Patreon Exclusive Feature: The Beginning - NSFW

Want to know how it all began? Let me take you back to the Winter of 2012. Hot off the (minor) success of my first gallery show for my canvas work, I had the confidence to start my first series. During this run, I painted people (my friends specifically) on to a blank canvas.

William Bussell was different however. We were friends (and occasional lovers), but more importantly, he was the first that said "Put that paint on me". You can imagine my reaction.

I tried to argue with him that acrylic paint was ridiculous to wash off, and that I wouldn't be responsible for it messing with his skin. He didn't care, and thought it would be a cool idea. In fact he insisted for ten solid minutes before I gave in. How can you refuse this face though?

I'm sure you'll agree he's rather lovely on the eyes! You might also notice that my photography was incredibly amatuer. There were no backdrops, fancy lights, or expensive gear. This was just an inexpensive camera I bought to take photos on trips. 

I used the camera to capture the model so I can paint from the photos. I had learned at one point that it was easier to use this method versus painting live models.

You can see from this first painting, I only painted his face and cock. I'm not one hundred percent sure why the genitals were painted, but I'm fairly certain we thought it was funny.

The face was pretty simple, as I tried to mimic what my canvas art would look like on a person. As the years went by, I was able  to translate this property much easier, to the point where body painting techniques started to inform my canvas art.

When I posted it on the internet, the reaction was super positive.  

People asked me to paint his whole body, so in January of 2013, I did my first "official" body painting. Same model, as friends were curious what a full painting would look like. Because I was used to starting with a blank, white canvas, I turned William into that.

As time progressed, color was added. With the hands, I was inspired by Pan's Labyrinth. 

It helped that William was so flexible and adventurous! When it came to the face though, I have pretty mixed feelings. What do you think of the peculiar color choice?

I hope you enjoyed this extensive tour through the early days of my work. There's a reason I don't share it though, as I felt that I didn't find my artistic voice until a dozen or so paintings in.

Would you like to see more articles like this? Who would you like to hear more about? Let me know below!

~Brandon McGill