Figurative Art for the Bath by Diana Moses Botkin

(left) "Arm Shadow"
Charcoal and pastel
with acrylic coating, 7"x5"
©2012 Diana Moses Botkin

I've been working on that large figurative commission for my client's bathroom.

It's been a bit of a challenge to find the right materials for this piece and develop a suitable drawing surface, then add some kind of appropriate coating to protect the original charcoal drawing without framing and glass.

(second drawing) 
"Light Dance"
Charcoal and pastel
with acrylic coating, 7"x5"
©2012 Diana Moses Botkin

I do like a challenge, so it's been an interesting process to experiment a bit for this. I wanted to get familiar with my new materials and the technique I needed to use for the collector's large custom drawing so I decided I should do some smaller pieces first.

(third drawing at left)
"Morning Stretch"
Charcoal and pastel
with acrylic coating, 10"x8"
©2012 Diana Moses Botkin

(fourth drawing)
"Bathing Pose"
Charcoal and pastel
with acrylic coating, 10"x8"
©2012 Diana Moses Botkin

I like this drawing technique and am getting used to the new materials. I'm feeling less clumsy with it, finding out how it behaves, learning what to watch out for and prevent as I work.

It is not as forgiving as a nice soft cotton charcoal paper with a laid finish, but it's workable, and allows me to do original drawings that can enjoyed in the bathroom environment. Nudes seem an obvious choice for art in the bathing area.

Please contact me if you'd like to purchase these or commission a similar large work for your own bathroom or spa.