BODY PAINTING is a photo intense examination of the emerging art of painting bodies with non-toxic paints. From face painting children to the creation of painted “clothes” Doug Mitchel follows ten artists as they apply paint to skin. Each artist is represented by one chapter, each chapter follows a “paint job” from the initial concept to the application of the final details. Each design is different, but all are colorful and creative.

With over 450 color photographs printed on 144 pages, this book documents the techniques and tools used by established artists. Application methods include the brush, airbrush and even markers. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, each has its place and each is covered in detail. In addition to the photo sequences with descriptive captions, each chapter includes an interview with the artist. Topics include the way in which the artist learned his or her trade, preferred tools and which paint they prefer to use. The discussion of paint choices includes airbrushed body make up, textile acrylics, liquid latex and markers from companies like Crayola. As pointed out in the captions and the interviews, each material has good points and bad, all are covered in Body Painting. The best teachers are the men and women who have already mastered the skill. Body Painting presents the accumulated wisdom and experience of ten “teachers” each of who has a lesson to share with the readers.

With a wealth of photos Body Painting is both a colorful look at an emerging art form, and a very useful how-to book.

Softcover - 144 pages

Published 2008

Very good condition - ex library copy