Nathan by the Lake is a portrait of my friend and the freedom he finds in being outdoors, comfortable in his own skin. Nathan’s love of nudity is part of his enjoyment of the natural world, and I wanted to capture the ease and openness I associate with him.
His gently tilted head and direct gaze make this a personal encounter. Warm golden tones bring his figure forward against the cool lake, while the grasses and distant trees place him within a living landscape. Transparent watercolor and visible pencil marks preserve a sense of spontaneity that feels right for his free spirit.
Painting someone I know brings affection into the act of looking. This portrait celebrates Nathan’s physical presence, his individuality, and the simple pleasure of inhabiting a place where he feels at home.
Nathan by the Lake is a portrait of my friend and the freedom he finds in being outdoors, comfortable in his own skin. Nathan’s love of nudity is part of his enjoyment of the natural world, and I wanted to capture the ease and openness I associate with him.
His gently tilted head and direct gaze make this a personal encounter. Warm golden tones bring his figure forward against the cool lake, while the grasses and distant trees place him within a living landscape. Transparent watercolor and visible pencil marks preserve a sense of spontaneity that feels right for his free spirit.
Painting someone I know brings affection into the act of looking. This portrait celebrates Nathan’s physical presence, his individuality, and the simple pleasure of inhabiting a place where he feels at home.