"Glamorous Sugar Skull" done in downtown Clayton by Beth Johnson of "In the Details Body Art", Ross G Photography, and hair by Dawn Black of "My Girlfriend's Place"

Hi to all!  A few weeks ago I was able to work with  a lovely model, Anna, a great photographer Ross Gassaway, and again Dawn Black from “My Girlfriend’s Place”.  Together we had an amazing time coming up with a sexy, glamorized kind of Sugar Skull!  I have been so looking forward to doing a “Day of the Dead” or “Sugar Skull” look, and I think it turned out great!  These are just a sample of the great pics from our shoot.  I love being able to shoot in my hometown of Clayton.  There are so many little spots to shoot, and we found one that captured the look perfectly!  “The Southern Traditions House” in Clayton is an old historic house where “My Girlfriend’s Place” is located as well as other businesses like Sherry’s Cheesecakes, Nail’s by Becky, and a great occupational therapist Sharita who can work on any aches you have.  Dawn has the house decorated beautifully and it makes a great place to shoot as well as nearby locations.  Although, I was a little concerned about Ross’s safety a time or two, lying in the street.  Dawn and I were on look out to make sure he was safe though.  However, that’s what makes a great photographer!  One who’s willing to get dirty and uncomfortable to get a great shot!  Anyway, I had a great time that night!  If you’re in Clayton come check out Dawn at “My Girlfriend’s Place” http://www.mygirlfriendsplace-glamourstudio.com/  or “The Southern Traditions House”,https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Southern-Traditions-House/115833175158371.  Also, if you’re a model or want high fashion pictures, then check out a  great photographer, Ross Gassaway in Raleigh, NC.  http://www.rossgphotography.com/

So I’ve been wanting to a camouflage paint for a while now, and I finally got my chance a couple of weeks ago.  The process of body painting is definitely a constant process of learning and this was no exception.  Overall, I was happy; however, my perfectionism sees things that I could have done differently.  I had a wonderful model who was very creative and very easy to work with.  This made it so much easier to get more than just a standard one shot, blending with the brick wall.  She brought her Pink Floyd “The Wall” hat, which I thought was a nice touch and a good play on the concept.  Since we had extra time, I decided to make my model’s back a graffiti painted brick wall.  I wanted to do something different and unique.  I think this gave it a unique edge, and we were able to use Laura’s name in the piece, making it even more special for her.  This was all done by hand.  However, I just purchased an airbrush so maybe my camouflage paint, I will be able to blend things a little better and it will not take as long!  Yay!  Overall, it was a lot of fun and a great learning experience!  Thanks again to my wonderful model and great photographer!

So tonight I painted a Chameleon on a beautiful model and it turned out quite lovely.  We were talking about concepts and the photographer asked about doing a “chameleon” type paint as in camouflaging the model into the background.  However, the model had her mind set on the lizard the chameleon.  So, my design juices went into high gear and I cranked out a sketch depicting what kinds of things would be in Madagascar, where the Chameleon lives.  I painted a sunrise of yellows, oranges, and pinks in the background, with the silhouettes of the Baobab trees.  In the foreground was the Chameleon, which was bright turquoise and lime green with some branches.  Down her legs which were Turquoise, were bright pink Periwinkle flowers which are also indigenous to Madagascar!  For an extra affect I did her hair in a pinned up faux hawk and did very dark dramatic eyes.  This is similar to “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”.  All in all, it looked very cool.  Pictures will soon follow!  Thank you so much to my wonderful model and photographer!

Okay, so tonight I did my first lingerie body paint!  After looking at several styles of lingerie and looking at some of the great body paints from Nick Herrera and Pashur.  I thought I would try my first one.  I had all my notes and pictures but when I got to the studio, I realized that I left them all at home.  I had done my homework so I was going all from memory.  Kristi has red hair so I thought the gold and black would look great on her, plus these were paints that I didn’t have to order because I had them on hand!  I did however go and buy several styles of lace.  Nick Herrera did a similar style but I tried to change mine up a little with the panties adding the lace.  I would have liked to have done a different style but with leaving all my notes and pictures I was kind of going from memory! 

I was worried that mine wouldn’t turn out as good because I don’t have an airbrush!  However, making sure that my sponge wasn’t too wet when I was applying the paint for the lace was definitely the key!  It turned out beautifully!  I also tried out the technique that Vargis taught with the lace around the stockings and it was awesome too!  I can’t wait to upload some new photos and can’t wait to do some more lingerie with reds, purples, and some sequins and bling!  I will have some photos soon!  Thank you Kristi for being my beautiful guinea pig!

These are some of the photos that De

These are photos which two of the eight photographers have provided me from the night of the meetup.  Photographers Dennis Mitchell and Brian Robichaud have submitted these photos to me, and I look forward to working with them!  This was a lot of fun for me and the photographers!  The Veritas Studio in Fuquay Varina was a great spot to have this a definitely provided all with a lot great shots! Can’t wait to see some of the other works of art!