Drawing from the nude model is a critical part of what I do and important for remaining ‘fluid’ with the figures I use in my paintings. I’ve made thousands of these drawings, but do not consider them ‘art’. They are work, practice for more involved images. Without these intensive studies, the human figure in paint turns to mush. Their movements become stilted, their gestures false. Making these drawings feels like work in a way that making a painting does not, but I’m posting them because I think it gives an insight into the background training that goes into figure painting, and because I was a draftsman first, before I learned to paint. Drawing is of the utmost importance. It is how you really see anything and everything.