciting time to do a quick sketch, a breath of air. One sees the model in a natural posture. This can be a source for figures in later paintings as well.

The figure is a renewed challenge each time one approaches it. This task is a great leveler; it humbles one. It is also invigorating to be in pursuit of life within the drawing, no matter where the work in one’s studio happens to be at the time, or how difficult it may have become.