Body art is the art of decorating the body. The object of body art is the human body. In a broad sense, body art is called tattooing, scarring, body modification and simple painting with special paints. In Russia, the latter is understood as body art.
Body Art Tools
To apply paints to the body, artists use a variety of tools - brushes, contour pencils, special markers, cotton pads, airbrushes and much more. You can achieve the perfect drawing by combining different tools.
Before starting to paint a living model, most artists make sketches or simulate an image in special programs. This is necessary for more delicate and competent work. Typically, the artist starts drawing from the outline, then uses the primary colors to draw the basic areas, and only then goes into the details.
Often the process of drawing on a model's skin can take several hours, which requires a lot of concentration on the part of the artist. After the image is completed, it is fixed on the skin using special means.
Types of paints
Novice artists often use regular gouache for body art, it fits well on the skin, the colors do not mix if you let them dry. To prevent the paint from cracking after drying, shampoo, glycerin or petroleum jelly are added to it. Such a painting lasts no longer than twelve to fifteen hours.
Face painting is used by artists who prefer to create complex multi-color images with feathers, transitions or bright details. Face painting is suitable for novice artists, since it is not very expensive, but at the same time it has a number of properties that make work easier. Face painting is quite elastic, does not crack, dries quickly, has very rich colors. Water-based paints do not cause irritation or allergies. The only problem is that it rinses off rather quickly, so artists use strong retainers to secure it.
Experienced artists combine several types of paints, add a glitter tattoo (using a special glue and glitter), apply a drawing with an airbrush to achieve an unusual effect for a photo shoot or competition.
Body art competitions, or body painting, are held in major cities of Russia. Within the framework of such competitions, not only the artist's work with paints is assessed, but also the entire image of the model (hairstyle, accessories, shoes). Competitions are most often short exits of models to music, during which they try to demonstrate the artist's intention to the public with the help of dance movements, complex poses and plastics.
