charcoal/pencil

[Derek Jones]

I get confused about how well different media work - I am posting a pencil drawing then a charcoal and would be pleased to get reactions about both of them - also I live in the UK and work often with youngish models but understand that in America artists tend to work with ladies of 18 years or more - is that so and what is the reasoning?
anyway here is a pencil drawing:confused:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Aug-2001/ellen.JPG

[Eochaidh]

Wow. This is fantastic. Excellent shading. how long did it take?

[cuttlefish]

Originally posted by Derek Jones
...I live in the UK and work often with youngish models but understand that in America artists tend to work with ladies of 18 years or more - is that so and what is the reasoning?
Here in the US, it is rare that anyone would ask a minor (under 18 years of age in most states) to pose nude, as child pornography laws are broadly and inconsistently applied, though the consequences are severe. There is also general paranoid opinion about nudity being inherently sexual (not so much among artists, but with a very vocal segment of the general public). The belief is that a child cannot possibly reasonably consent to any vaguely sexual situation, including disrobing for artistic refrence. Also, they are not legally competent to agree to a contractual obligation of any kind without a cosigning parent or guardian (in this case, a modeling release), but they magically gain these abilities at their 18th birthday. Thus, artists have a very reasonable fear of prosecution when working with younger models.

I want to make it clear that I am not condoning the sexual abuse of children. The unfortunate state of the law in this country does put artists at risk for depicting what was once accepted, traditional subjects, and does not readily distinguish artistic expression from true crimes.

[Derek Jones]

Thanks for the messages - the pencil drawing took about six or seven hours - about three with the model and then over a week or so while the drawing sorted itself out - I wonder how you compare it to the charcoal one ?
also thanks for the excellent information on attitudes and laws concerning young models - so much is in the minds of the viewer - I have heard drawings such as mine called " dirty" which tells more about the mind of the viewer than my intentions or the model's morals, it is obviously crucial to protect the young and I also abhor abuse , but most of my models are much much safer posing for me than being out on the town drinking etc.. and at least their parents know where they are !
I think the extreme case of Klimt and Schiele using twelve year olds and Schiele getting jailed not for drawing someone that age but letting the model's friends see the works is interesting.
As far as I am aware neither artists hurt or abused a young model
and some of their art is wonderful. (The older models were certainly not as safe with Klimt!)
thanks for the information, Derek

[wnabors]

Yup..here in the land of the free a grandmother was recently jailed when the local foto-mat decided her pictures of her sleeping grandson were porno...I have an 8 mo. old son who is gorgeous..and my wife is scared to develope the snaps she takes of him...(curioser and curiouser...)

[rayf]

Originally posted by wnabors
Yup..here in the land of the free a grandmother was recently jailed when the local foto-mat decided her pictures of her sleeping grandson were porno...I have an 8 mo. old son who is gorgeous..and my wife is scared to develope the snaps she takes of him...(curioser and curiouser...)

I feel that society has maybe gone from one extreme to the other as regards the above subject. Paranoia, guilt etc., seem to rule and it makes you wonder what is going on in the minds of the 'FREE LIBERALS' that appear to rule the free world. But, it does not stop the abuse of children, that still goes on the world over, all that happens is that loving families, friends and people are afraid or wary(?) of showing thier love, pride, feelings etc., for the young.
''Its in the eye of the beholder!''
But hay, lets live from the heart and know, that if it is not detramental to others, it cannot be wrong.
Going back to extremes-''to find the middle, we must know where the ends are.'' Lets hope it is soon.
Sorry for going on so, off the soap box now! Regards Ray.