Jon 3rd post

 This is a study for a painting I will be doing I decided that I would use myself as the subject and I may consider using myself as in my work more often. I'm also interested in emotional states of the male or masculine identity in reference to cognitive studies. The study is apart of an exploration of isolation and loneliness. A professor here at the university Steven Antinoff has some interesting theories on the human condition and the dialogue between an individual and them self. 

There are many different types of drawings and erotic drawing is one of them. I am familiar with Tom Of Finland's work depicting mostly overly dramatic conventional masculine men who are homosexual. The work tends to be pornographic however through a different investigation one can find a conversation about a issue of masculinity in the homosexual community. The men depicted are generally set in dominate and submissive engagement with  one another and do not shown as flamboyant or physically "weak" however vulnerable at times.  Masculinity is something that is virtually opened ended to define and left up to controversial debate. This is one theme I have been exploring through my work in some ways however taking the femininity of female forms and submissive forms and bringing macho men in to soft or vulnerable places.

Caravaggio’s  birth name is Michelangelo Merisi  born on September 29^th 1571 In Milan Lombardy.  He died at the young age of 38 On July 18^th 1610 in Tuscany, the Italian painter is best known for his contributions to the Baroque era.  His work is extremely theatric and emotive using light as a device of dynamic compositions.  He was trained under titan another notable painter of his time.  Caravaggio killed a man during a fight and fled to Rome.  He was injured in the fight which leads to his death at 38.  Caravaggio usually uses himself as models for his realistic styled paintings.  He is known for painting very soft and beautiful males usually young boys. In 1595 he painted the Musicians which is currently housed at the Metropolitan museum of art. The painting shows boys classically dressed and playing instruments one of the figures is rumored to be  his lover Mario Minniti and Caravaggio himself is found in the painting as well. Musicians were pretty popular during this time period.