495. BLACK MARGOT - A black ink and black color pencil drawing on an 11 x 14 size coquille board. It appears in my art folio, "FANTASTIC NUDES, No.2" published by Gerry de la Ree.

I have something to say about the drawing of nude women. Art schools pose nude women so students can learn to draw and paint them. For centuries Museums around the world have displayed nude female drawings, paintings and sculptures. The female form is an accepted and appreciated art subject.

And yet, there are times when friends, or relatives of mine who look at one of my pictures that features a nude, or a partially nude woman, seem a bit embarrassed. So I always hesitate to show them such a drawing or painting in order to avoid any uncomfortable feelings I feel will follow.

I can't help it if others are not artistically inclined, or do not know the difference between "art" and "pornography". Even the courts have difficulty explaining the difference. It is amazing that no one has been able to define the difference, as yet, to the satisfaction of all.

So what do I say? My drawings of nude women express my understanding and appreciation of the beauty and power of attraction that the female form can have. And that's it!

Though you are obviously free to interpret my artwork any way you want, I hope you see them as I do.