After a year of having drawn nothing I’ve finally gotten a spark of inspiration. My newest idea is a bit of a departure from what I usually do (e.g. abstract/surreal ink drawings). Basically, I want to draw in pencil a series of women’s breasts. Specifically, I’d want to do a series where the subject is in various positions, possibly with shadows playing across the anterior portion of their torso. A year ago someone modeled for me and I briefly did a sketch, which, unfortunately, I never did get to finish. No lighting was taken, no background drawn out and depressions and other details around the torso never got filled in etc. Regardless, I liked how it turned out and recently I realized this has potential for greatness. This is a departure for three reasons: 1) I seldom draw people, 2) I seldom do pencil work anymore and 3) I would be using models, as the very idea of drawing from photographs is preposterous.

There are some problems, naturally. I don’t exactly have a studio, so finding a room for the modeling to take place is an issue. Also, I don’t have lamps for making strong, dynamic shadows and lighting. Lastly, finding a model/s will be tricky since I’m unwilling to pay anyone to model and I’m sure most people would have cold feet about posing topless. That I’m not an art student will make convincing people my intentions are purely artistic difficult. I can easily acquire lamps, and I’m sure between the model and I a place can be found. As for finding a model, I’ve come up with three ideas:
1) ask any friends that I think would comply
2) ask one of the art professors at my school for advice
3) put flyers up w/ contact info

My school does have open drawing sessions with nude models, which under normal circumstances would be fine, but there are specific poses that I want and I wouldn't be able to get close enough to the model to focus on just their torso.

If and when I do get around to starting this series I may try another series, this time focused on the backs of women. It just depends on whether I’m still interested or not, but backs do have an alluring quality to them. Imagine: the subtle contours around the shoulder blades, and the shallow trough of the vertebral column. The curvature of the spine as it first dips inward, then swoops back out toward the bottom. A steady cascade of bumps fall along the center of the back, each marking a vertebrae. This "waterfall" crashes at the sacrum, fanning out into a wide depression the shape of a butterfly. On the right person a back can be amazingly aesthetic!

It's a long shot, but if any of you are interested (or know someone who would be) and live reasonably close to me (I live in Northeast Ohio), let me know. For the torso series I really have no preference as far as a person’s size/shape/whatever goes. Just be 18+.

Cross-posted to my LJ.