Bodies of Work: A Exploration of the Female Form is an exhibit in the Feature Gallery at the Community Arts Council in Studio 2880 by Lynn Box until May 5.
The work showcases nine works consisting of nude paintings created by Box after more than a decade of landscapes and florals.
Box started painting at the local Artists' Workshop 14 years ago.
"I started with water colours and safe stuff like florals and landscapes," said Box. "To start with, you just don't have the confidence to step outside the box and I think by now I have developed enough confidence artistically to give myself permission to try something different."
Box has taken classes where live models are the focus. More often than not the models are women but she has also drawn men.
"I prefer women because they're softer and have more curves where men are more angular and it's quite important to get the muscle definition right," said Box. "Plus if I am ever short of a model, I can just use myself! So that works out really good."
Box did not have an epiphany that inspired the switch from landscapes to nudes. It was more of a natural progression.
"One minute you're painting landscapes and the next you're thinking 'you know what? I'm going to use some of these drawings that have been hidden away' and I started getting on with them," said Box.
Some of the nine paintings feature full frontal nudity and some don't.
"They are all nudes but two or three could hang in a child's bedroom," said Box. "One is very tribal and indigenous looking, a couple are back shots and some are full frontal and you know what? - they're art. They're not intended to be anything but artistic."
Opening reception takes place Thursday, March 13th at 7 p.m. at Studio 2880, 2820-15th Avenue, with the artist talk at 7:30 p.m. and everyone is welcome to attend.
