We had the extraordinary pleasure of attending the World Bodypainting

Festival on a beautiful Lake in Portschach in Southern Austria

Bodypainting artists from around the world converge in Austria each year for

this prestigious festival. Models stand for 8-10 hours to allow the artists to create

their masterpieces. The process begins by drawing outlines of the intended art on

the model’s body.

Then, each aspect of the work is meticulously applied one brush stroke at a time.

Transformations into the final artwork are

amazing to watch unfold over hours.

Male and female models each participate in the

multi-day festival. Airbrushing is one of the

categories.

Models have to stay nourished

during this all day

transformation process.

Models become actors taking on the personalities of their

artwork

Some models wear contact lenses to enhance the character’s portrayal

Bodypainting also offers the opportunity for

advertising and promotion at this

World Festival.

For some creations, foam latex

prosthetics are added to enhance the

illusion

After painting is completed,

model-actors perform in

character and are judged for prizes.

Thousands of people watch as each model with completed body art performs on stage next to the lake.

We spent time with Craig Tracy, a bodypainter from New Orleans.

We own some of his artwork. He won the entire World

Bodypainting Festival in 2005 and is highly respected globally.

Craig Tracy is the master of illusion in bodypainting.

On the next slide, you will see how this beautiful image was actually crafted.

"It is my intent to continue to explore and expand the perceptions and boundaries of this most ancient, alluring, and contemporary art form.“

~ Craig Tracy

On the following slides you will see the vast variety of Craig’s body painting achievements.

http://www.craigtracy.com/gallery/soultree.html

http://www.craigtracy.com/gallery/ardent.html