The Painting

It was between seeing Titanic, the movie, and getting pregnant with my first child. I was both inspired by the titillating scene of Jack drawing Rose and anticipating the ravages of childbirth on my body.

So I decided to get my own painting. I thought Commuter Husband would like it. I was 33 years old.

I knew "someone" who was an amateur artist. I inquired with him on how I might accomplish my own painting. He had the perfect solution. He was part of a class that used nude models who actually got paid a small fee. I could pose and then buy one of the paintings at a reasonable price. I brushed aside that "this someone" was also a work colleague.

The sitting consisted of me posing on two occasions. There are certain experiences which create a liberating sense of self. Entering a room, removing your clothes and being posed in front of 8 strangers (one being a work associate) qualifies for one of those times.

I surprised Commuter Husband with this daring and romantic gesture. Well ... let's just say my husband was not thrilled. I obviously did not anticipate his reaction nor did I completely understand his varied reasons for that reaction.

The 3ft by 2ft full-frontal nude went in the closet for a cooling off period. Eventually, I pulled it out for display in our bedroom. During our year in Mexico, the neighbors housed it - I did not ask how or where.

It currently hangs in our master bathroom. So yes, that is me if you ever wondered.

And now, I am pretty damn glad I have The Painting ...