Body painting. The skin art.
Body painting fascinates me. It’s incredible to see what artists can do to a canvas of skin. How they transform people into walking and talking pieces of art. I took the picture on the left (click it for a larger version) at a fantasy fair here in the Netherlands. It was the first time they had a live body painting demonstration, and the fact people were allowed to take photos was quite unique.
The light on the image on the right is bad, sorry for that, but the sun was out in full blaze. (This image is also clickable for a larger version.)
This lady was being transformed in a universe. Very beautiful to witness.
It’s stunning to see how these artists pour themselves into their work, creating beautiful images. Another interesting thing to learn while watching them work was to see how long this actually takes! It’s not like tossing on some colours, dabbing a few more blotches with a brush and that’s it. The models have to stand there for hours. Literally. If you think about having your body painted one day, make sure you’re up to the physical challenge. You stand there, at times with your arms stretched out, for a LONG time.
Another (clickable) image with even poorer light. Still I want to show it to you.
This model was transformed into a dragon-like creature. Not only paint but also foam stubs, painted in the right colours.
Spencer Tunick
As I walked around there and watched these people at work, I wondered how much effort had to go into the works of Spencer Tunick, the man who created the Sea of Hull and the amazing rush of red people in Munich, Germany a while ago.

World Bodypainting Festival
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyubqoxOrMA
Here is a video from World Bodypainting Day 2016. An opportunity for you to see how much work this really is.
It is an amazing way to decorate a person. More versatile and more personal than any kind of clothing can be. If ever I have the chance to be painted in such a way I’ll certainly grab it. I already wonder what I would like to have on me.
What would your favourite colours, scenes and/or patterns be?