"Interview with a Reclining Nude"

1. How did you come to the decision to model nude?
I was asked by the artist and figured "I am 38 years old, this will likely be the first and LAST time I am asked to model for anything.

2. Did you contact the artist or did he approach you to model?
He approached me.

3. How did you go about telling your friends or family you were going to model nude?
I didn't tell many people. My parent and my husband’s parents do not and never will know! But my close friends that I knew would be supportive all know. I just sort of spit it out..., “guess what...I have been asked to pose nude for an artist”. They all giggled.

4. What were some of their reactions to your experience?
Everyone was supportive. They all basically said they could never do it, and were impressed that I could have the guts to model naked.

5. How long was your modeling secession?
About 2 hours

6. Where you comfortable, for example hot or cold when you modeled?
Yes, temperature was good.

7. Did you have to hold a pose for a significant period of time?
No, not really. The artist painted very quickly and I never became uncomfortable before he was finished with a pose.

8. Models generally create the poses and sometimes are given suggestions by the artist. What was the case in your modeling session?
Yes, I created the poses because there were only certain poses that I was going to be comfortable with. I am intrigued by nude paintings that do "bear it all" and wanted to have something I could be proud to show most people.

9. Where scars, pubic hair, tattoos, body shape or piercings an issue for your modeling secession?
No, I don't think so, no, no and no.

10. Where you comfortable modeling?
Not really, but not because of Eric; more because of my own body image and lack of nudity in general.

11. What about Eric made you comfortable modeling for him?
We talked and laughed and told stories about our families the whole time. He's really funny and laughing helped a lot.

12. Did you feel comfortable with your body image before you modeled?
Not really

13. Did modeling help your self-confidence?
No, those issues go so far back that I don't think one session can scratch the surface!

14. How do you feel about your body since you have modeled nude?
Pretty much the same, but I do have one of the pieces in my room and enjoy looking at it and remembering the experience. I think it will be something I will be excited to give to my niece one day and say "way back when, your Aunt was young enough that she could model nude for an artist".

15. What do you like most about your body?
Height.

16. Did you find modeling nude erotic?
Sort of. I like it more so from the standpoint of the beauty of the human body and the emotions that it conveys when you see a beautifully painted pose of a woman.

17. How do you feel about the paintings of you?
Love them!

18. How were you paid for your modeling secession?
In trade....one painting from the session which I had beautifully framed and hangs over the dresser in my bedroom.

19. How was it working with the artist?
Great! Eric's a professional and I consider him a friend. So, he made it as easy and it could possibly be for a 38 year old woman who has only been naked in front of her husband and nieces/nephews for the past 18 years!

20. From the model's perspective, what did you find most interesting about watching the artist paint?
Well, I was naked and on a bench posing, so I couldn't really see what the artist was doing at the time!!! :)