Hi everyone, our second SOFA community art project is: The Body is Beautiful. The goals of this group project are: - To celebrate the beauty of the human body and form - To expand our knowledge and skill in human anatomy and crafting figurative artwork - To provide inspiration and accountability, and strengthen community bonds At the end of September, the best works will be selected for an online group exhibition and featured on my website and YouTube channel. 🖼️🎥 📌 All info, posts, comments, resources, and questions go in this thread. 👇 🔹 What is the Project? The Body is Beautiful – A community-wide art project 👉Subjects: 1. Figurative and portrait art 2. Anatomical studies, essays and articles 3. Drapery and fabric 4. Figure focused master copies Mediums: Drawing, painting, or sculpture 🔹 How to Join To participate, you must: 1. Make at least one post AND... 2. Leave at least one helpful comment 🔹 What to Post ✅ #1. Image Post = Your original artwork + a thoughtful comment Types of artwork that are welcome: - Sketchbook drawing or quick sketch - Finished, ambitious drawings or paintings - Color sketches or thumbnails - Master copies (sketch or finished) - WIPs (works in progress) - Composition studies Thoughtful comments that ask a question, share a learning, invite feedback or spark conversation are encouraged. ✅ #2. Value Post = Share something useful or insightful Examples: - Link to reference photos or books - Review or recommend photo books, collections, or art tools - Tips, tutorials, or process breakdowns - Share your personal breakthroughs, struggles, or lessons - Highlight a master artist or works in the lineage that inspire you - Share art supplies or studio hacks that help your process 👉If you are shy, intimidated to share your work, or don't consider yourself an artist (art lover or collector) you are welcome and encouraged to share your unique experience and knowledge with a value post. 👉Please note: A post MUST be relevant and in this format. This project and thread will be strictly moderated and enforced.

Today i went to the Rijksmuseum with my 15 year old son. We are very lucky to be able to visit several great museums in and around Amsterdam. The Rijksmuseum is my favorite. I really enjoyed being there together, talking about what we love in the museum. Today I saw a number of wonderful statues, catching light at interesting angles. And of course my favorite painting of all (and that’s saying something in a place with several rembrandts, von goghs, Vermeers, well you get the drift): Benares by Marius Bauer. Gets better every time I see it. ❤️

I recently discovered the works of Philip de László, and I have to say... what an incredible artist! The first thing that caught my eye was his use of colour; such beautiful harmony and balance. His brushstrokes flow with so much energy, and his compositions feel effortless yet powerful. I’m honestly surprised he isn’t celebrated on the same level as Sargent or Zorn. I came across this amazing resource that has his complete catalogue, with high-quality images available to view and download: Philip de László Catalogue Raisonné I’ve already saved a lot of my favourite portraits (sharing some samples below 👇), and he’s definitely on my list of artists to study further. Have you come across his work before? What do you think of his style compared to Sargent or Zorn?