Size-Inclusive Figure Studies
Standing Nude, acrylic on stretched canvas, 2022
I’m halfway through this year’s 100 Days Project and recently did some figures studies of beautiful fat femme bodies. Representation in art matters so much for those of us who fall outside of the cultural ideals for bodies, whether be in relation to size, race, gender, or ability. For me, it has been really powerful to see figure studies of fat bodies and to be inspired to create some works celebrating size diversity.
Figure study in sumi ink, 2020
All bodies are good bodies.
Art Journal sketch in sumi ink, 2021
Inspired by some of my favorite artists who embrace size diversity, I started with fat figure studies during 2021’s 100 Days Project.
Here are some of my favorites from my art journal in 2021:
The Morpho anatomy books are really useful, simple guides to anatomy drawing that can easily be adapted to any style or medium. There are a number of books in the series, but the Morpho volume focused on fat bodies was especially helpful as a reference for drawing realistic and beautiful figures. It’s actually quite rare that anatomy-based drawing books include fat bodies, which can mean that artists miss out on developing the skills to represent more diverse bodies unless they seek them out in life drawing situations (shout out to the creators of Fat Life Drawing for their work in making a space for fat life drawing opportunities).
Looking at the body as an artist_
Seated figure study in ink & acrylic, 24 x 19 inches, 2021.
Looking at the body as an artist strips away the body-shaming over-culture. This opens space for a re-encounter of the body as form and line, shadow and light.
For me this was an incredibly healing process, and one of the most powerful tools I’ve found to practice radical self-acceptance.
Seated Nude on the easel in my studio, 2022.
My works in sumi ink last year lead to the acrylic figure studies that I’ve recently listed for sale, both in bright, vibrant acrylics with rich ultramarine and Prussian blue inks used for outlines and shading. I also did some detailing in pastel and pencil, which really picks up the textured backgrounds. These joyful and color-filled works are a celebration of beauty and self love.
